I was planning to show off the bag I made for the Instagram tote swap today…until last night, when the final step of the entire process left me fuming and frustrated. It’s just topstitching. Around the opening of the bag, to secure the lining on the inside and prevent it from turning out. After all the techniques I’ve used on this bag and all the ways I’ve twisted and turned it to fit it through the sewing machine and under the needle, topstitching should be easy!
But bags are hard, man. I always forget that…until I am reminded again, like last night. I made one attempt at topstitching only to spend 20 minutes ripping out tiny, tiny stitches and a rat’s nest of bobbin thread. I tried to start again, only to find that my needle wouldn’t go through the bulk of the seam. I tried once, twice, three times to be met by the “beep-beep-beep” of a sewing machine error each time as the needle hit too many layers of fabric and interfacing.
How do people make such detailed bags? Do they have industrial sewing machines? This is the most complicated bag I’ve ever made and it was turning out so well! How can some simple topstitching stop me in my tracks?
With a stronger needle and a LOT of wonder clips…here’s hoping I have better luck tonight.
Could you do it by hand – maybe three rows with thick, decorative thread that matches the bag?
I think a lot of people do probably have heavier-duty sewing machines than you. I wonder how my Singer compares to your Brother?