http://www.coatsandclark.com/NR/rdon...ity_Purse1.pdf This was fun to make. pattern kinda small so next one will be wider and square off the corners

Patternpile wouldn't open. Sigh....

I have made two of these, and they have turned out well.

Studiokatdesigns.com has some great bag patterns. You can also buy the supplies that you need from that site, which is cheaper than if you were to buy the items individually. In addition, she uses Soft and Stable instead of batting, which adds body to the bag--very nice! http://www.byannie.com/shop/category...ft-and-stable/ Caroly

I love the Margo bag by Lazy Girl. For years I made bags without zippers and got tired of having them spill their contents, especially in the car. Easy zipper application and lots of pockets plus it works for lots of fabric selections.

Making purses can be easier than you think. I have been making them since 2009 and am addicted. My 3 daughters were at first my biggest receivers of my bags but now I have opened a shop on etsy, the girls made me do it! lol It seems sometimes my bags take away time from quilting but using so many bright fabrics for the bags has pushed me out of the box when it comes to fabric choices for my quilts. Check out my shop on etsy it's called SeaIsle Lady.

Handbag Pattern Ideas?
 

You might want to consider making a Bow Tuck Bag. I made my first bag and I am currently working on my second bag.

I made a Bow Tuck bag, too. It's really a nice bag. The inside walls are lined with pockets, and there is one on the outside, too.

I have to agree that the Lazy Girl designs are easy to use-I love to make handbags and have used a few of those patterns. I have also used Indygo Junction patterns, and have found most of them easy. I just recently finished a Katie Cupcake pattern called My Favorite Handbag, and that was easy too, although I thought she called for too much fusible fleece in too many places, which made it a little bulky-I would not do as much of that in the next one I make.
For those that like a challenge, you can't beat the patterns from Studio Kat Designs-they make lovely bags, but it takes a little more time and skill.

The ones I have made say to quilt sections first, then put together. Not all sections are quilted.