I made an Ashley purse (by Sew Unique Creations) last year. I'm wanting to make another one. The pattern calls for the outside to be QAYG to a batting and then a lining is inserted. I used Dream Cotton as the batting, but I don't like how floppy the sides are. The purse is pretty big - about 12" x 14" by 4". Does anyone have any ideas for stiffening the sides?

Would using fleece instead of batting make it stand better? I thought about using the fusible fleece, but then remembered that the purse is constructed QAYG and that I ironed after each seam to make sure the fabric was flat. Is there a non-fusible fleece that I could use? Can I use regular fleece?

What about adding a layer of duck cloth or interfacing? Would either of those work with the batting?

Thanks!

I just made a couple totes and used pellon as stiffener. I cut the pellon pieces smaller than the other pieces. Of course, I was doing them raggy. I know fusible fleece is expensive, but this pellon wasn't and holds up good after washing.

There is a new product out. For the life of me I cannot recall the name of it. It is very similar to the "headliner" stuff they use in cars. It is stiffer than batting, kinda like a thin foam that works wonderfully in bags and such. I'm sorry I can't think of the name. I had a flyer I picked up at Long Beach International Quilt show and I can't find it at the moment.

I use regular fleece.
For one jumbo purse the customer wanted it to stand freely, I used the really thick polyester batting. It worked really well and customer was very happy with its stiffness.

Blessings,
Sandi

There are different weights of fleece, I've made bags with the heavy weight fleece that were almost stiff like they had buckram in them. I would experitment with fabric sandwiches to get effect I wanted.

Pellon makes tons of different weight fleece/interfacings. You can get both fusible and regular fleece, they also have one called thermolam thats slightly thicker than their "fleece". Also I have found that the more I quilt a piece the stronger/sturdier the purse is. Google pellon and you will get lots of hits on the different websites that offer their products. Pellon is not the only company tho, there are lots out there. Good luck in your search, I hope you find the right product for your application.

I have used canvas to make a small purse stiff and I have used heavyweight interfacing. The interfacing is easier to work with and not as thick as the canvas.

It is called Soft and Stable. I have some but haven't used it yet. Google the name to find the website.

Another suggestion for such a big bag is to do the same as you did the last one and then when the panel is made then add a layer of fusible fleece to the back of the panel.
I sometime use 2 layers of fusible fleece when I want something good and stiff.

I just made a tote bag and used Decobond. That makes it very stiff.

Floriani's fusible fleece holds up quite nicely