Strengthening a Bag
 

I have made a particular bag a few times with canvas, and I want to make the same bag with one of my cotton prints, but I am worried it might not be strong enough. Is there a good way to strengthen the bag? I was thinking of ironing on some fusible interfacing, but was wondering if that would be weird to have that as the inside of the bag. Using two layers of fabric might work, but I’m not sure how hard that would be to work with since it would mean I would be sewing four layers of fabric together.

They make different thicknesses of fusible interfacing that I've had good luck with for cotton totes. It won't show as it will be between the 2 layers of cotton. I don't think just using 2 layers of cotton is what you want. Too flimsy

Are you making a tote, drawstring, carry on or cosmetic type bag? I put the straps vertically around and under the tote to make it stronger. I always line my bags so I use two layers of fabric. Sometimes with batting or interfacing between the fabric and lining.

can you make a stiff interfacing that slips in the bag? covered with fabric.

It's a tote bag, and it actually has webbing around the underside, but I'm still concerned that the fabric will rip if whatever's in the bag applies pressure to it.

Then use something like heavy-weight denim, or rip-stop nylon, or the type of fabric used in Carhartt garments.

Thanks for all the replies. A heavier or stronger fabric is definitely safer, but they don't come in as many adorable cat and dog prints. ;)

Interfacing is probably the way to go if I want to use the fabric I have in mind. The other thing I could do is use canvas and then applique a design on it. Then the only tricky part is coming up with the applique design.

I like to fuse fleece onto the back side of the outer fabric. Bags seem strong enough.

What you could do - make the body of the bag of something durable like denim - and then use the "more fun" fabrics as pockets or trim on the outside of the bag.

When I made my tote with the pet mesh, you use it for the whole bag but piece the cotton onto it in some places, so it makes a strong bag. Here is a link that shows the supply list for it, and you can see they don't use any interfacing or batting. https://www.google.ca/search?q=tote+...TZ8GDgC-zeDGM: