Business Plus, JUKI Posts

JUKI Small Business Seminar: Creating Customer Loyalty 

by sewinwithjuki3 Comments on JUKI Small Business Seminar: Creating Customer Loyalty 

It’s great to get new customers and introduce your brand to new people, but one of the best ways to succeed is to create those returning customers. You can cultivate the relationship from the first time they purchase and continue it through social media and other channels.

One of the ways you can do this is by GLUE marketing, a strategy we’ll dive into in this article, where you ‘Give Little Unexpected Extras’ to customers during their experience with you and help them feel a sense of gratitude. By going just a bit above your competitors with this tactic, you can build closer relationships with each sale. GLUE doesn’t have to break the bank but can be a small thank you note, freebie minis of your product, or fun advertising products like stickers.

GLUE doesn’t need to be used all the time, but it can be used as an assistant. So if you’re going to be doing a sales promotion, for example, you can go ahead and throw in those GLUE tricks you’ve been saving on surprising customers and building that bond.

Follow along as we go over other GLUE tactics on your marketing plans to encourage those repeat customers and bring in new ones.

Build a connection 

With marketing, you can also advertise your business and brand, so take the time to introduce yourself and the company’s story to build that bridge of connection with your customer base.

You can focus on your company’s guidelines, bring attention to how you create or source your products and materials, or share what you use for sustainable practices in your company. All these little things will open a door between the inside of your business and customers, creating a more personal feel to your work.

Honesty in marketing is one of the best ways to get your name out there. By sharing the behind-the-scenes, and showcasing how to use a product or how it’s made, you can bring in new customers, and they’ll feel closer to your brand.

Content in your packaging 

Receiving a package in the mail is one of our generation’s favorite feelings, which is why as an e-commerce shop owner, you’ll want to create a package that will engage the customer long after it’s been opened. Opening that package and seeing your product for the first time is what all your work has gone into, and you want to make sure your work was worth it.

Minor aspects like prints, including business cards or flyers, can bring those customers back to your business through blogs, social media, and your website.

While the GLUE tactic can take planning and work from you or your team, it can create a strong bond between customers and your brand and keep them interested in re-purchasing. That personal touch drives people to specific shops, so taking the time to add this to your marketing plan can be a successful tactic.

Branded Gifts 

You’ve probably shopped before and experienced this, like receiving a sticker with the brand name, for example. You have two options to consider when you decide to place branded gifts on your packages, ‘Value Add’s’ or an ‘Identity-based’ gift.

– Value Add: this is a small and economical gift that can help the customer get more experience with your products. Think of this as an opportunity for immediate use and a sample of a different product they can come back to purchase (creating that returning customer you want).

– Identity-based: this can be considered a form of free advertising while still a valuable gift for the customers. Think of identity-based gifts like branded stickers or pins that can be placed on apparel, cars, or more that will showcase your brand while showing off their interest. For example, every purchase with Vans shoes comes with a sticker of the vans logo, which a skater can add to their board. This is free advertising for Vans and is now a fun accessory for the customer.

Video 

During the onset of COVID-19, we saw an increase in brands using videos to get personal with their customers. With the removal of face-to-face shopping for some time, and many have switched over to preferring to shop online, creating that personal touch between the consumer and seller is essential.

Videos can bring that personal touch many have been feeling has gone missing. Follow along for a few ways you can take this and use it in your marketing plans.

  1. Try creating thank you videos during the holiday season! By posting a video thanking your buyers during the holidays and wishing them well on your social platforms, you can bring in that special touch. Create these in comfortable places like your kitchen or living room to take away the business side and showcase something homier.
  2. Use videos in your newsletters or other email campaigns! By including videos that showcase your products, how-to’s, project ideas, and more, you can share the uses of your product while bringing a face to your work. Many shoppers miss that face-to-face feeling when shopping, so creating a video can be the touch they need to purchase from you.
  3. Use video conferencing in your customer support cases! When it comes to online customer support, you want to create an experience that makes the customer happy. Use video conferencing for support calls to assist with questions, concerns, and more. You can even use screen share to help thoroughly when needed.
  4. Create videos for your products if they require assembly or directions to use. Walk the customer through and showcase tips you might have recommended if you had sold the product in person. Add the link on a business card or flyer in the packaging for easy access for the customer.

