Thanks for lots of great ideas!

I use the plastic canvas that is sold to use with yarn, etc. I make a sleeve, then stitch it closed with a big stitch, so I can wash if necessary.

I read recently that people had used old warped cutting boards. They already have the grid to measure and cut the size needed too!

I have used the plastic from kitty litter jugs and from the boxes (it is quite strong). I make a "pocket" in the bottom, double the cardboard, glued, and slip it in. It can be removed for laundering.

Thank you everyone for the responses!!!

I used an art board from Joann and cut it to size. It held up very good.

I used cardboard in my bags and covered with fabric. I see a lot of good ideas here.

great idea. thanks

ditto...

I second the place mats from Dollar Store. You can make a couple of bag bottoms with one placemat. Can't beat the price.

If you have any old worn out cutting mats, they make great purse bottoms and re-purposes them as well. No waste!

I use Plastic Canvas and I have also used old Yard signs that ar made out of plastic, they clean up really good and are sturdy.

Around the end of election time, go to the party headquarters and take the old signs off their hands (free!) cut them to fit. They are corragated plastic, strong, cleanable and make perfect bag bottoms. They are green, too!!

I use the plastic canvas that you can buy at any hobby store .

I use foamboard.. Works for me.

I agree, plastic canvas seems to work best. Also, if you're looking for purse patterns to try I just found this collection. With Spring coming up I was thinking about buying some new bags but these look easy enough to make - plus, it's a much cheaper option.

http://www.allfreesewing.com/Bags-an...-to-Sew-Purses

Lots of great suggestions here. I will have to try some day!

I go to Lowe's and get a small sheet of heavy plastic. They will cut it to size. My husband then slightly rounds the corners and it sits nicely in the bottom of the tote or purse. You can see through it so if things fall under there they are visiable. It's pretty inexpensive and much, much nicer than anything else I've found. If you get good you can even move them from purse to purse!

I use a strong cardboard wrapped in matching or coordinating fabric, slip stitch the end closed, THEN::::
I add velcro to both the bottom of the back and the 'other' side of it to the bottom of the cardboard covered bottom and secure it in place.

I do this to help the bottoom in place, There is nothing more aggravating . to me. than to have everything small roll up under the bottom of the bag when it is not seured in place.

Hope this makes sense!

I use three layers of plastic canvas, cut to fit. Then I wrap them in the left over fabric (or any other) and tack it closed. Lay it in the bottom and maybe tack it again to the purse lining.

I use Buckram

I have some old clip boards that I have sawed and sanded to fit in the bottom of tote bags. These boards are really sturdy and heavy duty. They will not bend at all, even under a laptop.

I used to own a frame shop and had a lot of mat board scraps. I cut to size and shape of purse bottom. Covered it with scrap battling, made a cover to match purse and slipped it in. It's been over a year and it held up great. Frame shops always have lots if scraps that they donate to schools or just throw out. Stop in and ask!

Foam core warps easily

have you tried plastic canvas pieces?