Thread: Advice from bag makers please...

I have come into this interesting fabric, I have no idea what it's called. It looks quilted on the top and it's a very cool looking fabric. On the backside I can see the quilted effect is from lots of threads running selvedge to selvedge. Picture below of the front and back of the fabric.


I'm thinking of making simple lined bags with it. I also have a roll of what I think is macrame cord, picture attached. I'm thinking of using this cord for the handles, just inserting it between the top edge where the fabric and lining meet. However in the past I've noticed this cord ravels at the edges. Is there a way to overcome this? It would be super quick and easy to use this as a handle.....Plus I have so much of it.



Thanks fellow bag makers!

No info on the fabric for you. As for the cording, is it 100% cotton? If not, you could singe/melt the ends once cut and that should keep them from raveling. If it's 100% cotton, just dip the ends in some old nail polish and/or glue. Best I can offer.

The cording is definitely a synthetic, melting is a good idea!

As for stretching, any suggestions to over come that? Maybe make the handles a tad shorter than I think they should be?

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by ManiacQuilter2

Make sure that this fabric does unravel when cut. I would use something more sturdier for a handle than macrame cord.

Darn it, I was hoping for quick and easy!! Plus I actually have 2 rolls of it...all given to me.

Braid the cord!! What a great idea!!

Macrame cord works great when making Christmas bags (large fabric bag with ties for wrapping gifts). I would use something else if I was making a purse because it does stretch.