Customer Support

Customer support is one of the biggest deal-breakers when returning to a shop. No one wants to deal with poor customer support during their shopping, so look into ways to build a successful support plan or upgrade your current one.

Focus on shipping and handling policies, and establish how and where customers can reach you. By having a dedicated contact they can reach out to, customers will feel more comfortable when shopping with you if they have questions or need to handle a return/exchange.

This is still a GLUE version, even if it’s not a gift. Offering proper support and contact information can be the difference between you and another online retailer that doesn’t offer these options. Remember that this doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7. Good support is setting and meeting reasonable expectations for you and the customer. This falls on you to respond promptly, assist where you can, offer support where you can’t, and be accountable for shop/item issues.

When handling customer support, some tips to keep in mind are setting up follow-up dates for issues and concerns or creating an FAQ for your shop that customers can easily access.

GLUE and You

In the end, using GLUE in your business is a tactic that can lead to success and assist you in creating a loyal customer base. For GLUE to work correctly, you need to ensure your product and customer service are up to level. Think about how you can make the customer’s experience special, and plan your customer approach from there. Remember, your product and service are the main focus, but the little extras sure help!

JUKI Posts

Guest Blog: Bag Trends Through the Decades with Kiki Kitty

by sewinwithjuki2 Comments on Guest Blog: Bag Trends Through the Decades with Kiki Kitty

Joining us on this month’s blog, is Kiki Kitty, JUKI Designer Ambassador, and well-known Fashion Designer. Kiki joins us by giving a view into her thoughts on bag trends through the decades! From the 80s to today, where looks have come and gone, follow along as she shares her thoughts on how bag styles have transformed over time.

Designs by Kiki Kitty

There are certain trends that will always remain classic due to their root of it. When a particular style becomes synonymous with a certain era we will always reminisce about it, so its return is inevitable. Style trends vary from city to city, even from hood to hood. You could tell where someone was from based on their style choices. The artists who create & rock dope style bring the flavor of their neighborhoods onto global platforms, thus influencing the style of those around the world. This is street style. This is culture.

Getting nostalgic about my bag choices through the decades I think about the world around me and what influenced me from a teen in the 80s to today.

The 80’s

Designs by Kiki Kitty

The 80s were a time in desperate need of artistic exploration and expression. Hip hop was in its infancy and brought about my first opportunity to see the style from city to city every week on Soul Train, Video Soul, Yo MTV Raps.

Dapper Dan gave us Logo Mania by taking materials from bags and creating custom jackets. We began to find new ways of inventing and upcycling. Anything to show off our personality and originality. But whatever you wore, having a giant designer was a must. It was so huge, that it wasn’t an accessory. It was part of the outfit.

The 90’s

Designs by Kiki Kitty

In the 90s, when I left Atlanta to begin my life as an NYC fashion designer. Andre Harrell introduced us to “Ghetto Fabulous”. This movement took ownership of the style trends we created in our everyday life and screamed it from the rooftops. Our favorite rap stars may have been shouting about the brands they wore but be clear, it was the artists themselves, the stylists, the team who altered those garments, added their originality to them and turned them into something entirely new that would influence generations of creators.

This movement brought about the rise of urban fashion. Looks we no longer had to alter to fit our dope style needs. What was once “Dungarees” that were the easiest to rip apart, remix, and put back together was now ripped denim, studded, painted, and patchworked available right from the rack. I remember looking through The Source Magazine and seeing this denim saddle bag. It’s no shock that a bag with those unique curves would be such a huge hit amongst a generation of originators.

The 2000’s

Designs by Kiki Kitty

By 2000 we all had “Carrie Fever” as Jay z rhymed in ’03 Bonnie & Clyde. Patricia Fields whose iconic 8th St shop offered a space for just dope style. Period. It was always less about the designer and more about giving us the vibe and the energy of the city, from the rappers to the club kids and beyond. Luckily for the rest of the world, ‘Sex n the City’ episodes brought the mashup of New York Street Style to everyone’s living rooms. Even if you weren’t a music lover or style hunter you were getting these trends!

The 2000s were all about that Aliyah belly button, that boyfriend style mix with the feminine baby tee, and that pop color pump. The perfect bag had to be small enough to not distract from the belly button ring but large enough for your 2-way pager. It was also the perfect way to add more color to your look, even adding a charm or 2 if you deemed it necessary to make the look more your own.

