The static and dynamic magnetic properties of samples consisting of two soft magnetic layers with in-plane easy axes at right angles are studied by micromagnetics and experiments. A one-dimensional micromagnetic model is developed, and solved quasianalytically for statics and dynamics. In particular, it is shown that the magnetic permeability arises from a set of eigenmodes, each with a macrospin ͑or gyromagnetic͒ response, that are excited differently depending on ac field orientation. Experiments ͑magnetization curves, permeability under field and in several directions͒ on cobalt-based amorphous alloy bilayers are well reproduced by the model with a single set of parameters. Such samples are therefore model one-dimensional nonuniform magnetic systems, simple yet with a rich behavior, for statics and dynamics.