Comments on: Laminated Cotton Sewing Project – Tote Bag

By: Jodi

Jodi — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:32:59 +0000

Thanks so much for clearing up the whole laminated cotton thing. I’m thinking of making tote bags, too, and was wondering how this stuff works with a sewing machine. I really appreciate your time & effort!
Can you recommend any particular place to buy it at a fair price? I know the shipping is probably high due to the weight of the fabric.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:51:39 +0000

This is a very cool idea!

By: Jena (Organizing Mommy)

Jena (Organizing Mommy) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:31:06 +0000

Nice job! Great idea.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:05:56 +0000

jpknits: that’s such a fantastic story! my fabric came in the form of curtain panels as well xo kathy

By: jpknits

jpknits — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:51:54 +0000

I have that VERY barkcloth. It’s old, faded, and I still have some of it. Sun room curtains (our playroom) in an apartment in my childhood — I’ve taken over some of those second hand leftovers for repurposing, if they haven’t grown too fragile.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:37:39 +0000

I have made rain hats out of the laminated cotton fabrics. The stiffness varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. Moda laminates are very stiff, Michael Miller laminates are a medium stiffnes, Anna Maria Horner and Kaffe Fassett laminates are butterly soft, and sew like regular fabric. I have used a simple “bucket” hat pattern for the rain hats. There are curved seams in the six crown sections, and a long curved seam around the brim and the lining. (I use the same laminate fabric for the brim lining.) The first thing to realize is that you cannot iron the seams. So, clip the curves, then top stitch with a narrow width. The topstitched seams hold the curves beaufifully. For the long brim seam, I clip the curve, then understitch close to the seam. It allows the turned seam to lie very nicely. I line the crown with regular cotton. I don’t attempt to handstitch, but top stitch. The result is very, very cute. I have given these as gifts and sold some. And I agree that ironing from the back using a pressing cloth works quite well.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:59:27 +0000

Gorgeous!

By: Kristin L

Kristin L — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:49:48 +0000

You definitely have pattern/texture party going on here! And I’m right with you about the laminate as a bag base — genius! Thanks for sharing fun projects — as always.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:14:15 +0000

Pat: I did a pillowcase finish. My first step was to sew the lining and exterior together right sides together and turned it right side out. I then finished up by stitching up the side seams.

By: pat

pat — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:05:48 +0000

Love the bag. After looking at the seam, I wondered, did you finish the edges?