Bag Making Question - Fabric problem - HELP!

[EyesDoMoreThanSee]

Hi
I have just bought the Lisa Lam "A bag for all reasons" to create some Christmas presents, I am intending on making the bicycle panniers amongst other things. I went out today to cost up the materials and found that the laminated cotton fabric was £10 a meter but the PVC Laminated Fabric 50% Polyester was £3 a meter.

What would happen if I used the cheaper material? Do I have to use the laminated cotton?

Because if so I might as well send the book back because I cannot afford to buy the materials!

Thank you oh wise people

Maybe try with the cheaper fabric and see? If they didn't seem that different from each other in the shop odds are they will be okay for the same project, but you could ask the shop assistants where ever you were whether they have similar properties and they would probably be able to tell you more about them and if the polyester one would be suitable. HTH

My guess would be that it wouldn't be a problem?
Were you able to compare the two for thickness/stiffness?

Normally I'd be thinking cotton would fall better and be more breathable - but when they are both laminated - maybe the cheaper stuff is thinner and therefore maybe won't be stiff enough to keep the shape? Does the book mention interfacing the laminated cloth?

Maybe worth looking on u-handbag.com?

Yes there is stiff inter facing of two types required. Will ask on u handbag.

The two fabrics handled quite similarly but the cotton was heavier for sure. I was thinking the cheaper material might rip but my machine would almost certainly be happier sewing it!

Can't help with your Q but I've just made my boys a `toddler rucksack' each from that book. First sewing project & v pleased with them & MIL has requested one too!

On my phone so pls excuse typos ...

I don't know the book mentioned, but I do know sewing, bag making included + I suspect the book us a guide only, + within reason u will get away with using any suitable. Cloth so long as its backed with correct fuse. I've made bags in evertything from Denim, animal print moleskin fur, cord, wool suiting, table clothing pvc, latex, boucle, leather + more, so i doubt very much bar the bike paniers, which need waterproof, that bar it been a h3avier type cloth you need to worry. Too much about the actual type of cloth, just use common sense when it comes to style + purpose of the bag + the correct heavyweight stiffening fusible

HTH

Thanks everyone

I will buy a bit of the cheap fabric, sew the seams and do some tests!

If these are proper bike panniers you are making, I would use proper fabric - i.e. cordura such as this.