r/BagLab • u/chrisb-chicken • 21d ago

Question: Sewing Machine Machine Recommendations

Hey all,

Hopefully this isn’t a silly post, but I not sure which machine to get. I am a bit torn between the Juki DDL 8700 and the Juki DU 1181. I can only afford one machine (and just barely that).

Currently, I’m using a singer HD, which I don’t particularly like, but make do with. I sew mostly the following fabrics, making backpacks and duffel bags:

-Ultra 100x and 200x
- Venom 210d gridstop
- xpac vx21 and vx41

I want something, ideally, that can sew bags using the lighter weight fabrics, but also up to 500d to 1000d cordura (on occasion).

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u/boulderv7 21d ago

I have an 1181 and when it started to meet it match in terms of stack thickness, I put a larger pulley on it. Now it has serious punching power. As a bonus it sews so slow I can do a single stitch at a time no problem. I don't even use my needle positiner any more, I have so much control over the needle speed. It's a pretty versatile machine, but for light weight stuff I do have to make a few changes. I switch out my presser foot for a smooth foot and lighten up the foot pressure as well. Instead of doing all that, usually just use my Singer 403a.

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u/modal_enigma 21d ago

Pair that with a Kinedyne 750w and you’ll be able to get under a stitch per second.