Firming up the bag
 

Ok, I want to make myself a quilted tote bag but I want it to have some heft to it. What can I cut to size and put in the bottom and in the sides to make it really formed? Would tightly woven rug hooking plastic work? Or any other craft plastic sheeting? Would I sew it into the lining of the bag? Maybe there is a tutorial on youtube or somewhere that I haven't come across. There are a lot of tote tutorials but I haven't found one that includes the firming up idea. I am going to be stuffing it with a lot of stuff as I am hoping to take it as a carry on/purse. Thanks for any help you can give me.

I'm not sure if a woven rug would last. I would try something like heavily starch corderoy or denium; that woud give you the strength and would not come unraveled as quickly as a woven rug. Good luck. I'll be looking to see what you end up making!

I used to use plastic canvas (the kind kids use to stitch on) in the bottom of bags http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_canvas

Available at craft shops and inexpensive

You could use some firm Peltex. http://pellonideas.com/products/1151-peltex-70.aspx

Oh yeah, and you can sew it into the lining at the bottom, but I would just cover it with the lining material (separately), that way I could take it out for washing, or to fold up for storage, etc.

this is how I use plastic canvas for the bottoms, inserting it in a 'pillowcase' with its end tucked into the curve. it stays very rigid
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I also use the plastic canvas. I've also cut up a old cutting mat. Both worked really well.

I found a new product called soft and stable (byannie.com) This a wonderful product that I used in my Selvage tote. I'm totally sold on it and will continue to use it. I had a hard stifner in this bag until I attended the Sew Expo this year and discovered the product. Annie's purses and totes look very professional and beautiful. Take a look at my last tote made with soft and stable. I did find it at my large local fabric store-Fabric Depot in Portland, OR. The wholesale department will pull it off the floor and ship it to you but byannie.com will too and she is one lovely lady I would like to continue to support!

For the support in the bottom of my totes I also use a piece of coroplast board. It's strong and I cut it so the corraguated lines will go across for more support not lengthwise. It's plastic so if it gets wet it doesn't get ruined or give. I use this product to wrap my yardage of fabrics on. It's very strong so it will hold some weight. I cover it with a piece of lining and top stitch closed at one end.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t183290.html

I 2nd the idea of Soft and Stable. It is the best product I've used. For my bottom stiffening I use the corrugated plastic that is used to make signs. I went to the local sign shop and bought some of his scraps. It cuts easily with an old rotary cutter.

I use the corrugated plastic to wrap my fabrics instead of comic boards. Whenever we have local elections, I run around the day after and pick them up, wash them off and cut into 6X9 inch rectangles. I NEVER have to buy comic boards!! That's one way to keep them out of the landfills!!