Hi, I am a newbie to the sewing scene, but I have somehow gravitated to making purses...so when I saw the pictures on the Quilting Board..I had to give it a try!

While I did have problems understanding the pattern instrutions, I kept trying and I eventually got it! Of course, I sewed the button loop on the wrong side..but that was my fault for not being careful..newbies have to be very careful and review often..

Anyway, I wondered if anyone else found the handles too short...my width of fabric was 42 inches long... so I made my handles 29 1/2 inches long..which is probably okay for me..but not standard.. I want to make this purse for relatives.. what is a good standard length for the handles..

Also, I did not quilt my purse (but, I still love it!!). But, I read somewhere that quilting makes the purse more stable as after washing it keeps it more together instead of shifting around. What do you guys think?

And, how do I quilt it, do I just draw lines that intersect using a ruler and marker?

Finally, I am using 100% cotton. Is there a better fabric of choice? Some of the 100% cotton I have bought from Hancock's feels a little stiff. Thanks!

I just quilt straight lines sometimes horizontal sometimes vertical on mine, I felt it would help it hold up a little better especially if I wash it. My handles are just right. You could use about any fabric you wish, I am going to try some with upholstery samples.

An easy way to quilt straight lines for a grid or diamonds is to mark your line with masking tape (blue) and then keep moving it over the width of the tape.

I also use the blue painters tape and it so much easier to quilt it that way. I cut my handles at 26" - that means you have to cut 2 strips of fabric and fusible fleece for handles since you can't get two from one strip of fabric. I prefer the longer length since it really is more of a tote than a purse.

A couple of answers....Yes, quilting your fusible fleece to your fabric will make it a bit more sturdy and alleviate the problem of the fusible becoming 'unfused' and shifting on you. Not only did I quilt my outsides and lining, I also quilted my pocket pieces both for the inside of the bag and the outer pocket. On my purse, the botton fabric was a vertical stripe...I could have just followed the stripe, however, what I did was lay out my piece on my mat and draw a line from top left to bottom right on the 45 degree angle. Then, I turned and did the same thing so I had intersecting angles. Stich first on that line and then I used my quilting guide bar to stitch 1 1/2 inches on either side of that intial line until it was quilted. For my floral upper purse fabric, I free-motion quilted.

As far as handle length goes...you can certainly make them any length you wish. Simply cut yourself another stip of width of fabric and fleece and cut them to the length you like. I think handle length is just a matter of personal preference. If I remember correctly, after cutting off the piece for the loop, I had 34 inches which cut in half allowed me to have 17 inch handles. I made the mini-Bow Tuck bag. I am not sure what the length is for the regular Bow Tuck bag.

Regarding fabric choice...I used cotton fabric I purchased at my LQS...it is very nice to work with. Hope this helps you a bit!

Hancocks has some really great cottons, but they also carry some not so nice - maybe you got some of the lower quality cotton which often has sizing added to give it substance. Once you wash it, that sizing comes off and then the fabric may end up to "wimpy". There are also different weights of cotton - I've got some meant for drapery which is sturdier than quilters cotton, but still soft to the touch. So careful checking in the store to be sure you have what you want will help prevent this stiffness from happening again.

Did you perhaps get a heavier fabric than quilting cotton? like maybe kettlecloth or twill?

This would actually work quite nicely for a tote as it is a heavier fabric.

I like using home decor fabric for the same reason.

Thanks, that is good info!

B

I really appreciate all the answers. I think I am ready now to start my second bow tucks tote! I will quilt the outside and the inside lining using the tape technique. And I think I will free motion the upper half of the outside. As for the material..I will ignore the sales of the hard cotton and stick with the cotton that has a softer and slightly heavier feel ! I am good to go!

B

Sounds like you are ready for a second tote. Aren't they fun. I can't wait to make a second one.