Tools of the Trade
The Machine
My primary machine is a Juki 8700H. This is a heavy duty machine that comes with a servo motor, and the option for a needle positioning system. The 8700 is the lightweight version of this machine. This is pretty much the non-walking foot equivalent to the 1541 (which is my dream machine!). It's shipped "knocked down," which means that you will need to put everything together. I loved this because I was able to learn a lot about my machine from the start. Don't worry, the Sewing Gold YouTube videos can walk you through every step!
I purchased through the Sewing Gold website, and called the store when I had questions. Steve's customer service is amazing, and he answered all of my questions. He even let me add things to my order the next day! I use tex70, tex80 & tex90 nylon or polyester thread on this machine.
Cylinder Arm
I'll be honest, I have had a ton of issues with this machine, right from the start. But after replacing a couple of parts, and a lot of research, I fixed it so it works as it should now. All of that aside, this machine is great for topstitching the top edges of bags, as well as making straps. It comes with a metal flatbed attachment with two guides that can be adjusted or removed. I primarily use tex90 nylon thread on this machine.
The Needles
My favorite brand of needles to use is Groz-Beckert. In all of the years that I have been using an industrial sewing machine (since 2021), I have only ever broken one needle. They're strong and can move through double-sided tape laden vinyl like nobody's business! My typical daily needle is a size 18, but I will go as small as a 16 or as big as a 22!
The Thread
My favorite thread to use is Amann bonded nylon in either tex70 or tex90 weight. It comes in a ton of colors, and you can get amazing prices over at Wawak!
The Lube
Speaking of needles...Even though the needles are pretty amazing on their own, sometimes I like to give them a bit of help. This thread lubricant can be used on the thread or needle to give it an easier time gliding through your fabric. It's especially helpful when using double-sided tape, or sticky vinyl!
The double-stick
For me, the best double-sided tape I have ever come across is the Hyperstick from Wawak. While it's not easy to tear, it does have a super strong bond when used. I mostly use the 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8" on all of my projects, though it does come in a few other sizes!
Skinny Foot
Since I mostly sew with vinyl, I almost always have a teflon foot on my machine. My primary is a narrow teflon foot. It works with zippers, and topstitching as well!
Topstitch Foot
The compensation foot is your friend! I use this for most of my topstitching, and it's teflon of course! Mostly, I use the right foot, but the left comes in handy sometimes.
Heat Press
I gave up on my iron a while back, and use this thing religiously! From the very first use, I have had teflon sheets (shown below) covering the heat pads, helping keep it in brand new condition!
Industrial feet
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Narrow walking zipper
Zip narrowThis is the narrow zipper walking foot that I use on my cylinder arm machine
Other bits n' things
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Machine oil
Get the slick -
Zipper lube
Zip slip -
60mm Rotary
Get cutting -
60mm Rotary refills
Blade refills -
Cricut Explore
Grab the pack -
Deep cut blades
Replenish -
Teflon sheets
Protect -
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Curved & straight snips
Cut things -
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Duckbills
Quack quack -
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Pinking shears
Fancy cuts -
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CutterPillar Pro Lightboard
Lit matThis is great for piecing paper patterns together that have "cut on fold" pieces. Self healing too!
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Fabrics
Tools & Notions
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Heartwood+Hide
Shop now!This is where I get my faux leather brand tags made. Check out all of the options they have!
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K&A Custom Fabrics
Every other month, K&A opens pre-orders for metal bag tags. You design it however you want!
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