I've seen a lot of beautiful bags on this board. But the bowtuck pattern is mentioned a lot. I wondered what makes this bag 'different' of all the other types of bags? Looking at the pictures of this bag it doesn't seem so different to me?
And it's even open at the top, I hate bags that don't close well, either wit a zipper or a flap (or both).
So it just puzzles me a bit.

Good Question!

I'm with you!

I thought the same thing until I made one. I put a magnetic snap on it and have had no trouble with things falling out. It seems to stand up better than some others. I did use fleece instead of interfacing. I also quilt both the outside and the lining. The ties on the sides also help keep things inside. Of course some people still won't like it. It's all a matter of likes and dislikes.

I am not a big fan of the Bow Tucks either but I love looking at the ones on the board here & seeing all of the fabric combonations people put together. I want a zipper or some other kind of closure on my purse.

They are fun and easy to make and, personally, I have a lot of fun coordinating the fabrics for them. They are great gifts too. You can add your own closing to the top too. And did I mention they're easy to make..... :D

I agree. There are also many ways to change it. I put 6" of elastic on each side of one instead of the ties on the ends. Gave it a nice gathered look.

I love them. I've made at least a dozen. When I first started making them, I followed the pattern. Then I discovered I liked using magnetic closures. I've also made a couple for my dd without the ties, so she can put her school folder in it.

It's a versitle bag. You can use it as a purse or a tote bag. You can make it for a particular season or interest. They are fun to make and are great gifts!

The bow tuck isn't that difficult a bag to make and comes in 2 sizes, which is convenient. You can add a zipper to it if you desire. Plus they each look so different depending what material you use.

This is what makes them so appealing to me, both to make and to see here.

I love all the pockets inside and everytime I make a new one it becomes my favorite.

I've been wondering this too. So when you say "easier to make" do you mean easier than other Bag patterns? Could bow tuck makers elaborate? Is " bow tuck" the bag style or pattern line? Thanks for the info!

Bow tucks tote is the name of the design.

It is just a tote like any other except it has ties on the sides so you can tie a bow! I have made hundred of them (with out the pattern)minus the bowes. lol My next non quilting project is going to be a camera bag and strap. Wonder if I can become a millionaire by marketing that pattern just because I put foam between the layers instead of batting or interfacing?

I love all the pockets which you can make to your own specs. I measured everything out like a mini umbrella, cell phone, combs/picks, kleenex pack, hand wipe pack, etc. and wallah!
Getting ready to make another over the next couple of days.

I've made lots of utilitarian tote bags with no pattern at all. It would not be difficult to add a flap to the bowtuck or even a zipper. It just a basic bag that can be altered to whatever you want. Before the internet, patterns for things were not readily available unless a pattern co. made one. I learned to create my own patterns. Knew what I wanted and figured out how to do it.

I guess when you make one and make the changes you need you will see what the buzz is all about.

Does any one have a picture of a bow tuck bag.I have no idea what it looks like.Thanks

Thank you all very much for explaining
I hope nobody thought I was being rude and didn't like the bag, it was just because there are so many free patterns around that I wondered wat was so special about this bag.
I don't like bags that are that 'open' at the top because it's making the lfe of people who want to use other persons wallet so much easieer :-)).
I never made a bag or purse, but got some lovely fabric just asking to be used for a bag. So........may be I should just give it a try.

I have seen these purses on the board here and I just love them. I make other purses, but I havent been able to afford the pattern for this one yet.

I love the bow tucks. Carry them all the time.

I love the bow tucks. Carry them all the time.

I don't get it, either... With so many options and patterns for bags, why is everyone making this one over and over? To me, it's just not that appealing. The ties on either end would drive me nuts.

There are endless ways to do bags with coordinating fabrics. Maybe people just like following a pattern they are already familiar with? :roll:

Do a search here on the board... millions of them have been posted!

I'd buy one~!~
:thumbup:

It was easy to make and fun to make different fabric combinations. I usually don't like the open purses, too, but I found out after making my first Bow Tucks that it's very easy to grab whatever I need. Also, I like the little pockets that go all the way around the bag. The little side pockets are perfect for ink pens. I know that not everyone likes them, but I really do. And I enjoy seeing all pictures that people post.

I agree. There are also many ways to change it. I put 6" of elastic on each side of one instead of the ties on the ends. Gave it a nice gathered look.[/quote]


Well, that's a "duh!" moment for me. I have been thinking about how cute they were but I didn't especially like the strings on the sides!!! Thank you for suggesting elastic!

I'm trying to picture this. Could you share a photo of one of yours?

Does everything stay in the purse okay without the bows on the sides?