One reason why I like to either see and try a purse IRL before I buy or make it.
It's basically the design ... happens in regular store-bought purses too!!
Not knowing the what your purse is like, it could be the placement of the handles .... one handle looped over the top and stitched in at the ends/sides of the purse, perhaps? Whereas a double handle (one on each side) might create the balance better to avoid the gap.
Of course, the purse design may not allow for that. Just trying to give you some Food for Thought here!
