Best Domestic Sewing Machines for Bag Making | Bernette b08 Straight Stitch & More

Which sewing machines work best for bag making? I tested every domestic and semi-industrial sewing machine I could get my hands on to find out.

The most common question I get at trade shows is: "Will my sewing machine work with Simply Classic's leather, faux leather and vinyl?" I made it my goal to visit every sewing machine dealer at the 2024 Houston Quilt Market and Festival to find out, once and for all, which domestic sewing machines are best for bag makers.

Happy sewing!
Chris

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The Winner: Bernette b08
The Bernette b08 Straight Stitch Sewing Machine was the undisputed winner of my experiment. I ended up getting one for my workroom, and I absolutely recommend it. If you purchase one with my affiliate link, I may receive a small commission. I only share products that I personally use, and I absolutely recommend this machine for bag makers. Get the Bernette B08 here: https://www.premierstitching.com/bern...

Honorable Mentions
The machines below are also compatible with Simply Classic products. They may be missing some of the additional features and accessories that make the Bernette my favorite, but they're still excellent options for bag makers.
Bernina 570 and above
Janome HD9

Thread requirements: Use Tex 45 or Tex 35. Bonded nylon thread is best, but polyester can also be a good option. Do not use cotton thread to make leather or faux leather bags.

Needle requirements: When sewing leather or faux leather, use a 90/14 or 110/18 leather needle.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 Introduction
01:05 BERNINA Machines for Bag Making
02:05 Janome Machines for Bag Making
03:09 Bernette Machines for Bag Making
03:22 Bernette B08 Features & Accessories
10:11 Setting Up Your Machine
16:40 Demo: Sewing Faux Ostrich on the Bernette B08
18:54 Bernette Presser Foot Set
21:15 Best Thread and Needles for Bag Making