It Needs Your Help

I started a new bag last night. A library tote.

I wanted something big enough to hold the books and strong enough so that it wouldn't rip. I interfaced the exterior and used white canvas for the lining ...

and it's still flimsy. I haven't sewn it completely together yet. I still have a small five-inch access hole at the top from where I turned it.

What should I do? Should I try to use fusible fleece? I normally don't like that stuff, but I'm not liking my bag as is and it needs something. Any other suggestions? (I'm not planning on taking the entire bag apart. In fact, I reinforced the handles about 9 times so they wouldn't rip off.) HELP!!!

[I think I should mention that it has a boxed bottom.]

Comments

Katie Jean said…
This is what I do to reinforce the bottom of the bag. Use a piece of plastic needlepoint canvas, cut it to the same size as the bottom of the bag, sew a fabric sleeve for it, and then place it in the bottom of the bag. You can tack it to the lining if you wish, or just leave it loose there. I find that it makes the bag a lot sturdier.

Love the print by the way.
9:07 AM EDT
laura capello said…
um... i dunno? get a heavy canvas to sandwich in the layers?
10:34 AM EDT
Becky said…
Are you worried that it is going to rip? Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it being too flimsy the books will provide the shape when you are using it.
10:55 AM EDT
Anonymous said…
Well those suggestions sound good. That fabric is ADORABLE! Ack!
11:34 AM EDT
nikko said…
The fabric is adorable! I would reinforce where the handles meet the bag (like make an X). Then they wouldn't rip out. Maybe top stitch around the edges and bottom for more support?
11:51 AM EDT
Sarah and Jack said…
I realize you said you aren't going to take it apart, but for "next time" I would definitely use one of those fusible (or even no fusible) fleece interfacings in between the layers.
12:22 PM EDT
Roxanne said…
Hi Lera - I'm delurking to hopefully help you out a little! I've had this problem before and have turned it inside out again and added a stiff iron-on interfacing to the lining (I hate that fleece stuff too). It should help a little bit. Also, I think for next time if you put your handles a little closer together you could avoid a little bit of the floppiness. I'm no expert, but I've screwed up on everything at least once. Hope this helps a little!
12:32 PM EDT
Amanda Jean said…
it's cute! I love the fabric.

I have no advice for reinforcing it at this stage. sorry!t
2:57 PM EDT
Karyn said…
Hmmmmm.....I'd do what Katie said and re-inforce the bottom.

I agree with Becky that once it's full it won't be as much of an issue.

That bag is amazing by the way!!!
4:30 PM EDT
jill said…
Heavier weight interfacing (labeled "craft" in some stores) will beef up any bag. I would think that with canvas as the lining, the bag would hold up well as a library bag. Something to keep in mind where book bags are concerned: some flex is helpful for the younger children when loading the books into it since the shape is not rigidly set.
5:28 PM EDT
Anonymous said…
next time use fusible interfacing called stiffy or something like you would use to make stiff collars or crafts. i would put the plastic canvas in the bottom as suggested. also if you pinch all the side and bottom seams and topstitch them it will give it structure as if there were piping there or better. call me if you don't understand what i'm talking about.
6:36 PM EDT
Me and Him said…
I have no further advice, but that fabric is adorable.
2:28 AM EDT
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