I was just looking at my Professional Tote pattern and it says to use DecoBond. I have never heard of DecoBond. Can you use fussible fleece? Or is DecoBond much stiffer?

It's not a fleece, it's a heavyweight interfacing.

Deco bond is very stiff, heavy interfacing. It give the pro tote it's strength, and makes it look crisp and, well, professional ;-) You can't substitute fusible fleece. You can use timtex or peltex (fusible versions). I'd go with the DecoBond.

i love deco bond, i buy it by the bolt to use in all my bags.

it is nothing like fleece or batting.

How does it wash? I'm contemplating making this bag for my daughter.

where can this be purchased? At JoAnn? Thanks in advance. I just luv this site...it's always so helpful!

I really don't know if it's washable, but to be honest, I would never wash something made with Decor Bond. It makes the item very tailored & crisp (sorry, can't think of another word). It's a pellon product and it's described usage is as a craft/decorator item (think lampshade).
If you wanted something washable, I would go with peltex.
I've gotten both Decor Bond & Peltex at JoAnn's.

The last batch of DecoBond I purchased didn't fuse well at all. I was half way through the project and it was Sunday and no one was open so I couldn't take it back for a refund. I had purchased all they had so knew I was at a standstill. Finally had to use some double sided fusible with it to make it work. Anyone else have this problem with this product? Ann in TN

I use it by the bolt too for handbags. It is washable & holds up very well. WalMart has it for about $3/yard. Get DecorBond, not Craft/fuse. I had fusing issues about 4 years ago but everything i have bought since has been fine.

Just wanted to say that I also made the professional tote, love the pattern. I purchased DecoBond at JoAnn's. It is pretty stiff. I don't remember having any problem with it fusing. I understand that if fusibles are "old" or have been subject to humidity they may not fuse well.

also if you didn't wash your fabric or you used fabric softeners or sheets it will not fuse.


i have washed many items that have deco bond in them without any problems.

Can anyone provide info on where to find this pattern? I have quite a few fat quarters that need somewhere to go...

Word of caution about the pattern. Be sure to use the labels that are in the package to label all the pieces. There are a lot of pieces and it is easy to get mixed up. This isn't a quick pattern to make, so take your time. I've made 2 and enjoyed the process and the results.

I looked up on the mfg. Web site and it appears that Craft Fuse (or maybe its craft bond?) and deco bond are exactly the same product. Just difference in width. Deco bond is twice as wide.

Thanks everyone for all the info. I'm looking forward to making mine.:)

If concerned with laundering, spraying with ScotchGuard is an alternative to consider. Long ago I asked a VERY stylish woman how she kept her winter white wool coat so white and she replied ScotchGuard. I took her word to heart. It is great stuff.

Wow I love the info I read on this thread. Bookmarked it because I have this pattern myself . WILl have to buy it by th ebolt as well. ♥

I would really like to see one of these totes, wish someone had a picture.

Here is a link to the pattern:

http://www.pursepatterns.com/index.p...roducts_id=124

Oh I like it, that is very nice.

@QuiltnLady1: Thanks for the link! Great site, I added it to my favorites!!

I have made the professional tote at least 10 times. I get the deco bond at JoAnns with coupons. It holds up well in the wash. One thing I learned is that the pattern comes with labels to mark your pieces. Use them. There are quite a few pattern pieces and several of them look alike. They are very similar sized and hard to tell the difference between them. I am not a person who usually marks things. The first one I made I didn't mark them and spent a lot of time measuring the pieces. I love the tote, tons of pockets.

It makes the best diaper bag. My girls carry it to school. They used it all thru high school and college. A laptop fits in the middle pocket.

I love that pattern, I have made like 10 of them!!! for gifts. Go on line to their website, I think someone shared the labels for your cut pieces in color, so much easier to work with.

I have this pattern, all of this talk makes me anxious to bet started on mine. Thanks for the boast.

I use Decor Bond in all my bags and love how it gives them a really professional look. They are nice and sturdy and don't "flop" over when sitting.

I use it for my e-book covers so the screen is protected. It is very stiff and rather hard to work with, but it does a super job. The folks who have the covers I've made say they wash up very nicely, although book covers don't need washing all that often.

The Professional Tote was very hard for me to finish. Had to pay someone to finish it as I got lost. Lots of pieces!
My daughter asked for longer straps to go across her chest. Looks great. Good Luck!

Joann has decor bond by pellon and its 3.75 a yard. You could use a coupon to get yours.

Here are some pics of one of the ones that I have made.

I would not use fleese on this bag. The Deco Bond is great. Look for it with the fusible interfacings. Be sure to use the labels. I make a copy and save the original for my next bag. I've made 2 and they both turned out beautiful. Took me 2 days to make the second one. If you can sew with a friend it is more fun!!!

Oh, I forgot I used elastic on the side pockets. That worked for me.

it is stiffer and it isn't fleece

WOULD THIS DECORBOND WORK AS STIFFENING FOR BAG BOTTOMS INSTEAD OF USING CARDBOARD OR WHAT EVER WE USE IN THE BOTTOMs??? I'VE NEVER SEEN IT OR USED IT. AS USUAL, LEARNING SOMETHING NEW TODAY. LOVE THIS PLACE

I don't think deco bond would be stiff enough for a bag bottom. I just use plastic canvas covered with fabric

I've got a backing that's simply called "craft backing" It's nice and firm and easy to use.

I'd never use cardboard. Craft backing can be used in multiple layers to make a stiff bottom----but do NOT apply into teh seam line but once or twice.

Beautiful bag, I made one a few years ago and gave it to my aunt. I can't remember if I used fusible fleece or not. I'm going to have to go to her house one day and check it. Is Deco Bond stiff?

Another beautiful bag too!

I really like to use the batting that is for hot pads with the foil in it. It really makes the bags stand up and they never get frompy.