Want a Firm Bottom? (in your purse!)

Sometimes, especially if you stuff your purse like I do, its bottom tends to be droopy and/or it loses its shape.  A firm bottom can solve this.

This type of bottom is ideal for the Zippy Hobo, Jamie Purse, Tailored Tote, and Charmer Tote.

I like to make a firm bottom out of very stiff cardboard, covered in fabric.  You can cover in the same fabric you use for the lining or use a coordinating fabric.

Remember this is a removable bottom.  Remove before washing bag!!

Secret Weapon #3 - Clothespins!

Clothespins help the glue set.

Did you know you can use clothespins for other uses (other than holding clothes on the line and keeping potato chip bags closed)? They are indispensable in my sewing room.

Cheap, wooden (or plastic) clothespins are ideal for holding glued fabric together while it sets (5 minutes). For the bottom corners of purses, I simple pinch the entire bottom corner (from the inside) and clamp with the clothespins. Don’t leave them longer than 5 minutes or you may glue a clothespin to the purse!!

How to Make a Fabric Basket

Just in time for Easter!

Make these cute Reversible Fabric Baskets out of Jellyroll strips!

I made mine out of some jellyroll strips (I got in my "scrap bag" at Island Quilters) - it only takes 11 strips to make 2 baskets.  These are perfect for your desk to hold the mail, for your dresser to hold hairbrushes or makeup, or for your kid's small toys!  

You can even make it out of fat quarters (18" x 22") - just cut the pieces 9" wide (instead of 10").  You'll get 2 baskets out of 2 fat quarters.  Of course we've all seen sets of these - adjust the cut sizes smaller or bigger to make a set!

Secret Weapon #2 - Fabric Glue

Fabric Glue is my most important secret weapon! I have tried just about all of them and ALWAYS come back to Unique Stitch. There are several reasons I like this glue best of all.

Other permanent fabric glues STINK! I mean, really! I used one that never did stop smelling, even after it dried (that pretty much ruined that purse). Unique Stitch has almost no smell.

Even though it seems a little thin, it actually holds exceptionally well fabric to fabric. I find that pressure helps - holding the fabric with a clothespin for ONLY 5 minutes gives an incredibly strong hold. More than 5 minutes can sometimes cause the glue to ooze to the front of the fabric too much; 5 minutes gives it a nice set.

What do I glue? The bottom, squared-off, corners of my purses are always glued. It gives them extra strength and body and a finished look.

You can also use a tiny dab of Unique Stitch to repair missed seams in a quilt or even a split seam (glue the split part to the remaining seam allowance.

I love my Unique Stitch. Do you have a secret weapon you love?