Interfacing vs. stabilizer HELP
 

I don't think this is quilt related, since I'm making a bag, so I hope I'm putting this thread in the right section! Apologies in advance if I did not and someone has to move it.

Ok, bit of background. I quilt, have quilted for about 10 years. I've been branching out into more complex quilts and have been having a great bit of fun so far.

I would like to make a bag. Here is my dilemma, every single time I've attempted to make clothes or a casserole carrier or something that isn't a quilt, it is an abysmal failure. I have a buddy who's sewed and done alterations for decades and she lets me know that yes, the patterns I have picked so far are very easy and I shouldn't mess them up, then I mess them up.

I saw a bag on pinterest that is labeled as simple, only two fabrics, no quilting and looks very chic and cute. I already have a recipient in mind. I would really, really like to make this bag. Anywho, it says that it needs interfacing to make it stiff. Well, I don't have any, but I have some stabilizer. Are the two interchangeable? I'm making a bag, but I want it good and stiff and sturdy so she can put stuff in it.

I can get interfacing if it has to be interfacing, I just want to make sure I get the right thing. I'd like it to be fusible. Do you all have any favorites or go tos for interfacing or stabilizer? The bag is not huge, it's size and shape is comparable to one of those reusable shopping bags from walmart, but it's a purse and it's super stiff and sturdy so you can put lots of stuff in your bag.

TIA. I went to LQS & Walmart this weekend looking and there have to be 50 types of stabilizers or interfacing and I was completely lost in this sea of stuff. I'd like to be able to get a little package of it. I don't intend to buy a ton, just enough for a bag or two. If I like making, I'll probably make one for me too. :)

you could try looking online for the type of stabilizer you have and see what they say or didn't it come with directions? I just used some Deco-bond very thin 809 fusible on one side in a placemat and had to find out if I could sew through it. nothing about that in the paperwork that came with it. frustrating! Now I used to read and re-read clothing pattern directions at least two or three times before using them. Do that with the tote bag directions too and then go for it. I'm not sure about what stabilizer you have to help on that but do think it may be just fine to use.

I can sympathize with you. I too, am sewing challenged when it comes to anything that is not a quilt. I try and try to make a bag, and I usually get stuck right away, not knowing the language (sewing terms). Is there any such thing as a "Bag for Dummies"? Good Luck.

Seems like the LQS staff could help you decide? You could show them the pattern.

My mom make LOTS of totes and uses pellon Décor Bond. Its at Jo'Anns. Its stiff and she sews thru it.

I'm going to print out the pattern and take it with me to JoAnn's. I didn't think about stuff being available you couldn't sew through. Will also look at Decor bond. Hopefully the sale they have this weekend at Joann's doesn't involve every employee at checkout or fabric cutting or I might be there all day asking questions! Thank you all for your input.

I have no idea about the interfacing, but I also struggle with other types of sewing. I've concluded that I can handle quilting because it's two dimensional, but once I get into three dimensions, all my understanding flies out the window. I have managed to make fabric boxes, although they are never great. I try to just roll with it, but it's amazing how piecing quilts seems so natural to me and sewing a tote bag leaves me confused!

I sewed a cute organizer that sits below my machine once. I made it 3 times before I got it right and the scissors don't fit in the scissor pocket due to that whole 3D thing. Going shopping this weekend.

You first need to know what weight of stablizer you need. Then go to your local sewing shop and they will help you find it. I have done a bag and it required a very heavy stablizer. I didn't even know they made it until the helpful clerk showed me the different types

For your bag to hold its shape, you really need to use the type of interfacing recommended in the pattern. Ask me how I know?

If you really want a stiff bag use timtex. If you want soft but thick, use soft and stable (it is like headliner material). Good luck with your bag.

For a softer feel, I use 987F Fusible Fleece (they sell at Walmart & Joann's). However, my new favorite thing to use for handbags is Soft and Stable. Really helps the bag hold its shape and feels very strong.

I make totes and simple purses, Timtex and Peltex are great stiffening interfacing, there is also a foamy interfacing I use called Soft and Stable by Annie.com - great stuff. I have also used a fusible batting, the kind for placemats. Good luck and have fun.

FYI- I was just quilting my hexagon table topper and i'd put Deco Bond 809 on the back of it. My needle seemed to not want to go through it and I took it out and turned it over. I hadn't put the backing on it yet and could see the fusible. there was a one inch disk. round as could be. evidently it was some fusible that gobbed up in the processing and got flattened out. I had to get it unstuck from my fabric and cut it out. Got it!! Then continued to quilt. From now on, I will inspect my fusible before putting it onto my project. All's well that ends well.

I read the teeny tiny print at the bottom and it is Decor Bond or heavy weight and it's on sale at JoAnn's this weekend too!

You can go to Nancy Zieman's website or just google sewing terms. I have an old sewing book with a glossary in the back.

I couldn't find Pellon Decor Bond, but the nice lady at Joann's showed me some fusible stuff by pellon that's very thick and she said would work the same. My bags going to be really pretty! I hope I can do it!