What type of fabric do you use for Bow-Tucks and other purses??
Do you use decor fabric or regular quilting fabric? I am going to make (or at lease attempt to) make a few bags this weekend. Just wondering how well regular fabric will hold up to daily wear and tear.

If you use decorator fabric, put an interfacing on it (preferably a fusible one). Decorator fabrics sometimes have a more open weave than 100% cotton and need the interfacing for extra stability.

I've made purses and tote bags with both, so use which ever fabric you like.

I use whatever my machine will sew.

Some Decorator fabrics could be too heavy and then add a lining....and your machine may not be able to handle it. I personally would recommend a middle range quilting fabric....with a reasonable tight weave....what I would like to find is 'feet' to put on the bottom of my totes....

http://www.rnllee.com/description/hatshapedboxes.htm

Try this site for handbag supplies.
I'm waiting on my pattern for the Bow Tuck purse and I was askng myself the same question about fabric.

i use anything i have and like

I've used all kinds of fabrics, cotton, decorator, silk, brocade, canvas, duck cloth, you name it and I've probably used it in a bag. I always add interfacing to keep the bag sturdy, I dont like droopy bags.

So far just 100% cotton fabric. The same I would make a quilt with.

Not silly question!! I wondered!

100% cotton. I've not had a bag wear out yet ... and I use and abuse them...

[quote=athomenow]http://www.rnllee.com/description/hatshapedboxes.htm

wow, that site is good, thanks!

There are no such things as silly questions on here.

I use cotton quilting fabric. I haven't had anything wear out so far. It would be very thick it you used heavier fabric. The fusible fleece is pretty thick. I made a tote bag about 7 years ago, and it is still going strong--no signs of wear, and I use it a lot.
Sue

Thank you once again for all your help, you are all so wonderful!! I just got my new table today and along with my other folding table I actually feel like I have room to work now so its off to sew I go.....

I use all types of fabric, cottons, blends, decorator, tapestry to name some. I like 100 percent cottons to be quilted, because I like the feeling of it and it helps stand them up better. Have fun.

I especially like to make Bow Tucks in batiks, sometimes mixing them with Kona for the accent fabrics. I do use LQS cotton as well. They always come out well in good quality fabric.

I use cotton fabrics. Be sure to post pictures when you're done!

I use vintage barkcloth. It's a bit sturdier than quilting cotton, and I like the way it holds up. I don't make Bow-tucks however, just other kinds of purses and bags. No reason except I'm not crazy about the style of them.

I use fabric from my cotton stach, drapery and upholstry fabric. I do quilt the lighter weight cottons closer to give more stiffness to them. Almost anything goes! This is my latest cotton tote. I don't make bow tucks, just different kinds of totes.
peace

I love bark cloth and pebble cloth!!!

Please show and tell!

If you follow the directions for the bow tuck, the interfacing is heavy. I used cotton fabric and they turn out fine.

If you can't find the feet and want extra protection for wear on the bottom you can sew four flat buttons on the corners to protect the bottom.

I'm planning to make one soon and I'm going to use 100% cotton.

Have you thought of using buttons?

There are no silly questions. Ask away, this is the place, nobody has ever laughed at mine (at least out loud).

Have you tried buttons?

Forgot to say, if you decide to use buttons (large button and smaller one on top would be good), you probably need to sew them on with dental floss instead of thread. Much sturdier. I actually repaired the ragtop on my convertible with dental floss.

Like the others said--whatever you have at hand. I do use decorator fabric a lot--like the extra weight and patterns.

I've made totes with uphostery fabric. I tried it on a bow-tuck but it's so thick that the bows on the side were not very pretty......was too bulky

whatever works for the design I want. Even recycled denim!(those 80's denim jumpers have TONS of fabric in them)

Joanne's, for one, carries the feet with all of the supplies to make purses.

Ditto what ever I like too!

I use my quilting cottons and always fusible fleece.

I have always used 100% cotton backed with dura-bond stabilizer. It holds up well and sews well. So far the purses have "worn" great. I just finished making three of them for Christmas gifts and they look pretty good considering I am a novice at purse making.

I use whatever fabric I like on totes I keep for myself. However, I find the 100% cotton totes are the ones that sell the best. The cotton totes I have hold up really good.

I might recommend that you obtain some regular-weight cotton in a complementary color for the Bow Tuck ties?

I've made several bow tuck bags as well as other purses and totes and use cotton all the time. It holds up well through the season(s).

Here's a couple of tips I came up with to help the bag last through more than one season --

- use Scotchgard to help with warding off dirt.
- might consider buying purse feet to keep the bottom of the bag clean
- reinforce any stress areas
-- on the bow tuck specifically, the bows that are tied on the ends need extra reinforcement. my first one popped stitches after several months of re-tieing.

Hope this helps and have fun making this bag - it's so easy and fun to make !!

I use different types of fabrics - whatever I like or have on hand. :lol:

Any suggestions on what to line a pocket with if you want it to be really sturdy....like leather but not leather. Something you can sew on a regular sewing machine. Thanks.

Denim.