A few years ago, the pattern for a pocketbook I was making recommended headliner foam. Now unless there is a good reason not to, that is what I use. It gives the bags shape and some stiffness, but doesn't make it heavy. I made a large tote with regular batting, and it really is heavy. You can get it at Joann's and if you use a coupon, is affordable.

I love soft and stable- I quilt it but you don't have to.

Thanks for asking this question, as I made 2 purses and used Pellon, it was hard to work with and I wasn't entirely happy with the results. Now I have new things to try.

I really enjoyed this thread and I am having fun reading all the responses because everyone has their own thoughts about what goes inside. I have taken apart old purses to re-use the hardware and magnetic snaps. They too had different ideas as to what was best. I suppose it depends on what type of fabric you choose, what kind of quilting you plan on doing, what kind of use the bag would get and if it needs to be washed often just how much what kind and where you use the many types of interfacing, headliner foam, horsehair stiffening or, whatever. Make sense?

I agree that if you are making a tote for shopping you should use a denim or canvas type fabric and no interfacing or lining is needed if you French seam the edges. This would give you a nice reasonably light weight bag, but sturdy for shopping. Functionality would be high and long lasting.

I agree with this! Headliner foam is wonderful for bags - lightweight, affordable, quilt-able, and gives the article shape without being too stiff.

Yes and it is washable also.