I have made several and they last very well- unless you drag it on the ground or spill something on it that can't be removed. After all - they are still made from fabric. My only suggestion would be to either move the button placement down or shorten the loop, because the way the pattern reads does not hold the purse closed enough. I don't like Velcro, so I didn't use that. Still trying to design a zipper for the top.