Purchase some fleece interfacing. It is very easy to use and is attached using an iron. I use a damp cloth and it works great. This gives the bag so much body and makes it look professional. I just made one today for Christmas and it looks great.

Same here, that is what I use and I have made & sold several 100.

Klue....anyway that I could beg a simple pattern for a tote from you? I'm dying to make a tote for myself but can't find a simple enough pattern for someone like myself who is just getting back into sewing again.

Do a Google search online for "free tote bag pattern" and you'll find tons of patterns for free.

I use Pelon 987F, the F is for fusible

here's an excellent site for free handbag patterns. they do a far better job telling you how to put it together then i could.

she searches the web and puts links on her website.


http://henriettashandbags.com/Craft_Ideas.html

I like to make quilted totes/purses in between quilting. I like the Decor Bond, but have had some trouble with it staying fused. It seems to fuse properly at first. Until I start handling the bag. Then the edges start popping up. At this point I cut it almost as large as my fabric pieces, so the edges are caught in the seam - which means it doesn't matter if any of it stops sticking. I should have to do this though. I am wondering why this happens? I follow the directions as to heat of the iron etc.

One thing I do not do is wash my fabric. Is this the issue? I dislike sewing with washed fabric, I like the crispness of unwashed fabric. I am thinking perhaps I should just switch to buying sew-in interfacing since it costs less than fusible, since I can't depend on the fusible to stay put.

I only have this issue with the heavier interfacings (such as the Decor Bond). I like Pellon SF 101, that always seems to stay fused. But I like a stiffer interfacing in my totes also, so the purse stand up.

Thoughts?

If I want the tote stiff I use fusible interfacing or craft bond like you use for raw edge appliqué. If I use upholstery fabric or denim I usually do not add either interfacing or batting.

Do you ever have an issue with the fusible interfacing staying fused?

Me too kathy - I like this and have used it a few times. I found fusing it worked best when using a damp cloth between the fleece and the iron - you get a much better result !