interfacing / stiffener for purses / bags / totes etc
 

looking through the posts it appears that pellon is the most popular interfacing to use to stiffen purses / handbags and totes. the cost of the interfacing sometimes exceeds the fabric itself. has anyone found a more economical solution to adding body to purses / bags / totes etc?

i use a spray adhesive for attaching stabalizer for machine embroidery, but that also mounts up in cost at around $11 a can that doesn't go all that far

I've seen some folk use plastic, like the kind you see in yard signs or the kind used for -um I think it;s a yarn craft like cross stitch. not sure what it's called cause I don't do purses. did 1. it came out really nice. but I didn't enjoy doing it.

I use coupons at Joann Fabrics when I buy the Pellon Fusible Fleece.

I used plain batting for my first mini bow tucks. I quilted it on the sewing machine and it turned out great.

I use fusible fleece also. It really does a nice job.

you need Timtex, or Peltex to make it stiff...or just plan Thinsulate batting and quilt it tight, that will also stiffen it up a bit!

You could use plastic canvas it can be attached to fabric

Yes Cheerio was thinking of plastic canvas also. Temtex by Pellon, I believe it is by Pellon, is really good. Batting and quilting it really well makes it stiffer also and gives a nice feel to the purse, I think.

I have made over 300 purses and I use Craft Fuse or DecorBond for the sides and the plastic canvas for the bottom. All is washable, so if they get wet or if you're spot cleaning it won't disintigrate like cardboard or a paper type product. If you want the sides stiffer, you could use a double layer or you could use a low loft batting along with the interfacing and quilt it. I have used Timtex, but it's harder to work with. guess you could also use Crinolin(sp) as in making hats or really stiff petticoats . When I buy I always use coupons from JoAnns, Hancocks or Hobby Lobby, so the cost is not overwhelming and I buy more than a yard at a time.

Has anyone tried using Inn-Control? It's used for purses and totes. I found this in a catalog called Home Sew Inc. They are also on the web. I was thinking of getting it but just wondered if anyone had used it.