I have been using plastic canvas in the bottom of my purses to help make it sturdy. I ran out and can't find what I have here somewhere. My question is, what else can I use for this??? I need to get these finished.

I got one from a friend. She used cardboard. I don't want to use that. I knew what would happen when I washed it. I washed it Sat. and it happened. That cardboard misshaped and went into a ball. I got it out. So I'll fix another insert for that one also.

I hate driving an hour just for some plastic canvas. Hopefully I can find it. It's in a tote somewhere. But thought maybe there was something else I could use or buy later that might be better than plastic canvas.

Here are some ideas
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-163808-1.htm

some have used the cheap cutting boards from the $2.00 shop. they just cut them down to size I think you would need a saw to cut them.

I can't help you with items to permanently sew in.
I have always made a sleeve to put matboard in. i remove it to wash ofcourse.

I may have to start doing that and just use a thick cardboard. And tell them not to wash that part. I've got to get these done. I have several more things to get done before Christmas.

Thanks for the help.

thanks for the link. I only just thought of something my DH bought. we went to an auction and they had some foam board, not what I would really call foam more like plastic about 1/4" thick and 7- 8 feet square trouble is we had to buy the whole pallet of 50 sheets worked out to about $8.00 per sheet. we used some to mount my pictures on, easy to cut on a bench saw. I had thought of using some for the table tops in the cattery as the wood has started to rot but now Wow I have an endless supply of tote bag bases.

you could use timtex or fast to fuse as that is washable. Got any template plastic? round the corners off?

Or some pelmet viline a couple of layers bonded together could also work.

Have you got a plastic cover on a file folder that is about the right weight?

Bekcs

In a pinch I've used a couple of layers of plastic placemats. I mean PINCH.

I have used foam board from the Dollar Tree. I always make a sleeve to it can be removed and I also don't sew the ends closed on the sleeve so that the actual sleeve can be washed.

mltquilt

I thought about that. I had a couple in my craft supply room. I may end up having to do something like that.

I don't know about everyone else, but boy Christmas is creeping up too fast. I have lots to do before that time comes.

What I do (among other things used) is take a school binder and cut the cardboard to 1/2" shorter on length and width of the purse bottom. The cardboard is covered in vinyl. I then cover with the fabric I use for the inside. I do not insert this so it is permanent in the purse. I leave one end of the bottom inside of the purse 'open' so that I can slip the vinyl covered cardboard in and out of the purse when washing. Not all of my patterns have a separate layer of fabric in the bottom for inserting this, so I add the layer before sewing all the bottom seams. One short side is hemmed under and that is the side the cardboard/plastic/acrylic slides in and out of. I get the binders for .99 sometimes and I can get from 2-4 inserts out of them depending on the size of the purse.

I have used the lid from a plastic box (after the box was broken). Tub surround scraps from a remodel. Roll up kitchen cutting mats. plastic from bacon package. About anything washable will work, and it saves putting so much in landfill.

You could use an old cutting mat, or plastic placemats as CarrieC suggested.

The minute the elections are over, I help the canidates by removing signs made of corigated plastic. They work great and can be cut to size with an exacto knife.

I do call the canidate for an ok, as they may want to reuse the signs for their next run. Save a few signs, on the wires, makes a great base for yard sale signs.

I use thin sunglasses from Lowes, Home depot, etc...they will make one or two cuts for free and you can also cut at home. Make a 'sleeve' to cover and slip it in. Works well and no bending or folding!

In a pinch I have used milk cartons, cat food containers, large washing detergent, etc.(washed/plastic) for the bottome of round item or small items. Some fit perfect.

I found some plastic placemats at the Dollar Store that were thicker than most plastics and made the bottoms for 2 Bow Tuck purses so that came to $0.50 each. I always make them so they are removable. I simply make a sleeve to fit and sew it closed. I find the stiffer bottom doesn't need to be washed very often.
Sue

Dollar store cutting mat??? The plastic back from a school notebook ??

I have used the boards from old clipboards. They are very sturdy. I just measure the size I need and then cut it with a jigsaw.

Cute purse. I use two pieces of fusible timtex. I fuse the two pieces tpgether and when the outer portion of the purse is completed, I will fuse the timtex into the bottom. This way the bottom is very sturdy and very washable. I have no problem with it getting soft and bending with two layers.

How about cutting up plastic table mats? That is if you have any of those lying around.

I have always made a sleeve for the cardboard or plastic sheeting to fit in so it can be removed before washing.

I use core board from JoAnns. They sell it in the craft isle. I also make a slip cover (kind of like a pillow case) that can be removed to be able to wash the purses.

Great ideas everyone. I'll start making sleeves for the rest of my purses. So I can go ahead and close up all the bottoms on my purses and put the bows on. I have quite a few I want to make. I can't wait to get the Christmas kitty and Christmas mouse ones done.

I had some leftover "peel and stick" vinyl tile or regular vinyl tile cut to fit.

I use foam core board and cover it with the matching or coordinating fabric.

I use a removable sleeve with matboard also. I put two strips of velcro, one at each end to hold it in place.

I buy a self adhesive floor tile for $0.28 at Lowes. I cut to size with my rotary cutter. I pull off the adhesive strip and stick a pieces of fleece to the sticky side. I have already made a sleeve, slide the tile/fleece in and sew it up. Cheap and sturdy.

We had extra slats from our faux wood blinds and I saved them for the purse bottoms. My husband cuts them to size and rounds off the edges.

I go to my local lumberyard. They have a bin of scraps of plexiglass. They like to get rid of it so they will cut whichever size I want for $.50 each. It is worth asking in your area.

I have used the plastic with holes that you use for needlepoint sorry can't think of the name. It works great.

Good question. Has anybody tried using thin sheets of acrylic that can be found in hardware stores. It can be cut by hand with a sharp blade. Since I want a purse that I can throw in the washer and dryer from time to time I like the idea of something that can be covered and removed when I need to and is reusable when a new purse is needed.

I use the plastic canvas in-between the lining and the bottom. However, when I don't have the plastic canvas, I have used cardboard... but when I do I make a sleeve out of the lining fabric and slide the cardboard into it and lay it on top of the lining in the bottom of the bag. That way when the cardboard weakens & bends (and it does) I can replace it... and it can easily be removed to clean the bag. Since Hurricane Irene has closed the nearest Joann's (all my plastic canvas is gone) I've been cutting up and using paperback book cover sleeves called "HardBacks" that I had left over from when I had the bookstore. These are VERY durable and don't bend easily; almost as strong as Lazy Girl Designs Bag-E-Bottoms. Don't know if "HardBacks" are still being manufactured but I do love using them in my handbags!

i use theplacemats that are made out of plastic or whatever u call it then make a sleeve to cover take it out when washing and drying.u can getplacemats cheap off clearance racks.

I use a piece of leftover picture mat board. You can often get that from the frame shop for not much money.

I do as Clover Patch does and use a very heavy mat board. I make a sleeve for it so it can be removed for washing. You can find mat board in the framing or art department of Hobby Lobby or Michael's. I also sometimes use plexiglas. Lowe's or any home store will cut it for you.

A thin piece of plywood cut to size also works