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Fabric for Bags & Purses

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Find the right fabric for bags and purses, from water-resistant cork and faux leather to clear crafting vinyl, mesh and seat belt webbing for straps. Looking for canvas? Shop canvas and duck cloth. read more

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Choosing Fabric for Bags and Purses

The best bag fabric depends on where it goes on the bag. Many bag makers pair a quilting cotton or canvas for the body with a sturdier, non-woven material for the bottom, straps, tabs and accents. This collection gathers those bag-weight materials in one place, from Sallie Tomato cork and faux leather to ByAnnie mesh and crafting vinyl.

Cork Fabric

Cork has a leather-like hand, comes in natural and printed finishes, and is a favorite for purse bottoms and accents because it wipes clean. See our tips for sewing with cork fabric.

Faux Leather

Faux leather gives totes and purses a finished, store-bought look. The edges do not fray, so it works well for straps, tabs and bag bottoms.

Vinyl and Mesh

Clear and tinted crafting vinyl makes see-through project bags and pouches, and mesh is perfect for pockets and organizer bags where you want to see what is inside.

Find a Pattern

Ready to sew? Browse our tote and purse patterns, then pick up zippers, hardware and interfacing in bag making supplies.

Bag Fabric FAQ

Which fabric is best for bag bottoms?+

Cork and faux leather are popular choices. Shoppers tell us cork does not soak up water and is easy to clean, and faux leather holds up well on purse bottoms that get set down a lot.

Is faux leather good for straps?+

It can be, but some faux leathers have a little stretch. For straps that carry weight, back the faux leather with interfacing or use seat belt webbing, and check the product details for the backing and weight.

Does cork fabric fray?+

No. Cork and faux leather will not fray, so you can leave the edges raw. Store cork rolled rather than folded to avoid creases, and use clips instead of pins, since pins leave permanent holes.

What is mesh fabric used for in bags?+

Mesh makes see-through pockets and zippered organizer bags. ByAnnie mesh is a favorite for pockets in ByAnnie bag patterns because it is sturdy and not too stretchy.

Do I need interfacing for bags?+

Most cotton and canvas bags need interfacing or foam stabilizer for shape. Cork, faux leather and vinyl usually need less. Follow your pattern and test on a scrap. Shop stabilizers and interfacing.