Continuing with the series on bag making hardware (part 1 on straps and handles is available here and part 2 on closure hardware is available here), this week we’re looking at the range of items available which can protect the bottom of your bag and which can create rigid shapes for your bag or purse.

In the photo above we have the following:

A. Cone Shaped Bag Feet – these feet come in a variety of sizes, but they are usually set by opening the prongs on the inside of a bag. They can be used with washers or grid bag bottom to hold them in place. The amount you need and the size you use is dependent on the size of bag you are attaching them to.
B. Rounded Stud Bag Feet – these work in the same way as the cone shaped feet.
C. Caged Bag Feet – these are decorative versions of the plain stud feet and can be used in the same way.
D. Grid Bag Bottom – this is a very thick canvas grid, often sold as tapestry canvas, which works to provide shape and structure to the bas of a bag. It is usually held in place using bag feet.

In the photo above we have the following:

E. Glue In Purse Frame – these are used to create purses and glasses cases, and can even come in sizes large enough for a small handbag. They are attached to the fabric using strong glue, and the frames are often stuffed with piping cord as well to ensure that they fit snugly.
F. Sew In Purse Frame – these are used in the same ways as the glue in frames except that they are sewn in place using strong thread. You can actually glue these frames too if you take a notion to.
G. Snap Frame – these are used mainly in coin purses and glasses cases and are named because of the way they snap closed, keeping the contents enclosed. One of the end pins can be removed and then the frame is fed through a channel at the top of the purse before returning the pin to its original place. Both ends of the frame are visible, but the rest should be hidden in the purse channel.
H. Hexagon Frame (pictured open) – whilst the opening of these does not give an even sided hexagon, nonetheless they do create an opening which holds its shape while you add and remove things from the bag they are attached to. Like the snap frame, these are threaded through a channel at the top of the bag, and are pushed into their open shape. They are particularly useful for craft bags that you frequently need to dive into to save you rummaging about in bag where you’re searching with 1 hand while trying to hold it open with the other.
I. Wire Bag Frame – these frames hold the top of your bag open in a similar way to the hexagon frame, except that none of the frame is visible to the end user as it is threaded through a channel and completely sewn inside the bag.
J. Tubular Bag Frame – these are most commonly seen in Gladstone-type bags and also hold the top of your bag wide open. They tend to be made for larger bags, and like the snap and hexagon frames, the hinged section is visible. Hinges can be pin like as in the photo, or elbow hinges.

K. Purse Frame Glue – as its name suggest, this is the glue used to attach a purse frame to a fabric purse. This Gutterman’s HT2 glue is generally considered to be the best option if you can get hold of it.
L. Piping Cord – this can be used to stuff glue in purse frames for extra security, but it can also be used to add piping to your bag. Although it’s possible to buy pre-made piping cord, you can also make your own to co-ordinate with your bag, inserting it into seams for decoration.