I am back for advice from my very helpful friends on the board. I have made one bag that collapses. I dont even carry it because it gets on my nerves. I was wondering what you all use to make them stiffer ? Should I use Heavy weight Interfacing with something else inside like Batting Or should I use something else?
Thank you

this topic should give you some good suggestions http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-52969-1.htm

Check out Soft 'n Stable at byannie.com. This works greatand holds its shape

Well, I haven't made a purse, but .... my suggestion would be that a heavy-duty interfacing would be helpful (I have used some that are really stiff, like for use in corsets that would be great). If you don't have that available to you (I found some at Wal-Mart of all places!), I'd try plastic canvas that is used for needlepoint. It's flexible, but stiff enough to hold its shape. I hope these suggestions help you.

(BTW, the purse in your avatar is really cute!)

The best, least expensive stuff i've found is <Blush> Stiffy from long creek mills. It's comparable to timtex/peltex at a fraction of the cost. They usually have a link right on their home page. I buy it by the roll. They have great thread too.

i use the fusible pellon.. i just get one of the heaviest ones that they have.. my bags never collapse and i get it at joann's.

That's what I do except I only use the heavy fleece for the outside of the bag. I use the thinner FF (987F) for everything else. The thicker is too much for me to use in the handles. I can't get it sewn. My bags hold their shape really well doing this. I get the heavy at Wal-Mart for $3.97 a yard. They don't carry the thinner stuff so I have to get that at Joanns. It just went up to $4.19 a yard.

I use Decor-Bond from Wal-Mart. My bags stay upright!

I use the very stiff pellon, either fusible or plain. Also a stiff product to use is decorator craft interfacing. It's good for table runners and totes to give body but not rigid stiff.

One tip I learned in a purse making class. Fuse a thin interfacing to the fabric before using the fusible stiff interfacing. It will prevent the wrinkles and puckers you sometime get with the fusible that show up on the fabric.

I just finished a Bow Tuck bag and it called for fusible fleece on the bag and the lining fabric. So that is two layers and the bag stands up beautifully. In the bottom I covered heavy duty cardboard with matching fabric. I will advise the new owner of the bag to remove when washing.