Dee, Michele or anyone who sews

**homesteadmamma** · 08-10-2005, 11:09 AM

I'm making a tote bag (quilted). What can I line it with. Can I use a sheet????

HELP!!!!

**Michelle** · 08-10-2005, 11:34 AM

Do you mean just a lining or something to "stiffen" it?

**homesteadmamma** · 08-10-2005, 12:18 PM

No, just a lining. I'm thinking of using a sheet but I want to make sure its strong enough to carry a few things in it. Its actually a quilting tote bag.

**Michelle** · 08-10-2005, 12:21 PM

I don't see why it wouldn't work since it will be sewn inside the bag. I think of sheets as thinner than say a quilter's woven (of course this may not be true of higher thread count sheets), though, and I would probably use one of those instead.

**Missy** · 08-10-2005, 01:26 PM

I don't see why not

**duckduckgoose007** · 08-10-2005, 02:27 PM

Cj,

Deed just gave me a "tote"...it has a piece of flowered material for a lining...but a "sheet" ought to work just fine.

Have a great time sewing...I am sure it will turn out wonderful.

**SewCrafty** · 08-10-2005, 04:08 PM

Yep CJ a sheet is just fine to line it with. Can't wait to see the finished tote!

**Michele Annette** · 08-11-2005, 09:32 AM

I think a sheet would work fine too CJ! As long as the bag itself is nice and sturdy once it's sewn toghether I don't see why it wouldn't be sturdy enough. If you need to, add interfacing inbetween. That's what I do when I make my bags. Let us know how it comes out!

**homesteadmamma** · 08-11-2005, 02:59 PM

Michele, how clever is that. I hadn't even thought of interfacing. I have a ton of that here. I'm definitely going to do that. Thank you!!!

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll post a picture once I get it done. I may be asking another question yet, as I don't quite understand the instructions. I'm going to try figuring it out later. However, I just went to the library and brought home about 10 quilting magazines. Not going to get much done today.

**SewCrafty** · 08-11-2005, 03:12 PM

Sorry CJ, interfacing is one of those things I 'assume' everyone uses like I do.

**Michele Annette** · 08-11-2005, 05:26 PM

CJ, one more thing. If you want to use the interfacing inbetween, also use a single layer of 100% cotton batting (such as Warm and Natural) inbetween the interfacing and the quilt block(s). I make small handbags and this is an example of what I do to make them more sturdy, but smooth looking on the outside...

If you are using your quilt blocks for the outside, cut one piece of interfacing and batting for each piece...front, back, bottom, facing (if making a facing on the inside) and handles (if they are wide). Baste the pieces together before sewing the bag as a whole unit. Sew the pieces of your bag together as usual and line it with a pretty fabric or sheet (if that's what you're using). I hope this helps! The batting inbetween the interfacing and outer fabric (your quilt blocks) will give your bag a nice smooth, filled out appearance without looking bulky. Let us know how it comes out!!