General Sewing
For those new to ByAnnie, please be sure to check out our simple patterns with full tutorials in the ByAnnie Basics pattern category.
Do I need a special sewing machine to make ByAnnie projects?
It will depend on your project and the machine you have at home. Typically, a lightweight machine will have difficulty with the larger projects with thicker layers.
What should I keep in a basic sewing kit?
Annie has a few recommendations for what to keep in a basic sewing kit. You can find the list HERE.
Separately, for those new to ByAnnie, please be sure to check out our simple patterns with full tutorials in the ByAnnie Basics pattern category.
What sewing machine feet do you recommend for bagmaking?
Here are special feet that I feel are especially important for bag-making -- whether you own a BERNINA or another machine:
A walking foot, preferably with a seam guide:
This foot is really helpful for quilting fabrics, especially when using Soft and Stable, as it allows all the layers to move together.
For BERNINA: I like the #50 three-sole walking foot
A ¼” foot:
This is the foot that I use 99% of the time.
Use it to easily sew accurate ¼” seams as well as ⅛” and 1/16” seams.
Because it is narrow, I also use it when installing zippers, too -- no need to switch to a zipper foot.
For BERNINA: The #37 foot is my preference, or (if you have a 7 or 8 series machine with dual feed), I suggest the #37D.
An edge-stitch foot
Designed for stitching in the ditch, but also great for sealing edges and topstitching around handles and straps.
For BERNINA: #10 foot
A Teflon or nonstick foot:
This foot is very helpful when sewing on vinyl or other "sticky" fabrics.
For BERNINA: There are several feet that have a Teflon coating. I like the #53 foot as the right side is an 1/8" wide, so I can easily sew 1/8" from the edge.
An open-toe embroidery foot:
This foot has a wide opening and an open toe so it's easy to see where you're going.
I like it when I'm doing a zig-zag or decorative stitch and also use it when sewing on buttons using the zig-zag stitch.
For BERNINA: The #20 foot
To learn more about Annie's favorite sewing machine foot, read our blog post HERE.
Can I quilt my own fabric or do I have to get a long arm quilter to do it?
For ByAnnie patterns that require/suggest quilting, there will be a "General Quilting Instructions" section with Annie's advice on how you can quilt your own fabric.
However, if you need large pieces quilted (example: Ruler Wrap) or if you'd like a special design quilted into your fabric, you may wish to look into getting a long arm quilter to help you. Ask your local quilt shop for recommendations.
For some great tips and advice from Annie, read our blog "To Quilt or Not to Quilt."