Quilted Handbags

About Quilted Handbags

History

Quilted handbags are one of the hottest purse types today. You'll see them everywhere --from a Marc Jacobs "stam" quilted leather dangling from Lindsay Lohan's arm, to your local discount store.

Despite their modern day popularity, the history of these fashionable bags actually goes back for decades. The first quilted handbag sold to the public was designed by the infamous Coco Chanel -- a classy black quilted purse with a chain strap -- in 1955.

Appeal

Why are quilted purses so appealing? For starters, they are usually softer and easier on the arms than many other bags. The look of a quilted bag also offers a unique texture. The bags are also slightly thicker than a standard fabric bag, so they offer the look of fabric with added durability.

Materials

The most popular materials for quilted handbags are fabric and leather. Fabric offers a feminine, soft look in a huge range of colors and patterns that can be very appealing. Many fabric bags also incorporate embroidery into the quilting for an added touch.

Many women have a strong reaction to quilted leather -- they either love them or hat them. Quilted leather bags have a distinctive appearance that is actually quite different from fabric. The heavier weight of the leather creates a sharper, more defined look, and is often combined with contrasting stitching to heighten this effect. Metal accents and chain handles are often used on these bags.

The term quilted in a handbag usually refers to the stitching pattern, which creates a quilted look, rather than denoting the use of alternating fabric squares.

Styles

Quilted purses are available in a wide variety of styles -- and you don't have to confine them to weekend shopping totes. Some of the structured styles, like those from Dooney and Bourke, are sleek and perfectly appropriate for a work environment. Many companies also make quilted-style evening bags, like Banana Republic's Quilted Satin Clutch

The most common include:

• Various sizes of tote bags
• Clutch-style bags
• Hobo handbags
• Shoulderbags
• Travel and weekender bags
• Circle bags
• Satchels

You can also find them in doctor style handbags, mini duffels, shopper styles, and more.

Handcrafted Purses

If you are looking for something truly unique in your quilted handbags, you may want to consider something handcrafted. Many crafters, quilters, and seamstresses use their talents to create lovely one-of-a-kind handbags.

The following sites specialize in custom or handcrafted purses:

• Berry's Bags
• Crazy Daisies
• Quilted handbags

Shopping

• Quilted handbags are available in many brands, from designer styles like Vera Bradley to economical Wal-Mart names like No Boundaries. Most retail, department, and accessory stores sell them.

• Prices range anywhere from thirty dollars to several hundred dollars or more, and leather bags are priced higher in most cases than fabric designs.

• When shopping for quilted accessories, check the stitching carefully to see that the stitches are small and evenly space. Loose, sporadic stitchery may indicate less-than-quality craftsmanship.

• If you're looking for a designer bag, keep in mind that many quilted styles are made by top handbag designers and are commonly counterfeited. Read LoveToKnow's Fake Designer Handbag Guide to learn more about avoiding these scams.