When I bought my one and only Vera Bradley bag, it had a thin but sturdy piece of cardboard in the bottom that was in a separate sewn sleeve of the interior fabric. I've carried the bag long enough to fray the handles, so it must be good enough.

My own opinion is that plexiglass is too rigid, too heavy, and not necessary for the job. And the corners might be sharper than you would want. The Timtex used for fabric postcards might work just fine. Another possibility is to cut artist canvas board with a box cutter knife and use that. It would be cheaper than plexiglass also. I've used a 10" square of the artist boards in the base for my casserole carriers. Those for 3 for $3 and something. I would doubt seriously that factory made bags and totes go to the expense of a plexiglass bottom.

Just my opinion :)

The ladies in our quilt guild that make bags like to use the plastic needle craft stuff that is used for cross stitching or counted stitch (that is used for tissue boxes, eyeglass cases, etc). It is flexible, inexpensive and easy to cut and sturdy enough for the bottoms of the bags.

When I make a tote bag or diaper bag, etc., I cut a piece of plastic canvas the size I need and cover with fabric. This works great and is also washable.

Nancy

I just used plastic canvas for mine too. I used two pieces,and covered them with fabric which I folded underneath and glued with fabric spray....

Hey thank you am on my way to Wal-Mart will look in the craft section never heard of plastic canvas but but have seen artist canvas boards needing blue painters tape and hoping they have the spray stuff that sticks batting to fabric now we don,t have a sewing dept.
Gillian

I too use the plastic canvas, cuts easily with scissors.If I want a fimer bottom, I just use 2 layers of the plastic canvas. I cover mine with fabric, and just lay it loose in the bottom of the bag. Then I can remove it for washing if needed.
Good luck...can't wait to see your bags!
Lynn in PA

I also use the plastic canvas, I pad it a little with batting, wrap it in fabric, and stitch through it with a large basting stitch, my machine seems to go with out a problem, I then sew it into the bottome of my lining, I do lining seperate , place into bag and finish.

Plexiglass does not cut easily! Let me tell you! BUT I have it cut at my store...just take measurements with you and they'll cut it on their machine...Made a few rulers that way.

As for bag bottoms, a couple of my patterns call for craft foam. You can buy these 8 x 11 sheets at the craft/fabric stores too. Might check the weight against the plastic canvas and see if you have a preference.

I've been making totes/bags for years and would you believe never thought of using the plastic canvas in the bottom...What a good idea...Who said, an old dog can't learn a new trick??? Thanks
Dorothy

I guess what I said..."plastic needle craft stuff" was the wrong term to use. It is plastic convas. I just looked it up.

Well that was a quick trip found the painters tape, basting spray and plastic canvas so done pretty good no artist boards that dept. left with the fabrics. Talked with a gal down there she said she has used craft fuse-wonder under and timtex so am learning alot.
Gillian

Like stated above I wrap mine in a layer of batting especially the corners, or trim off the corners just a little. I had the plastic canvas wear through at the corners of a designer upholstery bag. We want pics.
Carolyn

I used plastic canvas in the first few purses and totes I made, then I found this "stuff" at Wal Mart, it's a thicker/stiff interfacing stuff, it was over with the Pellon fusibles and interfacings on a bolt. I put it with the purse fabric I was using and did my quilting, then used the lining fabric alone without any kind of interfacing. This worked better for me, wasn't as much trouble as making and applying the plastic canvas stuff. This makes the bag or tote stiff enough to sit up and not fold over.

I've got some of that "stuff", too. Brand names I know are Peltex and Timtex. Interesting stuff - a very stiff polyester batting, with a slight bit of "give" to it.

Googling around, I found this vendor who sells Timtex, which apparently does not include fusible on the interfacing itself (instructions on the top of the web page say to use double-sided fusible web with it), and also 3 different versions of Peltex: no fusible, fusible on one side, and fusible on both sides. (I didn't know it came in so many combinations.)

To see Peltex "in action" check out these instuctions for making fabric post cards:

http://www.amisimms.com/debrifapocat.html

CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: Heavy-duty interfacings

That,s the stuff the girl mentioned this morning I found some stuff that works the same at Long Creek Mills named "Stiffy" if I remember right, it was under a post here about thread it was $1.00yd forget how wide.
Gillian.

I have always used plastic canvas in mine. I make a pocket in the bottom and slide it in.

beverly