Onto something knitted

I've reflected, I've updated...now I have a question.
In the Crystal Palace English Garden Felted Carpetbag pattern, can someone please explain to me what the "Knitted top flaps" are for and how they are different from the "handle fastners"? I was assuming that the top flaps were what I fold down to hold the wooden purse handles in with. But that seems to be the "handle fasteners". So can anyone tell me what I'm supposed to do with the handle fastners? Right now, I don't think I'll be making them unless someone gives me a reason to do so. Thanks!