Can you wash a quilted handbag?
 

Has anyone washed a handmade purse and how did it come out? I was thinking hand wash but maybe on gentle cycle in the washer would work.

I would think it depends on what kind of handle you add, if any. But soaking it in a pan by hand would work too.

I used to buy Vera Bradley purses which are quilted. I washed them by turning them inside out and washing on the hand wash cycle. Some had cardboard in the bottom for stability and I took that out.

I had not thought about the cardboard bottom, thanks. I'm glad I didn't just throw it in the wash before I asked.

I made a few for me and friends. One friend washed and dried hers like normal laundry. Took out bottom first. No problem with them.

Thanks, I wasn't sure if I would ruin my purse by washing it. Your reply makes me feel better about washing it.

I wash my quilted purses/totes when ever they need it- toss them right in the washer & dryer with everything else...but they are quilted well- just like a quilt- with the same types of battings. I would guess it depends on how it is quilted & what batting is used- I have a quilted wallet I purchased years ago that has been washed a few dozen times too- I've never had any problems with it- but I wash/dry all of my quilts too. to me if I can not wash/dry it It's pretty worthless in my world.

I wash the purses I make, taking out the bottom (if any) before. I usually use a gentle cycle and either hang to dry or dry lightly.

I remove the bottoms from the inside and just toss it in the wash. Be sure you don't use bleach.

I washed a Vera Bradley bag that did not have a cardboard bottom. I washed it with clothes on the gentle cycle. I did not put it in the dryer. I smoothed it out with my hands, then hung it on a plastic hanger to air dry. It took 2-3 days to dry thoroughly, but it turned out beautifully, just like new, and I had to press nothing. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I wash my handmade purses by putting them inside a pillowcase and tying close to the bag, wash on gentle, smooth out and then hang to dry.

Goofy question: So, do the ones made with the really stiff interfacing hold up well when washed? Will they still hold their shape? I don't use much interfacing, can you tell? Just wondering before I make one. If not, then I'll go to plan B. Thanks!

I just throw my bowtucks bags in with the regular wash and into the dryer. I have had no problems they come out like new and still hold their shape.

I wash my quilted bags all the time. If they have a hard removable bottom I take it out. I just washed a Vera Bradley purse and it came out fine. I do mine on the gentle cycle and don't put them in the dryer.

I don't see why not. I even wash my Coach bags. I won't use it if its dirty and my daughter uses them a lot and some get dirty easily. I figured since I wouldn't use them if they were dirty what did i have to lose. They come out great and clean. Regular cycle normally in with other clothes or towels.

Just a quick thought- When I started making purses and bags, I wanted something durable for the bottom. I had leftover plastic canvas, so I cut it to fit, covered it with fabric, and put it in, (this has even worked on a purse with an oval bottom). If I have to wash the purse, I just throw it I the washer, and remove the base before putting it in the dryer. (The base is dry by morning.)

I would wash it by hand in warm water... give it a soak for a few minutes first in soapy water...

turned it inside out and washed with dark like items-dried in dryer until almost done and then hung it out to finish drying. Worked like a charm and looks good as new.

washing purses
 

I wash mine all the time. It does make them wear out quicker but they do that anyway with me.

I wash my Vera Bradley purses at the beginning of each season. Two seasons is about as long as they last.

I have a handmade purse and have washed it twice and it looks good as new. Mine is all cotton , if you are worried, was in cold water and maybe put it inside a panty hose, tied or pillow case so it does not catch with anything else. I put it in dryer but left it slightly damp so it would not wrinkle.

I have lots of Vera Bradly bags and purses. I wash them in with other laundry. No problem. The care instructions say to remove the bottom insert before washing. I replaced the bottom insert with an acrylic one I had from another style of bag.