Wanting to sew a Tote bag, should I use fill to strengthen the walls?2 replies

I’m trying to sew up a tote bag, and I saw a pattern that used some fiber-fill or whatnot to strengthen the walls of the bag.

I am a severe beginner in sewing, and if I do use this fill I don’t know what kind I should use. Do I use the fluffy stuff, that looks like cotton, or the flatten ones, or should I even use a fill?

Thanks, and sorry for the complicated question!

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1. hairbender said on July 23, 2009 at 12:43 am

   Fiber-fil is not used to strengthen bags, but to give some padding, and softness. It does have two layers of fabric, with filling, so is better than one layer. However, if you wanted strength, you need to use a strong fabric. You can find several different thicknesses, so look around at a fabric shop.

   You could use two or more layers of fabric, a decorative on the outside, and strong ones like denim, on the inside. But be sure your machine can sew through the extra thick layers. Or you can sew two bags, one that fits inside the other, and then hand-stitch them together. The added layers will add strength.
2. pattiann said on July 24, 2009 at 1:34 am

   Normally, you would strengthen the fabric by using iron-on interfacing (sold with fabric).

   Buy the light/medium weight. If one layer is not stable enough, add another.

   This is sometimes referred to as backing.

   For a softer/padded look, or if you want to “quilt” the fabric, you can use iron-on batting (sometimes refered to as fleece).