I want to make a large messenger like bag/purse. I want to put a small divider at the back that I can put 8x11 size pager in and not have it get all bent up. I do want to be able to wash the bag if needed. My question is - If I sew it into the sides of the bag will that be enough to hold it up, or do I need to put something stiff in the divider? If so - what do I use? The only thing I can think of is the plastic sheets that they use for some cross stitch designs. (Can't remember what it is called.) Open to any suggestions. Thanks for your help.

I use plastic canvas sheets from Joanns for this type of thing. They run about 50 cents in USA for the 9*12 sheet.

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by momhome 28 Aug 2012

Thank you. That is not a bad price at all. I will have to look into this.

There is a product called Tim-Tex I believe. You could use this as batting in your construction and it will make the sides stand stiff. Can be purchased at JoAnns and sometimes WalMart. Hope this helps, Susan

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by momhome 28 Aug 2012

Thank you. I have never heard of Tim-Tex. I will have to look for it next time I go to Walmart.

I've used plastic canvas sheets for this purpose, using 2 sheets would make it more sturdy. I'm pretty sure you could wash it, just don't put it in the dryer. You might want to make a mini sample to see if it will hold up.

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by momhome 28 Aug 2012

Thank you.

I've used the sheets that you are describing....I think they work great! I like the other ideas too!

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by momhome 24 Aug 2012

Thanks. I do too.

They sell a firm stiff interfacing for these purposes at the fabric store. It is white and comes on a bolt or in smaller packages. I get mine on a bolt, and its called stiffy. I think from an online purveyor and I believe its Long Wools MIll but I probably have messed up the name its been a while since I've ordered.

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by momhome 24 Aug 2012

Thank you. I will have to check this out.

they make stuff for this I did the same thing and used this stuff I found it @ jo-ann's. I don't know the name just checked mine and it has no paper with it just clear plastic on it. I created separate pockets and slide this between them to keep the bag stiffer also did the tape measure snap so the stuff in the pocket would stay.

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by momhome 24 Aug 2012

Great idea. Where did you get the tape measure snap?

by jerrib 25 Aug 2012

I hope this link works for the tape measure snap top: Its a tutorial for how to make them.
Hugs Jerri
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk...;feature=youtu.be

by jerrib 25 Aug 2012

again: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkdpy5gf6w

by momhome 28 Aug 2012

Thank you. I will have to watch this. I heard several of th cuties talk about this, but didn't know what it was.

maybe you can use a piece of plastic cut from milk bottles. Sorry but I use a translator, I hope you make it clear! :-) Hugs, Sonia

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by jrob 24 Aug 2012

Perfectly clear Sonia. ;)

by momhome 24 Aug 2012

Very clear Sonia. Thanks for the tip.

Yes the disposable cutting boards would be an inexpensive way to stabilize the bag.Cheaper than plastic sheets available at Home Depot or at a plastic shop(go thru the "trash"bins since they throw out a lot)Most shops have the "trash bins" for free look-grab.

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by momhome 24 Aug 2012

Thank you. I didn't know they had trash bins that you could go through.

by theduchess 25 Aug 2012

I have been informed the bin is--referred to as the scrap bin. About $2.00 per lb. or free at some places. Be sure to ask first.You'll get enough for 5-6 purses for less than $2.00..

by momhome 28 Aug 2012

Thanks.

Maybe an extra pocket type sleeve that you could slip a stiff thin plastic placemat, also used as a chopping board,into. Remove for laundry.
Happy stitching

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by momhome 24 Aug 2012

Hadn't thought of that. Thank you for the idea.