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:

When I make totes, I use what ever cotton I want and use decor bond interfacing in it.i then make a matching or coordinating lining. Missouri Star Quilt Co has a good tote bag tutorial. They use a jelly roll, but you can use yardage and make it any size you like. 3 big bags from one jelly roll.

I think that would be strong enough, too. Is there such a thing as fusible fleece? Or do you use that double-sided fusible to attach it?

This is a great idea. I could put pockets between the webbing/handles on both sides. It wouldn't even be hard, and the fabric I have in mind goes with the canvas I have - big bonus for not having to go and buy anything!

I haven't seen this before, and it looks really cool ... I can see grocery bags, beach bags, pet carriers ... I have some nylon screen mesh left over from replacing some screens, which I think would work just as well as the vinyl. This is like a whole new world of bags.

I've used my husband old jeans for lining for tote bags. Then you can use your pretty fabrics for the outside. The denim heavy weight and makes a nice sturdy bag. You don't have to use any interfacing either! You will probably need to use a jeans needle to sew it as its pretty tough and tightly woven.

I use Pellon Shape-Flex, it's fusible and woven and gives a lot of support without adding bulk. Pellon als makes a fusible fleece and I've also used the decor bond as someone else mentioned. I usually get mine at JoAnn's with a coupon.

If your bag has a box (rectangular) bottom a piece of 1/4 masonite or luan, etc. cut slightly smaller, wrapped with self or contrasting fabric and just laid in the bottom would be strengthening since the straps go around.

I've used canvas as the lining for a tote bag and cottons for the exterior, it came out very nicely (and sturdy).

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I did forget to put pockets in the lining of this one but added them on the outside. lol

i would definitely use an interfacing and a lining. you can quilt just the top two layers, add pockets to the lining, then assemble.

this is my recent bot tuck https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictur...k-t289652.html

I make bags and purses using quilter's cotton. I use pellon sf101 to interface both the exterior fabric and the lining.
works well, providing strength and stability in bags and purses.

I would use the canvas as the base to sew the fashion fabric to, sort of like MSQC does a QAG. That way you get durability, strength, and beautiful fabrics. Win, win.

I use "ByAnnie Soft And Stable" and I love it. I tried it for the first time after making many bags without it, and now won't make a bag without it. It's strong yet soft.

You could use two layers of fabric quilted with batting or fusible fleece between them. Determine the size of fabric you need. Fuse fusible fleece to one side of one piece, layer another piece of fabric on top of the fleece and stitch together in a grid pattern or just straight lines or do a free motion quilting motif on it (great way to practice free motion quilting btw). Then assemble your bag with straps as desired. Have you seen the pre-quilted fabric sold in stores? It is usually more expensive than regular cotton fabric and not in the colors you are looking for, but this is the same principle.
Can I ask what you plan to carry in your bag that you are worried about the fabric ripping? I have carried books, groceries, etc in the bags I have made with this method and not had a problem.

I have made this bag and it has held up fine. I made sure I re-inforced the stitching on the handles. The webbing comes in so many colors and I could match my handles (JoAnn's) to the webbing!

When making bags and purses, using the proper interfacing for your project is an important part of the construction process and can make or break the design of your bag or purse. Interfacing adds support and structure to the style of the bag, and also strengthens and stabilizes the fabric and prevents it from distorting and stretching out of shape.
There are lots of different types of interfacing available however my personal preference for bags and purses is to use fusible interfacing. Fusible interfacing is easy to use and comes in a wide variety of thicknesses and types. Depending on the type of interfacing, it will have a rough texture or shiny surface on the fusible side, and this is the side that fuses to the fabric. Most fusible interfacings are nonwoven which means they don’t have a grain and you can use them in any direction.

I purchase my fusible interfacing from "Creative Cloth.com" online, there are many different types, you will see that on their website.

My brick collection! ;)

I don't have a particular use for it, but I want it to be strong enough for things like books. In the past I've made it with a single layer of canvas, but a single layer of thinner cotton isn't going to do it. Something like you have here with the fleece would be better.

There are so many good ideas here that I keep changing my mind about how I'm going to do it. I'm leaning towards something like you describe here, but since I already have regular fusible interfacing, I'll probably use that instead of going out and buying the fusible fleece.

Thanks everyone for all the posts. I've learned a few things that I want to try out, and since bags go together pretty quickly and are so useful, I'll probably have a chance to even if I don't for this bag (unlike quilts where I'll never get to half the things that sound like fun).

I'd test out some different types of interfacing. Many people like to foam.

I just got my mini bow tucks pattern and am dismayed at the lack of step by step pictures. This will be the equivalent of a mystery project for me... wish me luck. Yours is very pretty. I really like your idea with the random stitches placement. My first one will be the test before I cut into my pretty fabric.

Pellon makes a foam that you use for bags that gives it structure without the weight. You might look the next time you are in the fabric store at the available new products by pellon. The sheet that comes with it has all the instructions on it. I bought a lot of it but haven't tried it as yet.
I usually cut my main outside fabric pieces large and quilt them with the 80/20 batting on the back before cutting them out to size. I consider the use of the bag and where the structure will have the stress and quilt accordingly to stabilize it. I sometimes only quilt to the stitching line so I can cut away the batting in the seams to reduce the bulk so I get sharp edges.
I hope this helps you. I have made many bags and each one needs it's own thought and process before making it.

The picture in my avatar is the front detail of a bag I donated to the diabetes auction in memory of my friend kitty.