The 2010’s

Designs by Kiki Kitty

Before Insta-minute-to-minute fashion was available we counted on the “Us Weekly’s” to give us weekly updates on what all our favorite celebrities were wearing. Sure, my monthly fashion fix subscriptions remain something to anticipate, but these weekly tabloid mags brought us news of everyday style. Along with this came the rise of celebrity fashion couples and thus began my obsession with Kanye & Amber Rose.

Tracking Amber Rose and other fashionable tastemakers’ everyday styles offered us more bag trends than a typical fashion editorial would offer. So the possibilities became endless!! As a woman on the go, my go-to choice was the mini backpack. I could still get the trendy prints and the femininity of a purse but I could also carry my flats for a long day of running around the fashion district or hold my passport and travel necessities for a flight. The best of both worlds!

Today

Designs by Kiki Kitty

Girl on the go. 42% of small businesses are owned by Women. That, within itself, is a trend that grows year after year. All 12.3 million of us are busier than ever! With so much to manage all we really need in our bag is our phone and lipstick. The secret to not leaving your bag at that last investor meeting is… lean in, I’ll whisper it to you… cross shoulder bags! Why haven’t we done this all along!!! Even fanny packs are worn across the shoulder. Small is in and just like small business owners, great things come in small packages.

The bags we carry are very personal, it keeps what’s valuable to us safe, and it comes with us to more places than anything else in our wardrobe. Your bag is your shoe’s bestie, the thing that can make or break a whole outfit. When deciding what bag to rock; designer, vintage, or DIY, remember that trends come and go, style is what counts!

Written by: Kiki Kitty, JUKI Designer Ambassador

JUKI Posts, JUKI Projects

5 Bags You Can Create with JUKI!

by sewinwithjuki3 Comments on 5 Bags You Can Create with JUKI!

So many sewists love bag-making! Whether they’re creating beautiful handbags, fun beach totes, or designing team bags, this is a fun project any sewist can start doing, no matter their skill level. From simple tote bags to more complex purses, bag-making is an excellent project for those who want to learn new skills and up their sewing game. Today’s blog covers five different types of bags you can create! We cover the basics of starting your bag-making journey, from their level of expertise to the sewing feet and notions you’ll need.

Tote Bag

Level: Beginner
If you’re new to bag making and want to try your hand at a fun and easy project, look into patterns for tote bags! Whether they’re simple with a few panels or a little more fun with optional pockets and different handle styles, the tote bag is one of the best projects for beginners. Tote bags are great for their versatility as well! Use this project for the beach, grocery shopping, farmers’ markets, etc.

If you’re making tote bags, we recommend checking out these fabrics for the outside: canvas, denim, and twill, and for your bag’s lining, cotton, all-purpose muslin, and broadcloth all work. Use firmer fabrics to add the structure and shape you want your bag to take. For a lighter feel, use fabrics like cotton.

You can either use leftover fabric from which your bag was created or webbing for a firmer handle to create a handle.

Electronic Carrier Case

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Here is where we start testing our skills! You’ll want to add zippers for storage and safety for an electronic carrier case. You’ll need to learn how to use specific feet to attach zipper closures for this bag, like an invisible zipper foot. We recommend using online resources like YouTube to learn your new skill and purchasing a pattern to learn the process and understand the pieces it takes to create your project.

For electronic cases, we recommend looking into soft padding options to place inside to keep your electronics from hitting one another. The case can be created from any fabric, making this a fun project to personalize to your style! From vinyl leather to cotton, you can get creative with the design of your carrier.

Features you can add to your project are:
• Pockets for your electronic chargers
• Different closures like magnetic buttons or velcro
• A strap as a wristlet or bag
Level up: Test your skill with mesh netting fabric! The best way to sew and attach this fabric piece to your projects is to use a ballpoint needle or Universal machine needle size 70/10-80/12 with a strong polyester thread. These are great for the outside of carrier cases and add more storage space for details like headphones, iPad pens, and more.

Wristlet Wallet

Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Fun and perfect for those family day trips or nights out, a wristlet is a great way to raise those sewing skills and try something new! Some skills you can pick up while creating wristlets are adding in pockets, attaching zippers, and creating straps. You can also learn to attach closures like buttons, clasps, and velcro.

For outside fabric options, we recommend leather, cotton, or synthetic. If you want to add durability to your projects, attach inner linings using fabric like polyester or nylon to reinforce the structure.

Level up: A fun way to add to your skill set is using clear vinyl! Placed in wallets to make certain pockets visible, like your ID, you can sew this in to add that professional touch. When using clear vinyl, make sure you have a clean and free workspace; this will reduce the chances of your vinyl smudging or scratching. Use a non-stick foot, a leather needle size 90/14 or denim needle size 90/14, and if you can, a strong, 100% polyester thread. Slow and steady wins the race with clear vinyl, so keep that in mind when creating!

Hand Bags

Level: Intermediate – Expert
If you’re ready for a fun and more challenging project, try your hand at creating a handbag! Think of those purses you love seeing for events and going out. These bags come in many styles, from large to small and extravagant to everyday use. Research different patterns and see what options out there catch your eye.

Fabrics for handbags vary depending on their use. Creating for everyday use? Look into fabrics like leather and vinyl for a classic and long-lasting look! These fabrics offer a protective layer that won’t allow liquids to fall through, longer-lasting color, and durability from usage. On the other hand, if your handbag is for travel use, look into fabrics like tweed and canvas! These fabrics are easy to use, come in various colors, and offer that stability when placing some weight in your bag.

Put your skills to the test and add in features like organizational pockets, zipper closures for the bag and pockets, and placing a flat bottom. Look into interfacings and stabilizers to stiffen your bag and create structure. Some interfacing we recommend are woven, non-woven, decovil, fusible fleece, foam, or felt.

Duffle Bag

Level: Intermediate – Expert
Are you a gym-goer? Is your child in sports? Then, try your hand at a duffle bag for your traveling needs! Perfect for those weekend trips and sports games, you can design your duffle bag specifically for your needs. Add pockets for sports equipment, a water bottle pocket, space for your travel-size toiletries, and more.

You want to keep in mind bag weight, usage, and durability when selecting fabrics. Choices like leather, vinyl, nylon, and cotton are standard picks for duffle bags. Look into webbing fabric for creating the handles, as this will help handle the weight. Don’t forget to purchase lining fabric to structure your duffle bag and create shape!

Features you can include are inner and outer pockets, zipper closures, and zippered pockets. Focus on what you need and create pockets for your cleats, toiletries, snacks, books, electronics, and chargers.

Level up: Add bag hardware pieces like D-Rings and Hooks to your duffle bag handles to adjust the strap depending on the user comfortably. This is great for bags that will be shared with family members and friends, making it comfortable for everyone to use. We recommend using basting tape to keep the D-rings and hooks in place while stitching.

Don’t Forget to Personalize!
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, adding a personal touch to any bag is easy by using an embroidery machine or direct-to-garment printer. Embellish bags with your name, team names and logos, and art designs. Using a machine like the Tajima Sai, you can easily embroider up to 8 color designs at once with a touch of a button.

Using a direct-to-garment printer like the RICOH Ri 100, you can create your fabric and use this for your next bag project. Then, add your artwork, Photoshop designs, family and memory photos, and more, quickly making something uniquely ‘you!’

Get Started Today!
We hope this gave you some ideas you can implement on your next bag project! Whether you’re new to sewing bags and starting small with a tote or wristlet, or an advanced sewer looking for ideas, these projects are great for challenging yourself and building up your skills. So which bag would you create first? Let us know down below!

JUKI Posts

JUKI’s Tips and Tricks to Bag Creating!

by sewinwithjuki3 Comments on JUKI’s Tips and Tricks to Bag Creating!

In today’s blog, we’ll be introducing you to some tips and tricks to keep in mind when you start your journey in bag creation! Whether you need help deciding on which foot accessories to keep in your arsenal or what fabrics are best for your tote bag projects, we’re here to get you started on the basics. So follow along below as we cover hardware, interfacing, and more!

When new sewists join the sewing world, one of the top projects we recommend trying your hand at is bag making. Bag projects offer sewists a chance to learn foundational skills like manipulating fabrics and testing new techniques for zipper attaching or button closers. Bag creation can also be quick projects, like tote bags, which are fun and versatile, perfect for beach days and market shopping.

