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HELP…stabilizing purses

daisyjanie | Posted in General Discussion on

Hi there-

I am interested in what tricks & tips you might have for stabilizing handbags. I am beginning to think it’s an illusion! I am using home decorating fabric (cotton), and Pellon 50 interfacing. Both were “stiff” to some extent when I bought them. I washed them, and now both are flimsy and saggy. I am lining the handbags with lightweight cotton muslin and another layer of interfacing. But they just don’t have any “body” to them…..does the garment industry not prep their fabric by washing it, do they use a ton of liquid starch? The bags I am making will be used as diaper bags so they do have to have some rigidity to them. HELP!

Thanks in advance.

PS Our former line of handpainted evening bags can be seen at www.freshpaint3.net. My new business and web site is www.daisyjanie.com.

 

Replies

  1. barbsewandsew | | #1

    Hi Jan....there is a good discussion below...reinforcing tote bag bottoms....that might be helpful ! I have been using craft fuse and will be trying Timtex after reading that discussion ! I love your painted bags.!Barbara

  2. SewTruTerry | | #2

    You will want to use Timtex as it is really rigid and will not soften up when washed.  It is the stuff that they now use in the brim of baseball hats.  There are several websites that you can find for this product.  Good Luck.

    1. daisyjanie | | #7

      Months ago, I posted this question about stiff interfacings. And you directed me toward Timtex. I just want to say thanks for that tip; it has worked great.

      I am now making bags in much greater quantities and had to find something cheaper. I work with a similar heavy-duty interfacing from http://www.diversifiedtextiles.com. They sell only in 100 yd. increments, but it's much, much cheaper than Timtex and is wider! Can't guarantee anything if you contact them, but they were willing to work with me.

      Visit http://www.daisyjanie.com to see the interfacing in action!

      Thanks again.

      Jan D.

      1. SewTruTerry | | #8

        I am glad that I could help and that you found a better source.  I took a look at your website and your bags are wonderful.  Good Luck.

      2. barbsewandsew | | #9

        Jan...your purses are wonderful ! I have used Timtex for purses and like it but I'm glad to know about the other source. The purses I have made are mostly small linen ones but at the moment I am trying to make a slipcover for my dad's chair...the chair is 1,600 mile from me ! Your webpage has inspired me to get moving on the slipcover and get back to purses...good luck to you...you are quite talented ! Barbara

      3. kmm410 | | #10

        Hi,
        I do Irish Dance Dresses and use a very heavy iron in stabilizer that you might want to try. It's $2 a yard if you buy the 100 yard roll. It's 50" wide. I get it from a place in New York. If you're interested, let me know and I'll send you the info. I think it would be great for purses. You might need to put 2 layers in but it's very stiff. You wouldn't have to iron it in either, you can use it the way it is off the roll.Karen

      4. ixs | | #11

        Hi,Your bags are very lovely. Can you tell me where the information is about how big they are and what they are made of. Thanx.

  3. mem1 | | #3

    I love your stuff . I think you should be featured in Threads maybe doing an article on fabric painting .

  4. wellstongramma | | #4

    Does Peltex "melt" like the other interfacings you've used? 

    1. daisyjanie | | #5

      Hi Jo--

      I've never used Peltex. It seems my posting was premature b/c I saw the information about Timtex after I posted. Looks like that's the way to go, so now I'm drumming my fingers waiting for the UPS person to bring my delivery! :)

      Thanks

      Jan

       

  5. mawmaw | | #6

    give me the name of the material you to stabilize the han made purses and the

    diaper bags.

    thanks jan

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