I use Pellon 71F, a very heavy, fusible interfacing. I make a sleeve to match the lining of the purse/tote, then slip the Pellon in and fuse it well. This stuff is super heavy, works really well on the bags, but when I have a large tote, I ususally double it. I like having it match the purse, especially if it's for someone else, ergo the sleeve.

I just used an old plastic place mat cut to the size need for tote, then glued the material around it or a sleeve would be ok, as you can sew it shut.

I've used an old cutting mat within a sleeve.

Lazy Girl Designs has several sizes of bottoms for her bag patterns. While they are not cheap, they are interchangeable. I find that I prefer a certain size purse so I make a variety in that size and the bottoms can be traded out. (PS-I think her purse patterns are awesome too!)

http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/produ..._E_Bottoms/c53

If you have or your guilt shop has old cutting boards you can cut them and they can be removed from the sleeve before washing. It has worked great for me.

I read the other suggestions, which were great, and although I haven't finished my purse yet, I plan to use the somewhat thin plastic cutting boards, then cover with fabric. I also thought of plastic binders, as well as plastic canvas.

I use foamcore board. I just make a fabric sleeve and slip it into that to put in the bottom of the purse.

I like to use three or four layers of craft backing. I use only one piece over whole bottom including seam allowances. The other pieces I just iron inside the seam allowances

I don't like plastic canvas because it can break.

I've used this and love it. One big advantage is that it will not be ruined if something wet gets on it like the foam board. Great in diaper bags.

I use the plastic canvas & I also use the foam material that looks like corrogated cardboard. That may be foam core. They also make yard signs out of it. The kind that the metal wire stands just slide into.

I've used the boards they sell for mats for pictures. They have other good boards in the craft stores near the picture frames-can be cut to any size & you get a lot of mileage out of 1 board. Then cover with a sleeve, but you don't have to sew it closed - just make it longer & fold it in. Easier for washing!

I use the stiff craft interfacing, I think one brand is called Timtex. I've heard people recommend buying the stiff place mats at the dollar store but ours doesn't carry them.

I use 4" x 14" x 1/4" boards from Micheals. Usually on display with the balsa wood.

This is my choice also. You forgot how easy they are to cut.

I've used plastic canvas and I've used the plastic folders and made a sleeve. All good suggestions.

I use a heavy mat board. It comes in different weights, and I get it in the art/frame dept. at Hobby Lobby or JoAnns. I have also used plexiglas. I got it at Lowe's, and they cut it to size for me. I bought one pre cut size, and they allowed two free cuts from that. I make a fabric sleeve for both these products, and they hold up very well.

Does anyone have trouble with things going under the sleeve? I did.

I have had wonderful luck with this method. Being able to remove it for washing is super. I can take the foam board out and just wash the sleeve. Had a problem with things sliding under it so use a spray glue when I put it in the bottom.

You know those Bag-E-Bottoms that are super expensive, well I get the local glass shop to cut me plexiglass in the sizes I need for a fraction of the cost.

I use foam boards, I buy at the Dollar Store. You can cut several from one board. Plus, I save used rotary
blades to cut them. I use 2 boards, taped together with duct tape for extra strong bottoms. I do cover
them with a fabric sleeve. I've tried other suggestions and this is the cheapest way I have found.
Hope this helps.

Am I the only one who does not use anything? I do use heavier fabric for my bags and fusible interfacing, they seem pretty sturdy.

I had a cutting mat that was completely worn out, so I cut it into rectangles and used it for the bottom of the tote bags I made. Also made an extra sleeve, so the mat could be removed to launder the bag.

I ask for the heavy cardboard that the Quilt Shop or Fabric Stores throw out when they get to the end of the bolt. It's free for me & the store doesn't have to take it out to the trash. Some bolts have stronger cardboard than others. I'm sure that it is bendable at a certain weight, but so far none of my Bow Tucks bags sag. I've heard of people using foam board from a craft shop, too.

I run a small business out of my home and I get a lot of fed x boxes. I cut them to fit and make a sleeve to put the cardboard in. I have made at least 100 totes and it holds up great and most of all it is free.

I buy my kitty litter in the large, plastic jugs. When empty I cut out the large sides and use them, sometimes doubling them. I also make a "sleeve" inside, so the plastic can be removed when washed. I've also used Very heavy cardboard, usuually 2 layers, one with lines of cardboard running east and west and the other running north and south. Again, making a sleeve so it can be removed for laundering.

Bag bottoms
 

I use a material in great supply after an election: those annoying political signs
made of corrugated plastic! They cut easily, are very stiff, waterproof, and
can be easily removed from the fabric sleeve I encase them. Then I use the
metal stakes to prop up plants. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and clean up litter.
It is especially satisfying to use the signs of the candidates you didn't support...

I used double plastic canvas also but lately I have better results with plastic placemates. I use my old ones but you can purchase inexpensive ones in dollar store. They are easy to cut and some of them don't even need the sleeve and are easy to wipe clean. I do like the finish look so I put them in sleeves.

I go to my local x-ray clinic and ask for the hard plastic sheets that are used for shipping protection of the x-ray film packages. It can be cut to size and it is free.

I'm going to use that quote on my Website if that's okay with you. The one about the kids ... my readers will love it.

Wandering around Home Depot or Lowes is almost as fun to me as the fabric store! (operative word :ALMOST! lol) I found a blank sign- like you might put out front of your house for sale. It is like a corrigated plastic and easily cut with a utility knife. I used it for the bottom of a new tote I made and I love its sturdy lightweight base. Here are pictures of it being cut. The piece was about $5 and I will get about 5 purses or totes, depending on the size. I did cover mine to match, but I dont' think I needed to. I also cut the 'ribs' of the plastic the short way. I am hoping it is a sturdier cut.

I use those thin colour coded chopping boards - red for meat, green for vegetables etc. They're usually sold in packs of five in the catering section. Easy to cut and inexpensive too.

I use a heavy iron on craft backing. I do 3 or so layers, cut just inside the seam line.

Stiffening a homemade washable fabric purse
 

I usually go to WalMart and look in their kitchen utensils area for the pack, of 6 I think it is, plastic colored cutting boards.
Those are easily cut with utility scissors, and with corners rounded seem to be perfect stiffening material for tote bags, purses, and clutches. While leaving the purse (or item) totally washable although I hang to dry for fear the dryer will melt the cutting board.
The needlepoint net idea is really good but hang dry is what I would do if I use that as well.
There are also programs to create fabric labels for homemade sewn items that are washable too.
I even found a company that makes them for you and it isn't costing a arm and leg either. I love this because I make items for my grandbabies and can put who it is from as well as washing instructions.
A friend of mine actually uses her embroidery/sewing combo machine to make her labels and then sews them right into the item. She picks up white pillow cases from thrift stores, goodwill stores, garage sales etc and has a cardboard rectangle that she uses to cut the "label" out (from the pillow case material ) with so that it is large enough to hem, embroider, and read!

This is what I have done.