Quilted Purses

Quilted purses seemed to have earned a soft spot to the hearts of many handbag lovers in the world. Everyone has fallen to the spell of the soft and cushioned-like purses, which many women want to get their hands on. An ultimate must-have in every girl’s handbag collection, the purse had emptied many fashion shelves and windows and continuously to be in demand.

One can easily spot a quilted purse with its unique material that comes either in fabric or leather. The purses sport a distinctive puffy stitching “quilt” pattern resembling alternating square designs and despite its lack of detailing and hardware Lindsay Lohan and many other Tinseltown young stars still choose to dangle them around.

The Classic Stitch

Its unique style design is achieved in the quilting stitch technique involved in creating the purse. Quilting is a sewing method that can be done through handwork or with the aid of a sewing machine or Longarm quilting system. Basically, the method uses a needle and thread to fasten together two or more fabric or leather materials with a layer of cotton in between that result to a uniquely stylish proportioned quilt diamond design.

When applied to leather, for instance, the process gives birth to a heavy but sharper or more defined cushioned look and texture, which strongly appeals to handbag aficionados. Contrasting stitch pattern are usually added to further heighten the effect of the purse’s design.

There are historical accounts that quilting actually started in ancient Egypt where quilted fabric and whole cloth quilts are sourced in trading. It entered Europe and Asia only around 15th century but only to the wealthy few. Quilts, in fact, are seen as pieced pillows that were popular during that time.

The Trendsetter

Although quilts were already seen during the 1800’s as bed warmers, pillows, table tops, and other home accessories, the design only became a smash hit fashion trend when the notorious designer Coco Channel first made the first line of quilted purses in 1955.

The fashion world bore witness to the first quilted purse in elegantly handcrafted classy black mini sleek purse leather with a chain strap.

Year later, other fashion designer labels spawned their own version of quilted purses in different styles. A softer quilted purse, which is more colorful and feminine, was also introduced in the market.

The Countless Styles

Fabulously high-end designer fashion houses such as Prada, Marc Jacobs, and Dooney and Bourke popularized a myriad of quilted purses in glamorous styles of evening bags, satin clutches, hobo and totes.

Two of the most popular today is the Chanel Patent Double Flap Purse, which is known for its metallic finish, and the cylindrical Prada Quilted Barrel Purse.

Fashion companies also made the purses available in both high-end and economical accessories, retail, and department stores worldwide. One purse could cost about $30 to several hundreds more where leather ones are priced higher than the fabric-made quilted purses.

A great find is usually those purses that have small and proportionately spaced stitches. Loose and patchy stitching indicates low quality craftsmanship.

Another reason why the purse became a fast hot trend is that women can do their own quilted purse at home. In fact, quilting is originally a home hubby during the 18th century. The practical but trend conscious women especially homemaker would just secure themselves with easy quilted purse patterns, available in the Internet and handcraft stores, grab their thread and needles, some the sewing machine, and do their way for that trendy quilted purse.

From bed warmer to hot fashion purses, quilts maintained as a heartwarming piece in the lives of our old handcrafting ancestors to today’s fashion enthusiasts.