When I make regalia pieces I usually bead on canvas, then use heat-n-bond to attach a soft cotton backing, then whip-stitch around the edges and then add a bead edging. I wouldn't use a plastic stiffener for cuffs, because you want them flexible enough so that they don't rub on your arms. I use plastic for stiffening barrettes, or things that REALLY need to be solid. But for those cuffs, between the beadwork itself and the heat-n-bond it should be stiff enough to hold it's shape and still be flexible enough to wear.
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