Not sure if this would work in your application, but my friend Karen used plastic canvas in her tote bag.
http://sewmuch2luv.blogspot.com/2011...g-upcycle.html
I used timtex in the Amy Butler bag I made and it seemed to work ok - just a bit hard to turn at the end.
http://www.amazon.com/C-T-Publishing.../dp/B002V3EOV0