Foam stabilizers can be used in sewing to make bags, baskets, and other items that need structure. This material has risen in popularity in the past 10 years and is now a staple in many sewists’ stashes.
Pro Tip: Foam stabilizer is brilliant for achieving professional quality and durability.
Bonus Tip: You can use it for machine-embroidered items too!
Sew-In Foam Stabilizer Vs. Fusible
There are several brands of foam stabilizer that I use. There are only small differences between them, except for the fact that some are fusible and others are sew-in. I prefer to work with sew-in foam stabilizer because I don’t like how fabric fused to stabilizer sometimes gets wrinkled, so I’d rather just sew and quilt the fabric and foam together.
If you haven’t found a favorite brand of flexible foam stabilizer yet, I suggest you try these brands (listed in order of my favorites):
- ByAnnie Soft and Stable (sew-in only)
- Pellon Flex-Foam Stabilizer (available in fusible or sew-in)
- Bosal In-R-Form (available in fusible or sew-in)
Most (but not all) of my bag or basket projects begin by quilting fabric and foam stabilizer together. Then I make this double-sided quilted piece into something wonderful! Because I do it so often, I made a video showing the technique. You can read more about it here.
Cute Petit Four Baskets
Are you looking for a cute way to organize a messy space? Annie’s Fast and Easy Petit Four Baskets are the answer! Flexible foam stabilizer helps them keep their adorable shape.
Sturdy Zippered Storage Totes
Sew DIY Sturdy Storage Totes to keep your quilts, winter clothes, and best fabrics organized all year long. A flexible foam stabilizer is key to helping this tote stay big and shapely.
Divided Miracle Caddy
The Miracle Caddy free pattern is a multi purpose organizer that’s great as a diaper bag, craft caddy, first aid station, and more.
Useful Couch Caddy Organizer
Don’t miss the free Couch Caddy Remote Control Organizer Pattern. Foam stabilizer makes it beautiful and sturdy, plus it’s super easy to sew. There’s even a video to help.
Perfect Stand Mixer Cover
My DIY Mixer Cover has beautifully rounded sides, three pockets, and flexible foam stabilizer between two layers of material. Even with all these fabulous features, it is still easy to sew. Be careful, all your friends will ask you to make them a mixer cover too!
The Amazing A-Frame Organizer
The Amazing A-Frame Organizer with cut-out handles and pleated pockets is going to change your life! Flexible foam stabilizer makes it so sturdy. There is an interior compartment with pockets AND pockets on the outside too.
Convenient Bedside Pockets Organizer
Sew a Bedside Pockets Organizer to keep extra things off your nightstand and organize your bedside! This organizer is easy to sew and lasts forever when it’s made with flexible foam stabilizer.
Small Boxy Zipper Pouch
This Boxy Zipper Pouch Pattern is easy enough for beginners and just right for organizing supplies, cosmetics, or small things when you travel. It utilizes foam stabilizer to make it sturdy and has two small exterior pockets. Sew up a few different patterns to give as a gift or sell at a craft fair.
Stand-Up, Slide Down Pencil and Tool Pouch
Are you ready to sew my Stand Up Slide Down Pencil and Tool Pouch? Even if you’ve never used flexible foam stabilizer before…this is going to be a fun project! Wow everyone you know with this ‘as-seen-in-stores’ magical bag.
Pretty Box Pouch
This Pretty Box Pouch is perfect for holding and organizing cosmetics, sewing supplies, jewelry, small toys, crayons, chocolate candies, and more! Making it with flexible foam stabilizer makes it so sturdy.
Designer Zipper Bags Video Tutorials
Come learn how to sew my Designer Zipper Bags with my free video course consisting of 14 short videos. You’ll get step by step instructions…just like I’m in the room with you! Flexible foam stabilizer is a cinch to use with a tutor like me.
Cute Pillbox Pouch
Is there anything cuter than a little handmade pouch? I have a hard time saying there is… I just love The Pillbox Pouch so much! Flexible foam stabilizer is the secret to it’s dainty shape.
