What do you use to stiffen the bottom of a tote/purse?
01-10-2012, 09:36 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 339
I use Pellon 71F, a very heavy, fusible interfacing. I make a sleeve to match the lining of the purse/tote, then slip the Pellon in and fuse it well. This stuff is super heavy, works really well on the bags, but when I have a large tote, I ususally double it. I like having it match the purse, especially if it's for someone else, ergo the sleeve.
01-10-2012, 11:15 AM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 1,389
Lazy Girl Designs has several sizes of bottoms for her bag patterns. While they are not cheap, they are interchangeable. I find that I prefer a certain size purse so I make a variety in that size and the bottoms can be traded out. (PS-I think her purse patterns are awesome too!)
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/produ..._E_Bottoms/c53
http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/produ..._E_Bottoms/c53
01-10-2012, 01:42 PM
#46
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
I read the other suggestions, which were great, and although I haven't finished my purse yet, I plan to use the somewhat thin plastic cutting boards, then cover with fabric. I also thought of plastic binders, as well as plastic canvas.
01-10-2012, 02:26 PM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
I like to use three or four layers of craft backing. I use only one piece over whole bottom including seam allowances. The other pieces I just iron inside the seam allowances
I don't like plastic canvas because it can break.
I don't like plastic canvas because it can break.
01-10-2012, 03:34 PM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 314
If you have a sign shop nearby go in and ask for their scraps. The corrugated plastic, like campaign signs are made from, is very lightweight but strong. I got an armload of various sized scraps for $10 and have been using it for almost a year (and I make lots of purses/bags). I've tried foam core, but it bends. Plastic canvas isn't strong enough to suit me.
I use an old rotary cutter to cut the plastic. Make fabric sleeves to put it in and leave one end open so it can be taken out when the bag is washed.
I use an old rotary cutter to cut the plastic. Make fabric sleeves to put it in and leave one end open so it can be taken out when the bag is washed.
01-10-2012, 03:42 PM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: East Texas
Posts: 3,021
I use the plastic canvas & I also use the foam material that looks like corrogated cardboard. That may be foam core. They also make yard signs out of it. The kind that the metal wire stands just slide into.
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