Let's Create: Sidekick Saddlebag Organizer with Batik Canvas/Cotton

Sew along with Diane as she takes you through the step-by-step of sewing the Sidekick Saddlebag Organizer bag, pattern designed by ByAnnie Patterns. Batik Canvas and Batik Cotton designed by SewBatik!
This is a step-by-step tutorial. Jump to specific topics listed below:
00:00:00 Introducing the Sidekick
00:05:30 Project Components
00:11:25 Tools Needed
00:12:30 Cutting Pattern Pieces and Components
00:16:35 Prepare Component Pieces
00:18:45 Prepare Bias Binding
00:21:45 Fuse Interfaced Pieces
00:24:45 Prepare Zipper Tab
00:26:45 Prepare Strap Flaps
00:35:20 Prepare Handles and Straps
00:47:25 Assemble Back/Front Zipper Strips
01:04:00 Prepare Mesh Dividers
01:09:30 Prepare Front Pockets
01:20:00 Prepare Back Pocket
01:25:10 Prep Main Bag Portion, Velcro, Strap Tabs
01:33:00 Shape Handle Area
01:36:10 Attach Handle Support and Handle
01:40:25 Attach Inner Divider
01:43:40 Attach Back Zipper Strip
01:46:15 Attach Front Pocket Pouch
01:56:05 Attach Back Pocket
01:58:10 Bind the Sidekick Organizer
02:12:15 Wrap-up and Celebration!
// 🛍 Shop:
57" Batik Canvas Collection - 5.0 oz (Light):
sewbatik.com/collections/57-b...
57" Batik Canvas Collection - 8.6 oz (Heavy):
sewbatik.com/collections/57-b...
Sidekick Saddlebag Organizer Project Kit - Canvas/Cotton:
sewbatik.com/products/sidekic...
Canvas + Cotton Coordinate Packs:
sewbatik.com/collections/canv...
Schmetz Topstitch Needles 90/14:
sewbatik.com/collections/acce...
Stiletto and Pressing Tool:
sewbatik.com/products/stilett...
Perfect Scissors:
sewbatik.com/products/perfect...
Wonder Clips:
sewbatik.com/products/clover-...
Frixion Pen - Black:
sewbatik.com/products/frixion...
Chaco-Liner:
sewbatik.com/products/chalk-l...
SewBatik: sewbatik.com/
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Leave comments and questions!
Keep Sewing, Smiling, and Sharing
Diane & Bruce

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

What a Great and detailed video. Thank you for your hours of preparing, sewing and editing this tutorial! I’m going to order a kit but fear my little sewing machine may not be strong enough to go through some of those thicker areas (the straping material and some of the thicker seams…not to mention the canvas, so I think I am going to select the all cotton choice)…however, I’m going to give it a valiant try👍 Thank you

[@sewbatikfabric]

You are so welcome! I enjoy sewing and sharing the process! may I ask about your sewing machine? Most sewing machines can handle this project, even with the lighter canvas. The thickest seam is the two front corners of the pouch. Remember two things, use a 90/14 needle and slowly sewing over thicker seams will make this project successful for you!

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

@@sewbatikfabric Thank you for your response. I’m sewing on one of the smaller Juki machines- a HZL-Lb5020. I’m currently saving to buy a juki 2010 or 2018 Q but that’s a while off. I’ve been trying more pouches and smaller bag like products and I did switch to a 90/14 Topstitch needle…I read that the topstitch needles are very sharp so I chose that one. I have had to use the ‘hump jumper’ almost every time I sew through layers and it struggles so much that I have to hand turn it…😣. Anyway, that’s why I was a little afraid to try the Sidekick with the canvas so I ordered it with the all cotton batik option. Is the 90/14 topstitch needle the kind you use? or should I try another type. Thank you so much for your knowledge and response to my comments 😊

[@sewbatikfabric]

I use the 90/14 Topstitch needles as well. I just purchased the Juki TL-18QVP and it makes sewing thick layers a breeze. I also have another Juki that only struggles when I attempt to sew through 1/4" of thick fabric. I use my hand to turn the needle. I have a Janomi that struggles through thick layers as well. The only thing I can do is pound the layers as flat as possible and do my best to sew in previous stitching lines. So when we sew 1/4" seam I try to stay right in that prior stitching.
Every machine is different and may or may not have the internal mechanics to sew through the layers. I have plans to create a "test packet" that will include cotton and both weights of canvas, stabilizer, and poly strapping. It will be fun to prepare something and see how our machines work with each fabric.

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

@@sewbatikfabric Those are great tips, THANK YOU. If you make up those test packets with the different materials I will definitely get one!
Thanks for your expertise 💕