What kind of fabric to use?

[arwenjade]

So I've got a commission for a laptop sleeve. She has asked for a black one. This girl is rough on her stuff so I need something that's going to be durable. (Not that I would want anything flimsy for a laptop sleeve anyway.) But I know this thing is going to be on the floor and everything so it's going to get dirty fast. Being black it might not show general dirt but I've found black fabric tends to show off everything that sticks to it, dust, pet hair, random fuzzies. So anyone know what kind of fabric I can use that will be sturdy enough but won't attract every little piece of dust off the floor? 

[pinksnail]

Knit? bathing suit fabric? Not sure what a laptop sleeve would be made of in general. Will it be padded? If so, I think black bathing suit material would be great!

[Midnight Sun]

Cotton canvas is sturdy and durable and very washable/dryable!  The regular canvas colour shows the least amount of dirt, but if she wants black, she wants black    Alternative is a home decor fabric (that's the stuff used to make curtains, etc) and in a black print instead of solid.

[arwenjade]

Ooh! Home decor fabric! Good idea Midnight Sun! Home decor fabric is often thicker and sturdier too. ^_^ Thanks so much!

Off to Joann's I go!

[flutter-by]

I second the home decor fabric suggestion, possibly use the indoor/outdoor type canvas or upholstery fabric.  I just finished cutting a laptop sleeve for myself in an upholstery fabric and it feels like it will hold up well. 

[Aislynn]

I just have one small thing to add:  Don't use cotton duck cloth.  It's heavy duty, it's great, but black duck cloth will collect and show every single piece of dust, thread, hair, and debris in a five mile radius.  At the same time, it's super awesome for interlining!  Don't forget that you can always use a "dust-proof" outer fabric that's not as heavy duty, and line or interline with something more sturdy.

[arwenjade]

Yeah when I went through my stash cotton duck was what I found. I know how it collects tiny pieces of everything. I've used it as an interlining before but I was thinking maybe fleece this time for padding. I haven't made it to Joann's yet but I did find a possibility at Hobby Lobby. Thanks again everyone! 

[jungrrl]

Vinyl could be an option...