Have you tried that plastic mesh stuff (which the name of it escapes me right now) ?? Folks use it to cut into shapes and then use yarn or whatever to create patterns??? Okay - if you have any idea what I'm talking about (LOL), use that ! I've used it in purses - made a "cover" for it and when it comes times to wash the purse, remove it - can even take off the sleeve (make the sleeve with one end open of course) and wash that too. Works great! Cheap too.....