just use scant seam , close by machine, my instructions were the same

Depending on what you used in the bottom, such as cardboard or something you can just leave it as is and remove it to wash the purse when needed. That is what I sometimes do. Even if I use plastic canvas I remove it to wash the item.

Suzy

I always hand stitch the opening closed.

I have made 7 bow tucks so far,I fold in the edge to match the rest of the seam and just as close to the edge as I can I sew it closed. Also I put plastic canvas for the bottom to be stiff and hold it's shape. I use 2 pieces and make the pillow case type sleeve for it.fold in the overhang between the 2 pieces of canvas. you can hand stitch it closed or just leave it inside. Cost of 2 pieces cut from 1 sheet of canvas is less than 50 cents. and is washable. Mary

I am working on my 15th Bow Tucks and I leave the bottoms open!!!! My understanding is if you wash it later, you can get to the corners (through the opening) to "poke out the corners".....it made sense to me!!! Patti

humm I didn't think about poking them out again after washing. good idea to leave at least a little space open. thanks. Mary

Don't ya just love these totes. all the different looks just using different fabrics. They are very popular. thanks Patti for the reminder. Mary

Hand stitch it closed then put in the bottom piece.

I recently made a bow tucks and wondered about the same thing. I decided to close mine, because I know how loose change can find its way under the bottom & I didn't want it to get in between the lining & the outside fabric.

I made a covered hard board bottom to put inside to make the bottom stable. I put that inside the open hole
and then just hand stitched it closed. It doesn't have to
be perfect. No one sees it anyway. I just didn't want
raw edges fraying in there. You could also glue it shut.