I use foam core board,too. Found plastic canvas too flimsy for bigger purses

I have several sheets of the plastic grids from mother's stash. When I find them again, I'l going to try....

Ditto. Works great and you remove to wash. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great ideas everyone, thank you! :-D

That and Plastic Canvas.

Mr. Grumpy cuts fiber board and I insert it into a fabric envelope.

same here, it works fine for me and I've had this one bag for about 8 years.

joannes sells sheets of white foam oard, i bought when on sale bogo. the girls in my group have used cardboard from boxes, use sleeve made of lining material hemmed and just folded over so can remove to wash, just replace if need to.

Found this hint on the message board. I cut up an old warped cutting mat to the right size.

I do the plastic milk jug too, cover it with the lining, here I thought I was being so clever, might know someone on this board would think of it to We are just so smart (pat on back here)

I cut up plastic mesh. I get it from joanns or michaels. I slip it in the bottom between lining and outside fabric. It's inexpensive about a dollar for
Big sheet

Timtex.

When making a sleeve for the insert at the bottom of the purse or tote, add a pocket (or any length)using a zipper closure, or hook and loop. Then put the pocket facing the bottom of the bag and you have a secret pocket. My mom had a purse like this that I thought was a neat idea.

I have used both but the foam board will bend if mishandled. I sleeve the foam board so it is removable for washing.

Plastic canvas or a very very stiff Pellon craft fusible.

I've used corrugated plastic, but can't seem to find anymore in my neck of the woods. Those who use it, where do you get your supply?

But I usually collect political signs after the election. They are free, very light weight and very durable!

I get those cheap plastic cutting mats at dollar stores and use them for large totes and making quilt templates.

This works the best for me as well.

The hardware stores sell a tool that has a hook shape for cutting plexi. (It really scores the plexi so you can snap a piece off) I use plexi when I can get it cheap. Ask what they do with the scratched stuff as most people want it in good condition. A local place will let me pick from the scrap bin.

piney

I actually use a variety of items rescued from the trash, most of the time. There is 1 kind of cardboard box that has smaller 'corrugations' in it than the regular shipping boxes. I cut 2 pieces to the size I need and cover it with lining fabric. I've never had a purse bend and it seems to work fine. Also, I left a cutting mat in the car and it warped badly in our Texas heat, so I cut it into strips to use for purse bottoms. Sometimes I use that plastic canvas if there is a large enough piece left after the original use, and I've also used foam poster boards. All of them have worked for me.

I used the plastic canvas and round the ends and cover it with fabric. So if it gets wet it really won't matter, but I leave the cover open on one end so it can be washed. :):):)

I use these plastic chopping mats from the Dollar Store, cut to size (and stacked, if I want a really firm bottom). I generally cover them with a self-fabric lining also.

Leatheflea, you stated that you used plexiglass and cut it to size. What tool did you use to cut it. I am having a hard time cutting mine. Thanks for your help.

Robin,
It may not be the right thing to do, but I have actually used insulbright in the bottom of some of my purses. It gives support and it is washable. I haven't tried to wash any yet, but that is what I had on hand and that is what I used. Sue

For larger handbags, I have used a thin piece of craft wood covered with fabric ( like Vera's) I got it at Lowe's. Joann sells purse bottoms now.

I have used plex-a-glass cut to size, covered leaving an opening to remove for washing. The last few I have made, I used PenTex with an additional heavy interfacing sewn into a sleeve that is attached to the bottom end seams...does not have to be removed to be washed and also does not slip around the bottom of bag. Tons of idea out here.

Judy in Phoenix

This is what I use also. It works well I use a zig zag stitch to install on bottom of the lining. Dottie Bug

Michael's carries the 1/8 inch plywood. It can be cut with a craft knife or box cutter. I paid $2.00 a sheet and it was big enough to do four mini bowtuck bags.

Someone posted (maybe here?) they got their hands on an old cutting mat from a quilt shop. It was full of cuts and a bit warped so they were going to toss it. it worked really well in bag bottoms.

I use Luan in mine..

I found a great tutorial at
http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/20...fast2fuse.html

She recommends Peltex or Fast2fuse and shows how to make a base that she sews to the lining before sewing the bag together. I especially like that because before I used different materials in the "pillowcase" manner, but always was losing things underneath them. This eliminates that problem, since it is hidden between the two layers. I have also had corners begin to wear through when I used harder materials.

Her method works great!

Tap Plastic here in california has sheets that look like plastic cardboard. They are easy to cut with an old rotary cutter to what ever size you want. can get about 30 - 40 out of one sheet for only $6.

I use a double layer of fufible "Peltex" and cover it with matching fabric.

I have used all these materials. The bagg E bottoms are just too pricey, I've gone with very stiff cardboard(free) or plastic canvas. I make a sleeve for cardboard ones and stitch in the canvas.
Plywood too heavy, plexiglass-can't cut to size anymore. Hope this helps. I've sold many of my bags, just let the customer know what's in the base.

I have used plastic canvas, especially if I know it will be washed I have used thick poster board also. Don't think it can be washed though.

Posted this not too long ago without searching. What I use for the bottom of my BT and other bags is game boards. I had several games lying around that weren't being used as pieces were lost/missing. They are usually very sturdy, and I can cut them to the size I need. Works great. They are pretty easy to cut with your ruler and rotary cutter if you go over it several times instead of trying to do it in one swoop. My way of recycling. lol

Now that's a brilliant idea! Thank you!

I use the matte board also. I get it when I have a coupon from ACMoore. Then I cut it to the size I need. Each purse requires a different size. I then cover it with fabric and then stitch around it.

now that is a great idea............never thought of that. I have seen so many games sold at yard sales but was never interested in them. This changed the way I search now.................thanks.......