Fusible Fleece for Bags
 

Okay, I know that this has been discussed before, but I've read enough to get really confused. I made one Bow Tucks bag for myself and used regular quilt batting - it came out pretty, but a little floppy. So, off I went to JoAnn's and I was directed to Pellon 987F, (called for in the pattern) but it still looked a little floppy and thin. I ended up buying Pellon's Thermolam Plus (971) and made another bag. It turned out nice with more stability. I want to make more bags of various designs and can't decide what to buy for an "all purpose" batting for them, and I can't really afford a bunch of different ones. (Sorry for the long story ...)

What do you use? Should I stick with the Thermolam Plus? Do any of you know of a comparison of all of the battings and interfacings? I was unable to find that information and it would be really useful - maybe in a nice Word table?

Try Soft and Stable. Byannie.com is one place you can find it. Also at superiorthreads.com

I use 987F and Decorbond. Both can be bought at Joanns with 50% off coupons. Sometimes they are on sale for 50% off.

Have you tried going to the Pellon website? http://pellonideas.com/category/72-products.aspx

I have made tons ob Bow Tucks and other bags, with a variety of different fusibles, interfacings, etc and am still confused at all the different products out there. I agree, Pellon 987 isn't firm enough to make bags stand on their own, but it is easy to work with. I tried a very stiff fusible, and found I couldn't sew it very well on my machine. I just read today, after much time researching, about pellon SF101, which is woven and that means it will drape and move with the fabric better, not causing wrinkling, etc. It about doubles the layers, so you might not want to use it on both the outside and lining. If fuses nicely, but you have to pre-shrink it if using it on something that might get washed. What was recommended was using both SF101 AND Pellon sew-in 30, 40, or 50. Another recommendation was combining the SF 101 with Pellon 988. I haven't tried any of these suggestions yet, but will since I make allot of bags and purses.This person was NOT a fan of fusible fleece, which is what so many bag patterns call for. I would love to get my purses just a bit more body and not have them so floppy, without making it near impossible to sew on my machine, and not having wrinkles or un-natural stiffness.

I just checked my sewing room and I also use the Pellon TP 971 F. I had tried several others and this is the one I felt made the nicest bags. I have never had any problems with sewing with this and I have washed my bags several times and they seem to hold up well.

Using both together, do you fuse the 987 to the fabric first, then fuse the Decorbond on top of that or use one on the lining and the other on the outside fabric?? How do you use them both together?

My favorite fusible fleece is from WalMart. It is thicker than what I get at Joann's. I do like the Soft and Stable but it is pricey if you make as many bags for resale as I do. For my own bags I will use the Soft and Stable though. I have some times used the lighter fusible fleece on the outside fabric and Decor bond on the lining.

Thanks, I think I will try and get some Decor bond this week and try it. I just made a tote today using 987 fusible fleece on both the lining and outside fabric and it seems to be much more stable than just on the outside. I think I will try it as well on a Bow Tuck I will start tonight. I make them as totes, just not putting the ties on the sides.

I would love to try the Soft and Stable, it looks like a great product. But it's more pricey than my budget will allow right now. I really appreciate all of your suggestions! :)