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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnnie\u2019s path to making the best bag started when one of her beloved Vera Bradley bags wore out. She decided to try and copy the bag. In the end, she liked how it turned out except for one thing: the feel of the bag. Her version would collapse<\/em> when she sat it down. She took the Vera Bradley bag apart and found out that they used a type of foam<\/em> instead of batting sandwiched between the fabric layers. Annie went shopping to several stores, trying to find a similar foam but had no luck. The closest she got was \u201cheadliner foam\u201d \u2013 the stuff they use in manufacturing cars. She used this product for 2-3 years, but still was not completely satisfied with the result because this foam would stretch over time. Instead of settling, Annie decided to make her own foam. And then her own patterns. And that was how ByAnnie.com was started: a one place stop to find everything needed for making the best bags. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What were Annie\u2019s most popular tips for making the best bags?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trade\nname for the foam Annie developed is known as Soft and Stable<\/em>. It is 58 inches wide; a \u00bd yard piece is enough for\ntwo bags. When she first started, the Soft\nand Stable<\/em> was black. White came a few years later and today, is the number\none seller. The key to Soft and Stable <\/em>is\nthat the material creates static which keeps the fabric firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the bag pattern\ncalls for quilted fabric, an important step in making the best bag is to quilt\nthe fabric pieces for the pattern first. This way, there is no loose lining. Make\na quilt sandwich before quilting: lining, Soft and Stable, then outside fabric.\nIf using a longarm, quilt the entire large piece of fabric. Annie said that two\nyards of fabric is ideal to quilt beforehand. This will make about two bags. In\norder to keep the Soft and Stable<\/em>\nfrom peaking out through the edges, stitch \u00bd inch around all the outside edges.\nAnnie uses a stiletto to keep the fabric down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the\npattern doesn\u2019t require quilted fabric, omit the quilting step and just use the\nmain fabric, being sure to cut the Soft\nand Stable<\/em> to fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Place pins\nat a 45-degree angle. This pushes the fabric to the outside. Pin on the outside\nfabric side and then flip the project over to make sure the inner lining isn\u2019t\ncrinkling. Pin every 6-8 inches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Never throw\naway the leftover pieces from cutting. You can join the smaller pieces of Soft and Stable <\/em>with a zig zag stitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a 90-14 topstitch needle<\/strong> for all bag\ntypes. This needle has a bigger eye and keeps the thread from fraying. Thread\nshould be fine, #50 polyester thread<\/strong>.\nIf the pattern calls for a fold in the bag, stitch a line of stitching through\nall layers where the fold is supposed to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The polyester\nsetting is perfect for making the best bag. Soft and Stable is washable and\ndryer safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most bags\nare made from cotton. Annie has been experimenting with wool fabric and she\nsays that wool is \u201cso gorgeous.\u201d Quilt the lining first, then lay down the Soft\nand Stable, and place the wool on top. Stitch 1\/8 inch around the edge to keep\nthe wool in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Annie said she is always learning new things when making the best bag. Her newest techniques are featured on ByAnnie.com\u2019s You Tube Channel <\/a>where she gives step-by-step directions for her most popular patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe most important item<\/strong> for making the best bag is to have\nthe right kind of stabililzer.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nQuilt the\nFabric First<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPinning and\nCutting the Pieces<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Stitching\nthe Bag <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ironing <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Try\nDifferent Fabrics <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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