Why bag base stabilisers matter
When making a larger bag, or one that is going to carry something heavy a base stabiliser is an absolute essential.
Made from 2mm thick acrylic, and with nicely rounded corners. A base stabiliser will add structure to your bag, helping it to keeps its shape when you have a lot packed in. It also helps to distribute the weight more evenly, making it easier to carry, and takes the strain off your bag straps.
Being made from acrylic means it is very light weight, therefore not adding any extra carrying weight to your bag. Essential if you’re using your bag for carry on luggage on a flight, for example.
The two bag examples I have to show you today are:
1. Knot and Thread All The Things Tote, which I have been using for taking your lovely orders to the post office for the last year or so!
2. By Annie Ultimate Travel Bag, which I have sewn up using fabric from our AGF Flower Bloom range. (This range is currently on sale, and you can find it in the sale section of the website, here)
All The Things Tote by Knot and Thread
Left - without base stabiliser. Right - with base stabiliser
Ultimate Travel Bag by By Annie
Left - without base stabiliser. Right - with base stabiliser
I have the same items in both bags in all 4 pictures, and you can really see the difference between those where the base stabiliser is inserted, and those where I’ve taken it out.
The simplest way to include a base stabiliser is to simply drop it in place in your completed bag. However many patterns include a fabric sleeve, attached at the two long seams, with an opening at either end which you can slip your base stabiliser into. This means it will stay in place that little bit easier, and is aways ready to be used,
Products mentioned or shown in this blog post:
A base stabliser will add support to the bottom of your project.
Many bags benefit from a solid base to add strength to the bag and help it keep shape when in use.
The BS105 base stabiliser measures 5” x 8 ¾” (12.7cm x 22.2cm)
A base stabliser will add support to the bottom of your project.
Many bags benefit from a solid base to add strength to the bag and help it keep shape when in use.
The BS110 base stabiliser measures 5 ¾” x 12” (14.6cm x 30.5cm)
A base stabliser will add support to the bottom of your project.
Many bags benefit from a solid base to add strength to the bag and help it keep shape when in use.
The BS120 base stabiliser measures 6” × 14 ¾” (15.2cm x 37.5cm)
A base stabliser will add support to the bottom of your project.
Many bags benefit from a solid base to add strength to the bag and help it keep shape when in use.
The BS160 base stabiliser measures 7 ¾” x 14 ¾” (19.6cm x 37.5cm)
A base stabliser will add support to the bottom of your project.
Many bags benefit from a solid base to add strength to the bag and help it keep shape when in use.
The BS180 base stabiliser measures 7 ¾” x 20 ½” (19.6cm x 52cm)
The perfect travel companion, this functional bag includes a comfortable padded adjustable carrying strap and quick-grab side handles, as well as a handy trolley sleeve on back to secure the bag to rolling luggage.
Zippered and slip pockets on the front, back, and ends plus a full-height zippered pocket and three more slip pockets inside will keep everything organized and close at hand.
Optional buttons on the bottom reduce wear.
The bag measures 13¾"H x 14½"W x 4½"D at the top and 13¾"H x 18½"W x 8"D at bottom.
This 40mm wide cotton webbing is ideal for backpacks, duffel bags, and more.
It’s perfect for durable bag handles, and to add support to large bags.
This Art Gallery Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Flower Bloom range.
Swing into spring with bold florals and groovy prints in Flower Bloom. In warm saturated yellows, moss greens and energetic pinks this collection is blooming with colour. Express your inner flower child with vintage inspired prints and playful designs.
It is a medium weight cotton; ideal for lining bags, or using with wadding to make a quilted bag too .
The retro style print with sun, clouds and flowers set against a light pink background make us think of lazy summer days. Why hide this fabric as a bag lining - make it a feature on the outside of your bags too!
These head-to-head nylon coil zippers are great for bags, providing easy accessto open from either end of your closure.
The zipper is 76cm (30 inches) in length, and come in a variety of colours. This listing is for an lipstick coloured zipper.
These zippers are easy to trim to size, if your bag pattern calls for a shorter zipper. Just remember to secure the ends with a fabric tab, or ensure they’re sewn into the seam!
These easy to attach plastic zipper pulls add the perfect finishing touch to your handmade bags.
They are sold in single units, meaning you only need to buy as many as you require for your project.
