I like to make Vera Bradley style handbags, often with prequilted material, but sometimes with fabrics I layer and quilt myself. By the time I've added the outside pocket, inside pocket, handles (which can end up being four layers of batting and 8 layers of fabric), my machine has trouble with the thickness and likes to skip stitches. For some reason, it's not consistent -- some bags go together without a hitch and others are a nightmare, and I can't really figure out why this is the case.

I have a Janome 6600p and have also gotten out my 35-year old Kenmore. Even using heavy needles (like size 16 denim), trying the Acufeed (walking) foot or standard foot, the problems recur.

Is it possible I should get a simple (no fancy stitches or features needed) but heavy duty machine? I know they work well on tough fabrics like canvas, but am not sure whether they would also be best for my purpose.

I'd much appreciate your comments and suggestions!

Am attaching pictures of a bag I completed last night...but am not satisfied with the look of the topstitching since I had to go over it so many times that it doesn't have a neat look. By the time I finished it I was so frustrated that I was maybe a little sloppy with the finishing details :-(

I have a 1951 Italian-made Necchi that is a real workhorse of a machine. It will sew thru anything............. you may want to look for something like that? An all steel machine...

I once sewed a patchwork suede vest on my old Singer 15-91. It can go slowly through anything!

But, I think you're being too hard on yourself with this bag -- it is wonderful!

great question! I was wondering the same thing so I will be watching this

my juki f600 handles quilted bags with ease.

you can also try this notion to help go over those bulky seams

http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?...265&cat_id=110

I just bought a Singer 201-3 billed as the best machine that Singer ever made. It is a 1947 model (had to get it re-wired as the cords were brittle) and for the first time ever I stitched through 2 layers of heavy duck cloth, four in some places and a quilted lining, putting in a new zipper in DH's coveralls. It didn't bunch, jam or break a needle!!!! There were no skipped stitches or refusals to sew over seam junctions (my Janome 6500 is famous for this)or veering off if there are more than 2 layers. It's quiet and it just stitched even perfect stitches with no complaints. Can you tell that I'm excited about this machine? Now I want to try piecing and quilting on it. The best part is that I was given this machine and the re-wire, clean and service was only $70. I think this one is a winner.

I have a Singer 306W that can handle what ever I out through it. Its a late 1050's early 1960 all metal.
Just an FYI somethimes when you are trying to put big dense stuff through .. adjust the pressure on the foot , I discovered this seldom used adjustment , and it makes a difference.

I have a Viking Designer 1. It will sew thru anything, including hemming jeans, which is 9 layers of denim. I make a tote bag where one step is sewing thru 4 layers of batting plus 8 layers of cotton fabric. No problems. This is a discontinued model, but a dealer should have a trade in.

I have a Husqvarna Viking SE and also great thru leather and up to 12 layers...Look at the Viking machines for what you need....or in Vintage my Singer 301 is great for layers