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Member since 8/26/09
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Posted on: 1/1/17 1:55 PM ET
On my last thrift store treasure hunt, I bought a t-shirt with the intent to make something out of it. I loved the saying and image on it. I decided I wanted to make a gym bag, but I'm not impressed with the idea of using the fabric to tote stuff and ending up with it all stretched out. So I want to reinforce the fabric.

Which, if any, of these ideas would work best. Or is there a better way...

(1) use non-stretch interfacing to back the t-shirt fabric, Then line the bag with a stronger woven fabric (I have both denim and canvas, and also plain cotton).

(2) just simply line the bag

(3) use one of those fabric adhesive sprays to attach a stronger fabric to the t-shirt fabric.

Here's the image that's on the t-shirt

  
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Posted on: 1/1/17 3:38 PM ET
It does not look like you could fuse it, otherwise I would suggest fusing it onto décor bond or another of the stiff fusibles.

If you interface the lining, it will prevent the contents of your bag from stretching out the outer fabric.
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Posted on: 1/1/17 4:29 PM ET
In reply to Michelle T
Thanks. So you are saying fusing is out because it's t-shirt fabric? Makes sense that fusing non-stretch interfacing to a knit wouldn't work well. Was hoping I was wrong, but I'm good with just lining it. Hopefully using canvas is strong enough that I don't also have to interface it.

Thanks!
  
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Posted on: 1/1/17 4:34 PM ET
In reply to GwenH
What if you applique the to another heavier fabric that could handle being a tote bag? Just thinking out loud...
  
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Posted on: 1/1/17 4:49 PM ET
In reply to Marie367
Thanks! It's a good idea. I thought about it but not sure how well it would work. The panel is big enough that I'd be afraid it would get droopy if I just stitched around the outer edge. It's roughly one foot by one foot. At the same time, I'm not sure I'd like adding stitching inside the design.

Too bad it was on a t-shirt and not a plain old woven shirt! But I'm determined to get this to work somehow. I really need an inspiring gym bag to keep me going!
-- Edited on 1/1/17 at 5:10 PM --
  
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Posted on: 1/1/17 4:53 PM ET
There's no reason you can't use a knit fusible to give it more support AND construct the lining as you suggested.
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Posted on: 1/1/17 5:09 PM ET
In reply to acmena
Oh! Thanks! I haven't used knit fusible so it didn't even occur to me. Maybe that would help keep it from stretching out, especially if it doesn't have to take the weight on the bags contents.

All the options are giving me an idea to use a combination of methods...preferably using what I have on hand.

  
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Posted on: 1/1/17 5:13 PM ET
I'm not sure if this is a nutty idea...what about quilting it to a stronger backing fabric? Maybe use a fairly dense but flat batting or even byAnnie Soft and Stable, or just something like flannel for batting. You could quilt around the motifs to emphasize them, or use a fine quilting thread to de-emphasize the quilting lines.

I see why you like the fabric, I do too :-).
  
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Posted on: 1/1/17 5:16 PM ET
In reply to Lisa5Lynne
Oops, just saw your comment that you might not like any stitching inside the piece, so maybe that rules out any structure using this idea.
  
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Posted on: 1/1/17 5:58 PM ET
In reply to GwenH
Hi Gwen, No you misunderstand, you can fuse t-shirt fabric, but it looks like the design is a laminated one which is applied with heat. Even if it is screen printed, the paint may not respond well to the heat needed to fuse the fabric.


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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
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