Stabilizers: Stiff Stuff VS Soft & Stable

After making my first Super Tote and hosting the #supertoteswap on Instagram, I became intrigued by trying different bag stabilizers. I really like a bag that's sturdy and stands up on it's own, one that holds it's shape without anything in it.

I have tried fusible fleece, sew-in stabilizers, Pellon SF101 woven interfacing, and a few others. But what I tried with my two Super Tote's was ByAnnie's Soft & Stable and Lazy Girl Design's Stiff Stuff: Firm and these are the two I really want to talk to you about today.

Sew Lazy Stiff Stuff ( by Lazy Girl Designs)

This stabilizer is a sew-in version and similar to Peltex but said to be softer. You can use it in place of other stabilizers - where sometimes you need two layers for extra durability, you will only need one with this one. 

PROS:

• One of the cheaper stiff stabilizers on the market
• Bags stand up sturdy on their own
• Can be folded or crumpled and bounces right back to original shape
• Would work best for caddy's or totes that need lots of structure.
• Doesnt hold creases or folds

CONS:

• A bit difficult to sew through
• Doesnt lie flat in the seams
• Adds a lot of bulk

Annie's Soft and Stable

Another sew-in, this is a lightweight stabilizer that is super soft but more on the pricey side. I cant really find anything comparable to it on the current market as far as look and feel go. It's very cushiony and plush.

PROS:

• Extremely soft
• Easy to sew through 
• Creates loft and puffiness when quilted
• Lies flat in the seams and doesn't add much bulk
• Very easy to cut through with scissors or rotary

CONS:

• Pricey compared to LGD's Stiff Stuff 
• Bags stand up nice but not totally on their own
• Holds creases and fold. 
• Doesnt have that "bounce back" effect like Stiff Stuff.

Really, I think what it comes down to for me is that I like sewing with Annie's Soft & Stable but I like the sturdiness of Lazy Girl Design's Stiff Stuff. Just watch this video of a bag made with Stiff Stuff being crumpled and folded. If only there were a product smack dab in the middle!!

Stiff Stuff is just a pain to sew with in my opinion, I had to carefully baste every single piece of fabric to the stabilizer and there was lot's of sliding around even though I used binding clips and pins. With Soft & Stable it almost sticks to the fabric, making it extremely easy to sew with even if you don't baste the layers together.

What's your favorite bag stabilizer?