Interfacing tips?

[bertha79.livejournal.com]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone here can give me some advice on interfacing...I need to make a tote bag this weekend. The first bag I made, I attempted using iron-on interfacing ( Fuse-a-shade, I think )and it wouldn't stick to the fabric at all...I think it's because I was using home dec fabric that had been treated with some sort of stain repellant...it was a huge frustration, so all my subsequent bags were made without interfacing. I don't like a very stiff bag, so this was fine for me.

But the bag I have to make this weekend is for someone else, and it's to be a knitting bag, so I want something a bit more sturdy than I usually make. However, I don't want it to be stiff or anything...

So, can anyone tell me if they prefer sew-on interfacing or iron-on? And can someone recommend a brand that will add a bit of structure, without being too stiff?

Also, do you normally interface the pockets and straps of the bag? Or just the main body?

Thanks so much!