I have used plastic canvas for tote bag bottoms, so I'm sure that would work in a purse as well. I received some clear plastic cutting mats for the kitchen at Christmas and as I looked at them I thought - purse bottoms. They are light weight and I assume they would be easy to cut, haven't cut one up yet though, so can't say for sure. Hope this helps.

I do, too, and I've never had them bend. I cover them with the lining fabric or coordinating fabric and they are very light weight.

I took a class once and the instructor had plexi glass bottoms that she sold them to the students for $1 each. She had them cut at a local shop here in Stockton, CA called "Tap Plastics" She told me they will cut and smooth any shapes you need.

This is what I have done too. They are pretty cheap (under $1 for a 12" square) at Lowes or Home Depot.

I recently needed larger bag bottoms and got some corrugated plastic from a sign store...but after this year's elections I plan to pull up a bunch of the signs and use the plastic!

I do exactly the same. Can usually find odd ones on sale
at Walmart.

My quilt guild had a speaker/workshop "Lizz Ploppert" who uses Plas-Tex which is shower stall walls. You buy it at home improvement stores and you can cut it with scissors. I bought a couple of her patterns and she had enclosed pcs of the plastic. It is a 3-d birdhouse that will open up into a mini-wallhanging. This plastic would make great purse inserts. I think she said that it sold in 4' x 8' sheets and you could probably have them cut it in half for you. She suggested you go in with a friend and share the sheet.

I recycle my old cutting mats for purse bottoms.

I have also used 2 layers of peltex also. Works well.Just buy it off the bolt at your local quilt shop.

I looked into the bottom of my expensive Vera Bradley bag....they used cardboard!!!!! Just regular cardboard!!!

I cut and use plastic note book covers I cover them with Purse linning material and they can be washed in washing machine even dried on low temp setting

Plexi glass works well inside a fabric casing. You might even glue some batting to it for softness. I went to the hardware store, and they had leftovers. I told them what I was looking to pay, gave them the dimensions and they cut a piece for me, was I happy.

I used this to replace the heavy cardboard bottom in a Vera Bradley bag. It's worked wonderfully and has been very durable. It can be cut to size with a utility knife. I bought a tile for $1 at Home Depot.

I use Pellon Heavy Duty Stabilizer (I think the number was 71 F.) You can get it fusible on 2 or two sides, but I prefer just a single side fusing. I make a sleeve for it, stuff it in, sew the top of the sleeve shut and iron it. It's totally washable, very frim and weighs practically nothing. A yard costs about $9 w/o a coupon.

I use the plastic canvas and really like it. I ususally cover it so you don't see it.

Great ideas!!

I use plastic canves in all my hand bags and I have made several,even the Amy Butler travel bag, I have made six of those and just won best of show at our county fair, will post a picture later.

d. swindle

It's called coriplast. I use it to organize fabric.

That's what I use. A bit lightweight, but does OK.

I buy acrylic sheeting from Lowe's to go in the bottom of bags I make. I knit little I-cords in the corners to hold it in place

I have been using lids from plastic packing crates after the box is broken. I cut it with an old rotary cutter. It's free.

I use double layers of plastic 7 count canvas but insert into a premade pocket. I prefer the double layer as sometimes my purse gets heavier with carrying other things After I made the bag I made open ended pocket that I slid the plastic canvas into, and then inserted it into the bottom of the bag. I am getting ready to make another bag and I do like to keep linings lighter in color to find things easily. But since this lining will be darker I am toying with the idea of using a light color scrap to help brighten up so hopefully I can see things.
Dawn NY

Thanks for the description; am keeping track of all the tips and appreciate so much the help. This purse will have quite the bottom.

Love the idea of using the placemats. I'll remember that when I start making more bow tuck purses.
Thanks!
Jennifer

I agree, this corrugated plastic that they use for election signs etc. is very light and sturdy. I cut it with an old rotary cutter. I got an armful of scraps from my local sign shop for $10

Very interesting to read. I have been wondering what to use. Sone good ideas on this board.

I use foam board from WM.

I use plastic canvas but I saw on this board a while back that someone cut up an old cutting mat and used that.

Some one told me to use those political campaign sighs they are water proof and can be cut with heavy kitchen shears. Haven't tried yet but have one waiting to use.