tammy cosper

Hey everyone,
I am curious as to what you put in the bottom of the tote to make it firm. Seeing as how I would like to be able to wash my totes, how should I go about this?
Thanks

katesnanna

I use a white plastic which comes from an x-ray place. It's what the x-ray plates come in. We get it for nothing. I'm in Australia but can't see why it would be any different in other countries. All you can do is ask.
This plastic is fairly heavy but is able to be cut with heavy sharp scissors or a craft knife.

cathyquilty

While I was at Joann's looking at some fabric for bow tucks I went to get it cut and the sales lady put some empty cardboard bolts on the counter and I thought what a great bottom that would make ask her if I could have some brought them home cut them up great bottom and one stop shopping

k3n

The stuff that vertical blinds are made of - offcuts of that. I saw some for sale at a jumble sale once and wish I'd bought it. Buckram would work too.

Painiacs

Use plastic canvas. Heavy cardboard

leatheflea

I use plexiglass from lowes, cut to shape, use sandpaper to take the sharp points off the corners. then make a sleeve to cover it. the bottom becomes removable, sturdy and washable. My customers love it. I dont know how many have said even Vera Bradley bags arent as durable as mine, the bottoms eventually start to sag in hers. Some say plexi is to expense but i can get about 10 tote bottoms out of one sheet of plexi and it cost me about $11 per sheet. To me and my customers its worth the little over $1.

carolaug

If you use cardboard you would not beable to wash it.

watterstide

i use cut up "for sale" or "political signs" (plastic corrigated..)
i cut it to size,wrap fabric around it like wrapping a present, and staple it on the bottom side. so it is removable

k3n

You could glue a piece of fabric to match the lining around a rectangle of heavy cardboard and just put it in the bottom, then it could come out when you washed the bag. Of course, you couldn't wash that part... :? :lol:

cathyquilty

I can wash mine it is in a sleeve just take it out wash and put it back