I want to try to use the plastic canvas to reinforce the fabric for magnetic snaps, but I am not sure how you attach them. I am afraid to try it by machine, in case the needle breaks, but not quite sure what to do. Is there a thinner canvas that can be machine sewn? The only thing I have seen is very thick/ hard plastic. Any info would be great :)

P.S. I did a search on sewing plastic canvas, but nothing that I needed came up :?:

I would sew it by hand. I haven't ever seen thinner plastic canvas as it is normally sewn in needle point with a fairly thicker thread.

i just use heavy innerfacing or upholstery fabric

What about a thick canvas, not plastic, but like sailcloth? I used thick canvas for a clutch and it was pretty stiff.

I would just use a piece of thick fabric like denim or sailcloth

If you use something that is too hard, it might tear or weaken the fabric around the edges of it.

Good point! I want to use it on the Bow Tuck bag, but it definitely needs some backing behind that cotton. I have a bunch of furniture store fabric samples, so I will try one of those :) I had just heard of so many using the plastic canvas, but never said how they put them in..

Thanks a million to everyone :)

the plastic canvas was used in the bottom to keep it from sagging

I sew through plastic canvas all the time when i make bottoms for tote bags. I make a fabric pillow case for inside the bottom of the bag and put a piece of plastic canvas in it to make it sturdier. I tuck the open end to the inside and run it along the sewing machine to close it. I set the stitch length to #3. Never had a problem.
peace

Try buckram.

I put it in by hand, but I've also used a zig zag stitch on a purse bottom and the needle just slid right over the mesh. Rather like sewing over pins, just go slow and your sewing machine needle should just slip over the plastic grid with no problem. I do use a 90/14 jeans needle when I do this.

Would you consider using a couple pieces of craft backing? Plastic canvas is rather brittle and I don't think you'll get the results you're looking for.

Iron on a couple circles of craft backing on the back of each spot where your snaps will be. It's rather stiff and I think would do good for you.

this quilter is wanting to use the plastic canvas for a reinforcement for snaps-------------not at all the same application.

Oh, I misunderstood too. Pellon makes a craft fuse material that would cut into circle and make good backing. I used it for making Kindle covers to protect the screen and it is very sturdy, but you can cut it to shape.

I used the plastic canvas to make inserts to strengthen the bottom of my shopping bags. Covered them with fabric and sewed thru it. No problem. I figured the worse that could happen is that I would have to replace the needle. I did increase my stitch length on the machine and started slow just in case it didn't work, but it did just fine.
I would think it would work just as well as reinforcement for snaps... same principle.

That's what I use--very substantial. And I think Pellon simply calls it "craft backing" I usually do 3 or 4 layers for the bottom of my purses, each layer cut a tad short of the seam so I can still sew the seams. Washes wonderfully!

The plastic isn't strong enough to stand up to tugging on it as a snap backing would get.