Firming up the Bottom of a Tote Bag

I have made a few of those cute tote bags with charm packs, that Jenny shows, and was wondering what I can use to make a stabilizing panel to put in the bottom. For a couple of them, I have used a fabric-covered cardboard panel, but it has its limits, of course. Is there anything else you can think of that would be firm, not creasable (unlike cardboard) not real heavy, and rather stiff, but with some flexibility? Foam board will snap if you try to bend it. I guess I could try to cut a panel out of something like wall paneling? Or ???

I have seen the plastic embroidery canvas that people use with yarn (either doubled or tripled in layers). It kind of reminds me of aida cloth in plastic. Not sure if I am describing this product correctly.

Kim is right.... Walmart has it...or the other "hobby" stores...good idea about layering it... for extra strength..:)

I used that plastic stuff in a tote several years ago and then washed it and wound up with a whole lot of little pieces of plastic (I'd sewn it in place). If you use something like that I'd suggest you make a separate pocket and just lay in the bottom of the bag so it could be removed later. Some of the quilting template plastic may be a better solution (JoAnns carries it). Or have plexiglas cut to size.

BUT, if you use the headliner fabric or Soft and Stable (there are others) the bottom should be firm enough.

For the few purses I've made I use foamcore cut to size, then made a sleeve for it out of the matching fabric. You can then remove it if you need to clean it but it gives you a good sturdy bottom.

I have also used old cutting mats. Just cut them the size needed and cover and put in the bottom.

I cut old cutting mats and covered with a sleeve so I could wash it if needed.

I have this from Nancy's Notions - I have not used it yet though... comes in black or white.
Black Shape 'n Create Stabilizer - Purses & Totes - Supplies - Nancy's Notions

How about Peltex? It is fabric, you can sew it into the bottom of your purse and is stiff but flexible. It comes in black and white.

When I made bags, I used particle board cut to size and put in a "sleeve" that was removed for laundering.

Lots of good suggestions. Thanks, y'all! I think I have been looking for something firmer, but unless I plan on carrying a 10 lb bag of potatoes, it probably doesn't need to be as firm as I had pictured. Just don't want it to bow down in the middle too easily. I thought about gluing a plastic ruler to the cardboard panel, then putting the cloth sleeve over it all.
I am making it with the plan of carrying it when I go to the Paducah quilt show, so if you see a frumpy old lady with a tote made of Notting Hill charms, it's me! (Audacious of me, I know, to carry my rustic and amateurish tote to a world class quilt show, so I may find an excuse not to do it.)

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Originally Posted by Jean Sewing Machine

How about Peltex? It is fabric, you can sew it into the bottom of your purse and is stiff but flexible. It comes in black and white.

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I often use Peltex. If you don't care to sew into the bag, you can make a small pillowcase and slip two layers of Peltex inside for support.

Yep, make a sleeve and slip either a piece of plexiglass or old cutting mat inside. Works great!

Carry your newly made tote to the show. Don't worry about your it not being "professionally" sewn. I always ask someone 'bout their purse or tote. Saw one or two backpacks as well. We can't ALL be "professional". So I say make it & tote it. Show us a picture.

Gina

If you don't want it to bend at all, I would second the suggestion of plexiglass, or suggest masonite. Both of those you could put inside a removable sleeve for washing. You could check with a glass shop or a lumber yard for possible scraps that would be available for cheap. If needed they might even cut them to size for you.

Nancy

I've had success with the foamcore cut to size and then made a little pillow case to slip it into.

I have used an old, warped cutting mat on a few bags, just covered it with coordinating fabric and slipped in in, can be removed to wash if need be.

I asked nicely at the LQS if I could have one of their used bolts that had fabric on it. They gave me a few. Just cut them to size and make like a little pillow case for it. I closed the end with Velcro so I could remove the bolt for washing. It worked great!! Have fun at Paducah and take your tote, way better than messing around with a purse. You will be surprised at how many questions about your tote you get.

I used plexiglass in one I made and didn't care for it. To solid. Every door it bumped into as I was opening them made a loud thud. You want something firmer but not solid like wood or the plexiglass.

That's all I need is something else on me making noise.:icon_rolleyes:

I've seen places suggest corrugated plastic. Seems like it would be light and yet strong.

Corrugated Plastic Panels - BLICK art materials

I have used cardboard in a sleeve as well. I had a bunch of double cardboard and that was great! If you are worrying about it bending, tape two pieces together and slip them in the sleeve. Also, but them so the ribs run lengthwise inside of across the short way...that will also help.

I just thought of this, what about a license plate. Go to the hardware store, where they have for sale signs, or for rent signs, or an old license plate. You can't carry a bowling ball with it, but I think it will work

I make a sleeve from lining fabric to cover a piece of plastic canvas, first covering the PC with batting.

I just bought 4 plastic cutting boards, the kind you can roll up, for 2.99 at a discount store. I plan to cut ia piece to size and put it in a sleeve. It will bend some but will be light and should provide some support. Patent pending, lol.

Well, being the penny pincher that I am sometimes, I was trying to find something already in my possession to fix this. I had the two layers of cardboard, run opposite directions, already cut and glued, but it still didn't feel trustworthy, so I found a couple of wooden tongue depressors in some of my mom's craft supplies. I overlapped them about an inch, end to end, and used E-6000 glue to glue them together and to the cardboard. They are dry now, so I will make the sleeve.
Thanks for all the good suggestions. Next time, I will know what to look for, and go purchase what I need instead of scrabbaging around the basement.