My daughter is a professional framer and she saves the scrap mat board for me. I glue 2 of these together, make a sleeve to match the purse lining and just place in the bottom of the purse. The stablizer can be removed for washing (if the purse is washable). If you have a local frame shop ask them to save these scraps for you.

I have used 2 pcs. of mat board (from picture framing) that I then covered with fabric to match the lining of the bag. This gives it a lot of support for whatever I put in. But I have also purchased a composite board cut to size for the Bow Tucks bag from "Traditions at the White Swan" at the quilt show near Philly. I don't know whether they mail them or not, but they work very well, too.

Great idea! Thanks for the tip!
Blessings,
MaryAnna

Not happy to hear that the Vera bags aren't washable because of the cardboard, I have one that needs a fresh up. My bag was a gift from DIL, in fact she and her DD's all have Vera bags. Have to pass this along to them. May in Jersery

I think you can remove the base from Vera bags for washing.

I have removed the base from one of my Vera Bradley bags and washed it - however the fabric looked faded after I washed it. Maybe try surface washing first before throwing in washing machine.

Another good purse bottom is made by cutting up old cutting boards that no longer work well with your rotary cutter. Suggest that you round the corners slightly to help avoid wear and tear from the point.

I use the plastic canvas for counted cross stitch. I usually cover it with the lining fabric and just throw it in the bottom. I measure the bottom of the purse to see how big a piece I'll need.

i bought peg board (without the holes) cuts easily with a hack saw large sheet probably 3/5 ft for about $5 at home depot
you can make a lot of bottoms for that

Thank you all for your input. I too saw the pricing of the Bag-e-bottoms and was shocked!

I decided to investigate having some made and having them in the shop and on line (when we get up and running).

When we moved into this house, there was smooth panel on the walls in one of the rooms. We peeled it off and I cut pieces from that to put in the bottom of my purses and bags. I also make a cover for the bottoms to match the bags. It works great. No bending like cardboard, no flexing like some plastics. Works for me! Yes, always take the sharp edges off the corners.

I have wanted to use some of this also, and googled "wholesale plastic canvas" --- there are quite a few sites that sell it wholesale.

Yes, you can remove the cardboard from the Vera Bradley bags. I just washed one of mine yesterday. Am on my way upstairs to press it now.

For the bottom of purses I use foam core board approximately 1/4" thick, make a sleeve for it & fit it into the bottom, if needed take sleeve off wash & put back. Just enough support to keep your purse neat.

If there is a Hobby Lobby near you checn them. They sometimes sell the plastic canvas in large sheets, something like 2 ft by 3 ft.

A friend who went to a bag making class said that if you had old cutting mats that were pretty much worn out and ready to toss out, to use them for the bottom stabiier
pieces.

What I use is the empty centers from bolts, nice and stiff, of fabrics. Some stores don't want to give them to you, but where I buy my material they will give them to me.

i use the foam core board from wal mart one sheet will make lots of bottoms and i make a fabric sleeve to match the purse

Hi everyone!!! I don't usually add any remakes but today I had to. I go to the Dollar Store & buy foam board sheet. They are HUGE, & I can get multiple bag bottoms for just a $1.00. I just cut them to the size of my purse bottom with an old rotary cutting blade I've saved for all that non-fabric cutting we do. Hope this helps us all save money!!!

My husband being a real estate agent, he cuts his old signs in the sizes I need for my Bow Tucks Bag, they're very sturdy. I then sew a sleeve to fit it in.

I use 8 1/2 X 11 plastic mesh sheets from Moore's

Corrgated plastic is used in signage. We have an election year going on, when the 3rd of November gets here there will be all sorts of FREE recyclable plastic available. I can't think of a better way to get rid of politicians! Oh, I mean politician's signs. Tee Hee ;~)

LOL LOL LOL :thumbup: :thumbup:
Love it! Great way for us quilter's to voice our opinion of the politicians! (signs lol)

Love the idea of the Dollar Tree placemats.

To JoAnneGC,
Foam core sounds good. May I make a safety reccommend for a safer way to cut foam core? I used it when i had my flower shop a lot. Invest in a box cutter, much sturdier & better grip, way easier on your hands. Regardless what cutting instrument you use, change the blades ofter, foam core dulls blades very quickly. Good luck.

I just bought a new cutting board, so I'm having DH cut up old one as I need it for bottoms. Works great!

I use stiffy which is like Timtex in the bottom of my purses--and the sides when I want them stiff. I have seen where a board is used but I don't think I would like that.

When I was making tons of Lazy girl purses I had a plexiglass sheet from the front of an old refrigerator. My husband cut those up. Now I just use heavy cardboard covered with cloth. I use the heat and bond to seal it up.

Find someone who does framing and ask then for their foam core board scraps! Luckily my friend does framing.

I use plastic canvas that I purchase at Hancock fabric

Thought I was being lazy by not taking ANOTHER trip to Joann's and using what I already had(plastic canvas). I feel so much better now...as usual!

dh goes to our local home depot... it's 1/8 " thick by 4x4 sheet.. you use it for bottoms in dressers and etc.. its a dark brown color.. I don't know the term name for it. It's 2 bucks and change for a sheet.. dh cuts it into about 16 pieces.. so very cheap and it is soooo sturdy.. you could use it as a defense board if need be!!! lol
anyways.. that is what i use in mine.

I make mine into a pillowcase and then you can take out the foarm core board and wash everything. I also use 1/4" plywood and DH cuts it to fit into my pillowcase.

I was telling a friend about what I did with old college textbooks that absolutely no one wants -- sit in front of the TV ripping out the pages for recycling. She said I should have used the covers for bag inserts. Next time...

I make tote bags for stitchers/quilters. I went to Lowe's and bought an 8'x8' 1/8" plywood sheet and had them cut it into the size pieces I needed for my tote bags (9"x15"). I got 30 bottoms out of that sheet. The sheet of plywood cost me $10. I cover the plywood with a coordinating fabric to go with the bag. That covered bottom is removable for washing the bag. If you want to unstaple the cover you can to wash that cover. If you go to this website - madstitcher.com - and look under accessories then go to The Bag Lady you will see these bags. I took my tote bag with me as my carry on when we went to Hawaii last spring and it fits very nicely under the seat.
Kiki in NC

Thank you for this one. I know you've made many bags and I would follow whatever you recommend! You are one talented lady!
Susan

I meant to hit the quote to reply to your comment. I have followed you on this website for quite a while. Thank you for always sharing.
Susan

Vera bags are washable but you have to take out the board before you launder it.

I use matte board ( like you would use to put around a picture) I make a fabric sleeve for it. Inexpensive if you buy a huge sheet of it.

you are very kind... hubby also rounds the corners on the boards for me .. he loves to see each "birthing"..lol
i also make matching sleeves to put in bottom of bag.
i also use "no sew" glue to close opening and to close opening on the sleeve.. i have some weights that i sit on the bag opening until it sets..