You might be able to do a flat feld seam on heavier fabrics or with a lining.  It is very similar to a french seam but works with heavy fabrics.  It is like the seam on your jeans. 

A couple of sites with pictures can be found
here
 and
here.

Thanks for sharing waggonswest!

And @abbeyrd83 : you'd be surprised on the strength of the French seam! You make a double seam, so extra strength!

Agreed on the extra bags--I didn't put it in my questionnaire, but I'd be happy to get two bags as well!

but would it not be possible to add a liner to THIS bag?

Adding lining is always possible: either by sewing the complete bag inside out except for a small part in the bottom of the lining (then turn and close the bottom part of the lining) or by making two bags and top stitch upper part of both lining and bag together. (That was a lot of info, hope you get it)

BUT since we are creating French seams, lining isn't necessary. That is why we make those pretty French seams!
The seam is also firm, which comes in handy shopping lots of stuff and carrying that around!

It looks like we get to have an early start!

I would never have thought we would have so many participants in just a few days! It makes it even more fun to be co-organizing for the first time! And it all started with joining Leslie and Susan in two wonderful swaps... 

Reading all those replies makes me want to add more and more to my questionnaire! Another bag, as an extra? What a great idea, I have no problem sewing TWO bags and I have certainly no problem receiving two...

I like those! So supercute!!

I want to try sewing a couple of these today, but I have a question that I hope someone can help me with.

Do certain weights of fabric work better than others? I have some denim pieces that I'd like to use up, but I'm wondering if that would be too much bulk for the french seams?

Do cotton blends work best?

Hope someone has answers for me. 

Lightweight and medium weight fabrics works best.

Maybe denim will work too,also depends on the thickness of the denim,  but you would have to make sure you iron very thoroughly before sewing the next seam, to avoid bulkiness! You can always try just a small piece of denim you have already on hand.

I used some linen to make me a bag with French seams. The bag turned out great and the seams hold well (believe me I carry LOTS of stuff around in this bag  )

Hope that helped!

LOVE it!!! All those details!! This rocks!!

Thanks for sharing 

Beautiful! It does look like water! GREAT!!

And the owl and cat are so cute and those little fish... I fell in love!!

Keep going!

I had a busy day (again) with a Dutch tradition of baking "oliebollen" mmmhhh and then driving to my sister who lives 2 hours away. When I checked in, I had 19 unread pm's  wow!
So welcome to you all!!! So many Craftsters joining in only 2 days...

Like Leslie, I am also very glad to see you are joining us, Susan!

I made a bag with French seams from a pair of linen trousers (I got that one, but it didn't fit) to practice my French seams again... BTW in Dutch we say (translated, of course) English seams, hahaha 
Will add a picture when I get home again, tomorrow or so...

Okay, that was a LOT of info... sorry I can never say things shortly 

I like her Susan! 

And the arms not at the same level, eyes uneven, LOVE!! That's what makes Heartstrings co cute and adorable!

It looks like a child's drawing.

Great idea! And well made by you!!

I like coupons too (and yes, the naughty ones too ) This is a great way to give a coupon (or more)!

Oh and I like that you add the cuddling too