how to make purse structured-- stiffener?

[Former_Member]

So I'm interested in making a purse-- a structured one-- my fabric is not very structured in itself so I'm not sure what sort of stiffener to put it so the bag will hold it's shape? are there are sort of "eco" stiffeners? (non plastic)

[Former_Member]

Buckram is great, but I don't know that it's "eco"....it's used a lot in hat making and is also great for purses.

[BigMamaNebraska]

Some folks use canvas as an interfacing and others use a stiff interfacing. It all depends on the look you want.

[Former_Member]

Starch the junk out of it? And back it with a sturdy lining if the outer fabric is thin.

[Former_Member]

http://www.nigelsecostore.com/acatalog/Spray_Starch.html

[Former_Member]

is there any sort of product that could act as like a stable frame for the fabric to hold onto? or a stiff insert? when I say my fabric is not sturdy I mean it has no structural integrity-- because the material is pleather and not a stiff leather hide so I don't know if simply starching PU will work or if interfacing will seal the deal.

I want to achieve the same sort of stiffness that you see in structured leather bags like:

http://www.shockboutique.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/270x400/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c23...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4873072990_c9b1ccf1f2_b.jpg

[Former_Member]

You just need super stiff interfacing or buckram. You would cut it to the same size as your bag pieces, then sew the bag.....then when you line it, the interfacing/buckram ends up hidden behind the lining.

This is a good resource that breaks down the steps of bag making and gives you several options for the look you want:

http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/tips/index.html#TYPE

[Former_Member]

thanks! will look into it :) I guess I just always thought of interfacing as really thin for some reason!