Has anyone tried the very stiff fusible for the Bow Tuck purse? I know the directions request Pellon fusible fleece, but I am considering using this stiffer fusible instead.

I've never cared much for real floppy type purses, preferring them to have some body instead. I've used the stiff fusible (Craft Fuse?) for the other couple of purses/totes I've made. It gives them some substance (stands up, firmer handles, washes well and doesn't feel like a board). I've never tried the Pellon Fleece before, but have seen a couple of totes that crumple down like a limp noodle and the ladies said they were made with fleece - brand unknown. They looked more like a quilt made into a purse ;)

I am just wondering how a Bow Tucks purse would turn out using this stiffer fusible, vs. the Pellon fusible fleece. This will be the first one I've made - and actually it's the Mini-Bow Tucks. What do you all think? Has anyone used anything other than the fusible fleece for it? How did it turn out?

Any thoughts are appreciated!

I am interested in this as well. I have made two so far, one with regular quilt batt and one with fusible fleece and I am not happy with the lack of body in the bag. I was thinking of trying the same thing to give them more stiffness.

i have not made the bow-tucks purse but i have made lots of purses/tote bags and i have used TIMTEX in them with success. It is the interfacing (fusable or not is available) used for fabric bowls or in the brims of baseball caps. it is very stiff, and it is washable. i like it for good sturdy sides and bottom. if you type timtex into the search on your browser you can find the site and places to purchase it. we have on lqs here that carries it.

My sister has made several of these and has modified as she goes. She likes using the thicker pellon for the body of the bag and the thinner pellon for everything else. Yes, it does help the bag stand up better.

She'll be on later. I'll make sure she see's this post to let you know which pellons to use.

This is about the same stuff as the CraftFuse that I buy and use. At least, as I understand it. Only the Tim-tex comes on a bolt, by the yd and mine in a small package (purchased with 40-50% coupons!). I'm going to try to the Tim-tex though, as I understand it's pretty awesome for purse usage, and probably cheaper too on the bolt.

Sorry if I double posted! I'll go check and see if I can delete it! It's my first posting.

the fusible fleece is stiffer than nonfusible, I used her sugestion on a few then started using craft fuse, I was a bit worried because it looks like heavy paper but I love it, it stands up well and washes well too. I couldn't remember the number (987) one time and picked up some of what I thought it was, WRONG! it was just a tiny bit thicker but I could not sew it, when you get several layers together in a seam it just wouldn't work.

I too like the bag to be a bit firmer. I'm using Pellon heavy fusible fleece for the body of the bag and the Pellon 978F for the rest. I did try to use all heavy with a bag but it got to the point it was way too thick to sew. I couldn't get the handle under my presser foot even using a walking foot. Try using the heavy just for the body and see if you like that. I'm able to get the thick stuff from Wal-Mart for about $4.00 a yard.

HTH
Kristina

Thanks for bringing this up. I have not made my bow-tuck yet, but I did buy the 978F to use. I think I will use a stiffer one for the body and the 978F for the rest. I like my purse to stand up also.

I have always used the 987F for my Bow Tucks. But recently I made a laptop bag for my DGD and it called for Pellon Decor Bond (I think 809). It's stiffer than the 987F and not as fluffy. I thought I might try that on my next Bow Tucks (it's cheaper too).

I really like the fusible fleece