Making Totes That Hold Up
08-06-2011, 05:27 PM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: N Texas
Posts: 1,134
I do the box x stitch on handles as Paper Princess described. In a tote meant to carry very heavy loads, I covered a piece of webbing (a strap notion at Hobby Lobby). It was heavy duty but so easy to stitch on. I enclosed it inside my usual
handle design.
I love the idea of the buttons. Will add those to my avatar tote. Now, I will put those on the outside of the tote so they touch the floor, desk or whatever it sets on, right? Will keep bottom cleaner also and more germ resistant??
I make envelope bottom. If meant to carry heavy load I get craft wood piece and cover it. Makes a very nice firm bottom, but removable for washing. Also, I spray all my totes I keep or sale with Scotchgard to prevent so much dirt and help clean it when the time comes.
handle design.
I love the idea of the buttons. Will add those to my avatar tote. Now, I will put those on the outside of the tote so they touch the floor, desk or whatever it sets on, right? Will keep bottom cleaner also and more germ resistant??
I make envelope bottom. If meant to carry heavy load I get craft wood piece and cover it. Makes a very nice firm bottom, but removable for washing. Also, I spray all my totes I keep or sale with Scotchgard to prevent so much dirt and help clean it when the time comes.
08-06-2011, 06:05 PM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: WA
Posts: 1,372
Originally Posted by lindasidlow
The totes I make have box bottoms and I sew about 5 large buttons across the bottom. That keeps the fabric on the bottom from wearing thin.
Thanks,
08-06-2011, 06:13 PM
#45
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 1,384
Thank you again for the compliments, that makes me feel so good! These tips are great too and I really appreciate them.
I did get another order for a tote from my Grandma, lol*, so I am working on hers this evening. I hope to make a few extra dollars too and it's fun to boot! ;)
I did get another order for a tote from my Grandma, lol*, so I am working on hers this evening. I hope to make a few extra dollars too and it's fun to boot! ;)
08-06-2011, 07:06 PM
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Posts: 152
Originally Posted by ksea
Originally Posted by Derla
I think that is a great idea - I made "professional totes" for Christmas presents last year --wish I'd known about the buttons on the bottom then.
Originally Posted by lindasidlow
The totes I make have box bottoms and I sew about 5 large buttons across the bottom. That keeps the fabric on the bottom from wearing thin.
08-08-2011, 05:08 PM
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Jonesborough TN
Posts: 1,572
For the bottoms of all the purses/totes that I make I use the corrugated plastic that signs are made from. I went to my local sign shop and asked if they had scraps that I could buy. He gave me a big armload of various sizes for $10. They are lightweight and rigid.
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