Customer Q & As

Over the years, customers often ask me questions about materials, techniques, and personal preferences when it comes to bag making. There’s rarely a single “right” answer — but there are approaches that come from experience.

Here are three questions I’m asked regularly, along with my honest ans

Do you interface the lining of your tote bags?

Short answer: yes — always.

In reply to Debbie’s question, the answer is a resounding yes. I interface all my lining pieces, including pockets, with woven interfacing.

Lining fabrics often take more wear than people realise. Pockets are pulled at, bags are rummaged through, and seams are under constant stress. Without interfacing, linings can quickly hole or fray at the seams, even if the outer fabric still looks fine.

Using woven interfacing adds strength and durability, helping the lining hold up just as well as the exterior of the bag.

Can I use Gutermann HT2 glue instead of Fray Stop ?

In my opinion, not really.

In reply to Julie’s question, while both products are adhesives, they behave very differently.

Gutermann HT2 glue glue rarely comes out of the tube cleanly. There are often fine, hairy strands of glue that can end up exactly where you don’t want them. It also tends to sit on the surface of the fabric and can take longer to dry.

Fray Stop, on the other hand, sinks into the fabric on contact and dries quickly. Its job is to prevent fraying — and it does that job cleanly and efficiently. Using Gutermann HT2 in its place is far more likely to result in mess rather than protection.

Pre-washing fabric is a personal choice—but I choose not to

In my experience, fabric never quite feels the same after washing. It tends to lose its smooth, crisp texture, and unless you’re very confident with pressing, it’s difficult to remove every crease completely.

I also find that colours can lose a little of their vibrancy after washing, and I much prefer working with fabric that still has that fresh, bold look straight off the bolt.

For me, it’s about control over the finished look and feel of the bag — and this approach works best.