Whats the best fabric to use to make a tote bag ?8 replies

I will be adding a beaded design to it so need something thick enough to hold books but also easy to attach the beading too

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1. charchar said on July 8, 2009 at 12:24 am

   Canvas works great for tote bags. Use an upholstery needle to attach embellishments. Burlap is an alternate fabric that is very strong and is considered shabby sheik.
2. daeve930 said on July 11, 2009 at 6:34 am

   Canvas is good, upholstry fabric, denim, osmagard, muslim.

   You can reinforce any fabric with Craft Bond or any iron-on interfacing too. Something with a little give to the weave, but not loose, might be good, but you have to be careful the beads won’t slip through it.

   I wouldn’t use satin…too delicate for a bag if you’re putting books in it.
3. pattiann said on July 12, 2009 at 1:35 pm

   I would not try making a tote bag using a Muslim. It might make them angry.

   Try heavier weights and bottom weights, twill, denim, linen or upholstery fabric, for example.

   If you find a fabric that is not as sturdy as the above, you can beef it up with iron-on interfacing.
4. islandhobbler said on July 12, 2009 at 8:01 pm

   canvas is best, will wear nice and will hold the beads well and last to hold books
5. Donya said on July 14, 2009 at 12:08 pm

   Here is a cool way to make a bag.
6. Janet I said on July 17, 2009 at 10:50 pm

   100% cotton
7. Milly said on July 20, 2009 at 8:16 pm

   Calico is a good all rounder. It’s thin enough to sew beads on to and strong enough to put heavy things in. Also it’s cheap and you can dye it any colour you want.
8. kay said on July 24, 2009 at 1:58 am

   I’d use a cordura or oxford nylon or polyester — these are beefy fabrics meant for luggage and backpacks and stuff and will take a lot of wear. They are also typically treated for at least some repellency (“DWR” — durable water repellent).

   Whatever you use, most fabrics with a coarse-ish weave need to have the seams finished completely — serged, overedged, bound, french seams, etc. This helps keep the fabric from fraying out, shortening the lifespan of your tote bag.

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