If you find yourself loving the process of bag creation or want to try your hand at it, we’ve put together a selection of tools and tips to keep in mind!

The first thing to know when creating is what type of hardware you’ll want to use on your handbag. Some bags won’t need many pieces, while detailed ones could require multiple hardware options to create pockets, adjustable straps, etc. Below we’ve listed some of the more common hardware pieces bag makers keep on hand.

Bag Making Hardware:

  • Magnetic snaps come in a range of colors and sizes. They are easy to insert.
  • Cap rivets are used for finishing and reinforc­ing leather and bag details.
  • D-rings are D-shaped metal rings used for fastening handles to bags.
  • Adjustable sliders are used to thread a strap and to adjust the length.
  • Eyelets are small round metal pieces used to finish and reinforce fabric holes.

Once you’ve decided on which hardware pieces you’ll use, the next step is determining your strap! The best part about creating your own bag is the opportunity to choose every detail. Handles can be made from countless fabrics, and bags can have multiple straps depending on your style and bag type.

Some options for bag straps can be webbing tape, leather strapping, or chains! Whether you’re looking for durability, like a webbing tape strap, or a classy touch like leather and chain, you can get creative in dressing up your bag with the right strap! There are different ways to attach handles to your bag, so we recommend researching other techniques and seeing which one will match your bag design best. You can also use techniques for adding adjustable straps, which are perfect for those travel bags and heavyweight!

The next step you want to focus on is choosing your interfacing material. When you want your bags to have a defined body and shape, using interfacing is perfect for creating that look. If your bag still looks sagging, feel free to double your stabilizing fabric and layer, as this will help you create a stiffer body. Remember, always apply interfacing to the back of the fabric before you start stitching, so this will not be visible. Keep in mind that you also have options on fusible and non-fusible interfacing, depending on whether you choose to sew the interfacing with your fabric or iron-on.

Interfacing options:

  • Woven: Stiff material that looks like fabric,
  • Non-woven: These interfacing fabrics are compressed fibers, with one side covered with adhesive
  • Knit: Need some stretch? Knit fabric can accomplish a tight stretch for those projects!

Before you start constructing your bag, let’s cover tips that can create a clean finish for your purse, wristlet, and more. In addition, these tips can assist you in adding a more professional touch to your projects.

  1. Attaching your handles

We recommend basting your handles before attaching them to your bags so that the fabric is hardened and firm. A fun tip for sewing is taping down your handles so that you can seamlessly sew over the fabric and attach your handles with ease.

2. Seam Allowance

Don’t forget to trim and clean up those seam allowances for a clean, finished look in your bag projects.

3. Boxed Corner

A technique that’s easy and quick to learn, adding a corner boxing can create more space in your bag and a professional bottom look. Using the 90-degree method, fold the corner flat, matching up the two side seams once you’ve cut out your fabric. The side seams should lie directly one over the other. Then stitch and backstitch to reinforce the closing.

Don’t forget to have the right feet on hand! Below we’ve listed our top 3 choices for bag creators to have in their kits. These feet options allow you to sew on unique fabrics, attach zippers and create clean finishes.

  1. Smooth Foot: Work on fabrics like leather, vinyl, suede, and more with ease using the smooth foot. This will allow you to use these types of fabrics without causing the material to stick to your foot like a metal one would.  
  2. Piping Foot: Reinforce your lines and enjoy a clean finish on your projects.
  3. Zipper Attaching foot: Attach zippers for pockets and bag closures using the zipper attaching foot.

When creating your bag, other ideas to keep in mind are what features you wish for it to have! Additional options for your bag designs include placing pockets, card slots, bag flaps, phone holders, etc. These additional pieces are perfect when trying new techniques and allow you to test your skills by attaching zippers, bag closers, pockets…

Don’t forget to have suitable needles and thread on hand. Your needle should be strong to handle thick fabrics when you begin layering your bag pieces. For thread, focus on finding heavyweight thread types that can keep your seams strong and together.

We hope this has helped you find the pieces you need to create your next bag project! Whether you’re an expert who has been creating for years, or a new sewist trying your hand at bag making, these projects are a great way to step up your technique game! So, are you a bag creator and want to share your favorite tips with new bagmakers? Let us know down below!