KenmoreGal2

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.
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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.

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Thanks fellow bag makers!