Need To Stiffen Up Canvas Bags..

[CustomDoug]

I've made a few canvas totes (w/leather trim) lately and they look pretty good but I'd like to give them a little body. They collapse like a wet noodle when set down. I know that's usually the nature of the beast when talking canvas totes but I was wondering if there was anything I could do to combat this a little bit. Perhaps there's some kind of fusing material that could go between the outer shell and lining? I assume there would be sheets of something used for this purpose but I know nothing about it - how would it be applied (spray glue, etc?) ? Thanks for any suggestions!

Edited August 18, 2012 by CustomDoug

[Luke Hatley]

There are about 3 different weights of Fuseing Material at your local Material shop Yes you can Iorn them into place also the Spray Starch might help to firm up the Canvas.

[Sylvia]

I've made a few canvas totes (w/leather trim) lately and they look pretty good but I'd like to give them a little body. They collapse like a wet noodle when set down. I know that's usually the nature of the beast when talking canvas totes but I was wondering if there was anything I could do to combat this a little bit. Perhaps there's some kind of fusing material that could go between the outer shell and lining? I assume there would be sheets of something used for this purpose but I know nothing about it - how would it be applied (spray glue, etc?) ? Thanks for any suggestions!

Hi Doug!

What you need is fusable heavy stabilizer. It's expensive but works well. You iron it on and go... no spray adhesives required.

http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Ultra-Firm-White-Fusable-Stabilizer-10-Yards/5123851/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}

[red3]

Go to springfield leather and get a sheet of bontex..I just got a sheet and it is exactly what you need...just glue it in between the outer shell and the liner and you should be good to go....springfield is awesome to work with as well....

[CustomDoug]

Thanks for that Sylvia !! So.. the ironing thing is pretty much permanent, is it? Do you know if it becomes effected by moisture such as rain or anything? I suppose scotchguard would probably be a good idea on the outside anyway. But just curious.

[Sylvia]

It's pretty permanent. It would take a lot of washings before it releases from the inside. But from what I understand of your process you'll encase that between 2 layers of canvas right? If so, just capture the edge of the stiffener in your seam allowance and you are good to go. I use something similar to this in machine embroidery. Iron on is much easier to work with than the spray glue (which gums up the needle.

Remember when you iron this on... it's more of a pressing motion. Press, press, press. Allow to cool... move on to the next piece. Avoid an ironing motion or it will move on you as the glue heats up.

Syl

[CustomDoug]

Good tip on the press rather than iron.. I'll keep it in mind. And I hear ya on the gummed up needle situation too.

@ Red3 - I think bondtex is carried by Tandy too if I'm not mistaken, and I have a sale coupon for this month (and there's one close) so I may stop in and pick up a sheet just for the heck of it. I'd thought of that earlier but from my memory of it, I thought it was too thick for my needs. But that's just based on a 3 second glance at it from about a year ago. Before I thought I might need it for anything. I'll check again. What glue would be best for it? It is probably going to be cheaper though to use the fusing mentioned earlier I'd think, if needed on a regular basis. We'll see.. thanks for everyone's input.

[CustomDoug]

Is there any reason this fusible stabilizer would not work on chrome tanned leathers too? Does it fuse to it as well as it does to canvas and cloth? thanks.