I am thinking on getting this pattern and want to order the bag-e-bottom to go in it...however the pattern does not list the finished size, so I do not know what size bottom to order for it!
Can anyone who makes these tell me #1- does it need a sturdy bottom insert?, #2- what size it would need to be!

Thanks

I would just use plastic canvas,maybe 2 pieces and make a small like a pillowcase to fit the plastic canvas into.Or cardboard.My purse is about 5 1/2wide x 14 1/2 long.Connie in CO

Sorry i also forgot mat-board.That's what i use in the bottom of my bags.Connie in CO

great Idea..I have a Hobby Lobby not 4 minutes from the house!
THANK YOU!

For the last bag I made (not a bowtuck) I used the flexible cutting board plastic from the $ store. I cut it to size, and used 2 pieces for extra strength. It is still flexible, but should be plenty strong. I just inserted it in the bottom before sewing up the lining. It worked for me. :)

The mini bowtucks bottom is 4 1/2 by 12

thank you, I did not know there were two sizes...

Mat-board is my favorite too, if you make a lot of bags you can buy it pretty cheap in lots on ebay. Also you can use foam core board, they have it at the dollar store as well. Have fun making your bag and post some pics for us to see.

I used place mats from Big Lots. Cost about $1.00. I just made a "pillow case" cover for it and sewed the end closed. I could get at least 2 from each place mat. I made the mini bow tuck.
Sue

Bag E bottoms won't fit on those bags, only the bags that are designed by the people who did the Bag E bottoms. I found that out the hard way. I just cover matt board with fabric after measuring the bottom when all is done.

The Bow-tucks bag I am currently carrying I made last summer. I am not sure of the dimensions of the base but I used sturdy cardboard from a box of athletic shoes. It has worked out perfectly. I just glued some of my fabric to it and I have not had any problems at all with it bending. It is much cheaper than one of the Bag-E bottoms (although they are very nice).

you guys are great..I ordered both bow tuck bag patterns and will skip the bottoms, and look at Hobby lobby for some mat board! They always have damaged ones really cheap!

THANKS!

I used pretty stiff fabric and regular batting...I didn't put any lining in the bottom of mine so far and they still stand up after several months of abuse (I'm rough on a purse)

When I need a bag bottom or something sturdy I use old game boards.

I use foam core board and cover with fabric. That way the bottom can be taken out before you wash the bag. The foam core holds up really well.

This site gives you the dimentions
http://pursepatterns.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=153

I had posted this before: I have a Vera Bradley purse, went to wash it, took out the insert....it's covered bottom is nothing but a Sleeve of material covering regular cardboard!!!!!!! That's what I now use .

Do you have that chicken pattern???

I use the plastic canvas cut about 4-1/2 x 13. I slip it between the lining and the outside through the lining opening used for turning it right sides out. Then I sew the opening closed.

Advantage is that coins and small items don't get "lost" under the panel and, unlike cardboard, etc., it's completely washable that way without losing its shape.

Years ago I made these fabric bowls. I found some of the web left over and sewed two pieces together, works great.

I have tried all the methods over the years, plastic canvas, cardboard, acrylic cut to size at the home improvement centers, etc. but I like foam board ($1 at Dollar Stores) best. It is easy to cut to size, cover with a sleeve and holds up fine in the bottom of my purses. It has a softer feel than the acrylic but still gives a good sturdy bottom. You will love your Bow-tuck. I have made several.

I asked Joann's and Hobby Lobby what they did with the cardboard centers from the bolts of fabrics. Both said that they just throw them away. And both place gave me all that I wanted. It is fairly heavy cardboard. Just don't use your good scissors to cut it. I've carried my Bow Tucks for over a year now (almost daily) and it's been just fine.

For all my bags, I've never bought one of those expensive bag-e bottoms. I've made a couple of Bow Tuck Bags. When you get done with the bag, measure the bottom from the outside (5-1/2 x 14-1/2).... cut a piece of the plastic canvas a little smaller than the sleeve for the bottom. (I usually buy the heavier gauge -- about $1.30 at Joanns).

Hope this helps and didn't confuse you.

This is what I did. Went to the local Craft 2000 and bought for next to nothing an artist's board....you know, like they use to paint on. It's extremely sturdy....then when the bag was finished I measured the inside and cut my board to that specification. Then I took

fabric either coordinating with the lining or matching and covered the board and inserted it into the bottom. Just remember to cut the board a little bit smaller to allow for the wrapping. You will absolutely LOVE this purse. I have used mine for a year and I mean, USED it and if you follow the directions for interfacing, etc. it's the sturdiest bag around and I have put some real weight in it. On occasion even use it to haul my daubers, etc. to Bingo.

I have the Vera Bradley chicken print bag - I have loved it to death. Wish I could find another one.

I read on here that vinyl flooring pieces for certain templates. I got a discarded book of samples and it looks like that will work well. Also, as I was reading this, I think that material would work well in the bottom of bags covered with fabric! It would bend but not break as does the foam core and mat board. I think I will try it.

I used plastic canvas and made a pillow case for it. Works fine, got it at Joann's with coupon .

Try a piece cut to size of heavy cardboard, like a shipping carton. Cover with fabric sleeve to coordinate and the bottom winds up costing nothing. Works very well.

what also works great is plastic coragated signs....you know the yard signs...very strong very light weight, cut to fit....

I use the plastic canvas and cardboard from used US postal service boxes. I also make a sleeve for the bottom and simply fold over any extra length, that way it can easily be removed for washing.

Exactly what I use. Funny thing is, I made eight for Christmas presents last year and had to measure each bottom. Some were quite different in size. Why? I have no idea.

I use paneling from the hope depot, lowes etc and one board makes lots of bottoms

Do you have a Dollar Store near by??? I use their foam board sheets.. Just cut the size you need. You can get several purse bottoms out of one form board. I have found that this is a very economical way to make purse bottoms. Hope this helps...

Connie in Colorado does what I do. Plastic canvas can be used for so much more than just making very cool items. I just make a small envelope, slide the canvas in and then when it is time to wash just pop it out and do a gentle soak on the bottom. Amazing how dirty the bottom of our purses get considering the stuff we carry in them. This is discounting the years when my son was a child because then the stuff I carried in my purse was sticky, dirty, gross...

I use foam core board or old plastic real estate signs or sponsor signs from a golf course. The signs are plastic & can easily be cut with a scissors or box cutter. Friends provide both so the price is right. I usually measure the outside of the bag bottom when I'm finished & cut to size. Be sure to send pics of completed bags.

check out this website for a free pattern
www.JOSEPHINEKIMBERLING.COM

I have made about 25 Bow Tucks Bags and I would suggest you make a sleeve for the mat board instead of gluing the fabric to the board. If it gets dirty, remove the mat board from the sleeve and wash it!!

After you make the purse and insert the covered board (of whatever you use for it) I also use that area to hide my extra cash or larger bills. Things can fall out of your purse sometimes or you carry your smaller bills in your change purse. When in an aisle that has no people, or in the restroom, you can fish them out if you need to use them. I do this at the quilt shows especially because some people lay their wallets on the fabric and they can easily get lost. "Lost in fabric", yea, that's a good one.

I have been making my mini bow tuck bag since before Christmas last year. Have found it so frustrating to make that although it is nearly completed I keep putting it off. I sewed up the whole bottm lining piece as I intend to (eventually) make a cover for a piece of board to pop in the bottom so I can remove it for washing if needed. Good luck with your.

Maybe1day