Hi Dingle, I've seen so much discussion on these bags "Bow Tucks" how are they made, where can I get instructions? they must be beautiful since there is so much interest. Thanks for any info. peterparley

Beware:
"Today's favor becomes tomorrow's obligation"...

I would set a good price for each one and they don't want to pay for it then I would say no, sorry. I would not do it for nothing, as I have found out in the past it is rarely appreciated. People do not understand the time and caring, not to mention the expense of the material and supplies, that goes into this type of work.

I know some where this has already been dicussed. But I have a question about how much to charge for a bow tucks. My first one I sold to a friend for $40.00. I had all of the fabric and just bought the pellon and the snap. Then I told her if anyone she knew would want one for them to buy the fabric and I would charge $40.00. Well she got to the restrauant last night before we did and a lady that worked there asked her about it. She told her what I had said. But when we were done eating I went over and talked to her. I told her that it would be $55.00 and for her to buy the fabric. Well she wanted the same fabric that I used for my friend, the butterfly (metallic/glittery) fabric from walmart which I didn't think I would even find any more. Anyway I still knew I had some and found out this morning I didn't have quite enough. Today went to the only walmart that is has bolts left and with my husbands good vison found the same fabric that I had bought.(I think it was 2 years ago). Any way, back to my question. I bought a little more fabric.All of the purse is with the butteryfly except the lining is the only other fabric I need to buy and the snap now. I don't have to mail it and I think she will be coming here to pick it up or maybe meet where she works which isn't far. And also if someone was to buy their own fabric would $55.00 still be too little to charge or do I need to charge more. By the way for this one I am going to use cotton batting and I hope it holds up as well as the pellon does. I have plenty of cotton batting.

Tell her where to buy the pattern and you'll help with the FIRST one she makes and then she can make all she wants!

This is so true, your time and talent is worth it. I know it take right around 8 hours for me to do a bag., I sew the handles in at least 5 times before I sew the line to the bag and then sew around the top. My handles will never come out.

I love making these bags and everyone loves them. I have sold a few., but if they want them that bad they will pay the price.

I have one price if I use my fabric and time, as well as another price if they buy the fabric and I make it up.

I just gave two to girls at work and each one asked "do want some money for it?" I didn't but I was glad they offered.

Amen to that one. Everyone wants something for ZIP., I have made many things for family and friends. There are some that think you just should do all of this for free. When they get picky, I send them to search out there own fabric, when they see the prices, they don't like it. People think you do things there way, well, they can go buy the ready made junk that they are selling out there that comes from China, and will fall apart in a month.

I have seen some of these bags made so cheaply and they are selling them for $40.00 or more. What we make has quality
and the price should be more.

I have had the same thing happen when I donate quilts. I have had ladies ask if they could have one to give as a gift. At first I did not know what to say but finally came up with a price and I have had some purchase them but others have made comments that they can get one at "W" for a lot less. It used to hurt my feelings but I do not give it a second thought any longer. Good Luck with your decision.

I made a lap quilt for a friend. An acquaintance decided she wanted one just like it. I did not really want to duplicate it, especially since I put a lot of time in it. When I make something for someone as I work I think about them, pray for them, and am thankful for who they are in my life. I eventually told her some of the fabric came from Hawaii (it really did) and that I would have to go back there for at least a week to get more... air fare, hotel & meals for a week, fabric, etc made it a little too pricy.

That is a really good response--wish I would have thought of using that one since I was born in Hawaii--I was very young when we moved back to the States.

YOU are in the driver's seat. Tell folks how much a purse is going to cost----and be kind to yourself.

If someone has the fabric----------still decide a decent amount for your time----------and don't bend!

If you still want to give some away here and there, that's your choice. But the beggers will have to pay.

It is so unbelievable that someone would ask you to make a bag for free so she can gift it to someone else. I don't know what I would say to someone who asked me this. I would be so flabergasted.

I guess I would say that they sell bow tucks on ebay. That she should go and bid on one she liked.

I got mine on ebay

I got my Bow Tucks pattern at my local quilt shop. Just ask, if they don't have it, they can usually get it.

For all the work that goes into these bags., your time is worth alot.


I know it takes me right around 8 hours to do a bag. I re-enforce the handles, by sewing them the first time about 5 times across, then I sew across again as I attach the lining, after I put the bag together then I top switch around the top to finish it this secures the lining. My purses will not fall apart. I charge $65.00, if I supply the fabric and make it, If they buy the two fabric's for the purse I will supply the pellon and the buttons. If they want the handles longer I will do that also. My charge for that is $45.00

Anyone who can do this all in two hours or so, must be a super sewer. I have made 8 or so, and I can't do them that fast. It takes around 1/2 hour more to cut the fabric and pellon. Then it takes time to make the handles., for I sew them 4 to 5 times besides just the sides. Then it takes time to fold, iron and sew the ties that go on the ends. I can't see any short cuts in this bag. I had one cut out on Thurs. and finished most of it on Friday, but I still have to sew around the top, sew the ties on then decided what buttons to put on.

I prefer backpack purses for my own use. I don't count time so much as I do days. I don't keep a pattern. I cut and arrange fabric, decide pockets and such more according to the fabric I'm using, than to a specific pattern. some I use zippers on, some not. Some ribbon trim, some not.

All in all it takes me a couple days, auditioning fabric, cutting and sewing.

AND DARN IT-------my current purse---ocean life and sea shells---------has a hole punched in the front. I was carrying a seam ripper and a screw driver on one time--------one or the other punched a hole. I'm going to have to sew a seashell over the hole. I like this material too much.

If you quilters want an idea of what a purse is worth, go to a shop that sells Vera Bradley or another well known brand. Look at the prices for size and complexity. Back off maybe 25% of the brand name prices for what you'll charge.

Of course, that will depend on the fabric you use. Your best bet may be to ask that customer's find and buy fabric they like.