Replies

1. 
   sewgal | Jan 25, 2005 04:31pm | #1

   For something that large, I don't know if you'll get the stiffness you want from the plastic.  I would get 1/8" or 1/4" plexiglass (cut to size) and use it in the bottom.  Being clear, it won't "show," so you won't need to cover it unless you want to.  You should be able to get this at a glass store.  Gail

2. 
   rjf | Jan 25, 2005 04:47pm | #2

   I'd go to the lumber yard and get some pressed board, not too thick, and have them cut it size.  Round the corners, if possible, so it doesn't poke through the fabric.  rjf

3. 
   TJV | Jan 25, 2005 10:16pm | #3

   Tote bag bottom

   One thing I have just bought to try myself is a thin kitchen vegetable cutting board. Mine is 12" by 15" Sometimes available at $ stores. A variety of sizes and thickneses should be available at Walmart. Hope this helps you.

   New member TJV

    

4. 
   sueb | Jan 26, 2005 02:39am | #4

   I make a lot of handbags.  For the bottoms I sandwich a piece of matboard inbetween two pieces of Timtex interfacing.   Works perfectly.

   sueb

   http://www.sueboriginals.com

1. 
   Elaray | Jan 26, 2005 05:18am | #5

   What exactly is "matboard" and "timtex" interfacing & and where can I get them? Do you mean the matboard used for framing pictures? I'm not familiar with timtex interfacing, either. Please provide more info.--------------------------------------------------------I sew, therefore I am

   Edited 1/25/2005 9:24 pm ET by Elaray

1. 
   sueb | Jan 26, 2005 01:57pm | #6

   matboard is the stuff for mounting pictures, most of your larger craft stores will carry it.  Timtex is a really stiff interfacing that is used in hat brims.   Most of the larger fabric stores carry it, usually in small packages but some carry it on the bolt.  you can get it online at:

   http://www.icon2sew.com/stabilizers_fusibles.htm

   scroll down and look for timtex.  It's a terrific stabilizer and you can use it for that new popular craft of making bowls and boxes that everybody's been doing.

   sueb

   http://www.sueboriginals.com

5. 
   paddyscar | Jan 27, 2005 05:53am | #7

   What about foam-core?  This is the foam board used to mount pictures and items such as cross-stitch or embroidery.  It comes in a variety of sizes and can easily be cut to shape with a pair of household scissors.  It is about 1/4 inch in thickness and the fabric will self-adhere to the one side.  It would hold the shape quite well if used for carrying bulky, rather than heavy items, and wouldn't add much weight to the tote.

   Sign makers use a 'board' made of plastic that is constructed like a piece of corrugated cardboard, with plastic channels in between two outer flat pieces of plastic.  It is also sturdy without weight, easy to cut, and you may be able to pick up a piece of scrap for the asking.

   Frances

6. 
   Elaray | Jan 31, 2005 10:29pm | #8

   Thanks to all for your suggestions! I found Ultra stiff plastic canvas that was large enough for my purpose. The plastic canvas should hold up well in the washing machine. I sandwiched it between Timtex interfacing as SueB suggested. It worked perfectly! Both the interfacing and plastic canvas were available at my local large fabric/craft chain store.

   Thanks again.