Lovely Quilted iPad Case
When I was designing The Pretty Quilted iPad Case I was inspired by all of the Vera Bradley style iPad cases on Amazon and I really wanted to sew my own. Now you can too! Even though this tutorial doesn’t ask for flexible foam stabilizer, it would work great in place of the fusible fleece or cotton batting that the tutorial asks for.
Custom ID Lanyard and Pouch for Shows and Conventions
The ‘Call Me’ pouch is a beautiful pouch that can be used at work, home, and everywhere in between! There is a pocket on the back to hold your phone or other items that you need to keep handy.
Boxy Zipper Bag
The bigger Boxy Zipper Bag Pattern can be made with or without bag hardware. Add handles to make a purse or D-rings and a strap to make a cross body bag.
Handy Triple Zipper Bag
This Triple Zipper Bag has 3 zippers on the exterior, plus another zipper on a coin pocket inside. The added stability of flexible foam stabilizer makes it outstanding!
Modern Log Cabin Tote Bag
Use quilt as you go techniques (or QAYG) while making this beautiful Mod Log Cabin Tote! Yes, you can QAYG (quilt as you go) with flexible foam stabilizer!
See-Through Stadium Tote
You can Sew a See-Through Bag with this easy and free sewing pattern. The secret is to use flexible foam stabilizer on the bottom to give you a sure foundation.
The Sew Easy Big Tote Bag
I’m so excited to share with you a super easy, super gorgeous bag that is so fast to sew: My Sew Easy Big Tote Bag! Don’t worry—using flexible foam stabilizer won’t slow you down a bit! It is what makes this bag look like you bought it from a designer boutique.
Gorgeous Garment Bag
Be ready to travel handmade with a Beautiful Garment Bag made by you. Flexible foam stabilizer will give your garment bag a polished and professional look, I promise!
Adorable Tiny Tote
This Super Adorable Tiny Bag pattern is so fun to make. And because it’s so small, it’s really fast to sew too. It may be tiny, but flexible foam stabilizer gives it plenty of personality!
Game Changing Walker Caddy
Easily carry everything you need with you on your walker with a DIY Walker Caddy! Make this pattern with flexible foam stabilizer so you can have beauty and functionality.
Perfect Clamshell Bag or Purse
Sew a Cute Clamshell Bag just the way you like it! When traveling, it’s just right for holding supplies, cosmetics, or small things. The chic shape keeps it’s form with flexible foam stabilizer!
Stylish Basket Tote
The DIY Fabric Basket Tote is a beautiful bag that makes a great purse too. The extra support it has from using flexible foam stabilizer will make this your go-to favorite bag!
Strappy Bag with Pockets
I sewed up this Strappy Bag with Pockets in two different fabric styles to show you how different it can look, just by changing the fabric. You’ll always get a more professional look when you use a flexible foam stabilizer!
2 Zip Hip Bag or Cross-Body
Sew a beautiful 2 Zip Hip Bag (a.k.a. cross-body, fanny pack, sling bag, waist wallet) using your favorite fabric and my easy sewing techniques.
Streamlined Color Blocked Tote Bag
Big Color Blocked Tote is large and roomy, with a recessed zipper and easy straps with rivet embellishments. Want pockets? They are easy to add.
Useful Car Diddy Bag
Keep everything you need handy – and organized – in the car with this sweet little Car Diddy Bag! Flexible foam stabilizer will give it extra functionality and durability.
Handy Travel Case
Sew together a a Handy Travel Case with a cross body strap that’s perfect to take anywhere. Your important papers will have the additional protection that comes from using flexible foam stabilizer.
Perfect DIY Wallet
Use your favorite fabrics to make The Perfect DIY Wallet. I love the quilted exterior , it reminds me of designer wallets I see in magazines! You’ll be sure to get the designer look in your projects when you use flexible foam stabilizer.
Twice As Nice Zippered Organizer
My Twice as Nice Organizer is a new free pattern I know you’ll love. From the outside, it looks like a quilted cosmetic or notions pouch, but when you open it there are two zippered compartments with vinyl so you can see what’s inside.
Quilted Cube Case
Here is another beautiful, professional-finish free tutorial. Grab that foam stabilizer and get the finished look of a pro for this unique cube case!
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