i have not made the bow-tucks purse but i have made lots of purses/tote bags and i have used TIMTEX in them with success. It is the interfacing (fusable or not is available) used for fabric bowls or in the brims of baseball caps. it is very stiff, and it is washable. i like it for good sturdy sides and bottom. if you type timtex into the search on your browser you can find the site and places to purchase it. we have on lqs here that carries it.