Tutorial ~ Bag Straps

You asked, and we cajoled Lisa into doing two fabulous bag strap tutorials for us all! We’re sure you remember her inspiring work, but while you’re thinking of it be sure to browse through her Flickr site and Pink Lemonade Boutique blog for more of Lisa’s beautiful bags. This is the first of Lisa’s two tutorials.:

For a basic flat handle you would cut the fabric 4x the finished width. For example, this 1″ strap started off with a piece of fabric cut 4″ x 20″. You would also cut the interfacing to the same dimensions. Interfacing is a must for sturdy, long lasting straps. I use either decor-bond or craft-fuse.

After fusing the interfacing, I crease the strap down the center with the iron.

Then, iron both long sides in to meet the center crease.

Then fold in the center again and steam press well.

Stitch each long side about 1/8th inch from edge.

Then stitch 1/4th inch from the first stitching for form channels. This step is optional, however I almost always make them this way; I find it makes for a stronger strap.

Your finished straps.

12 Responses to “Tutorial ~ Bag Straps”

1. Kathleen responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 9:36 am →

   Why is it that I have never used interfacing in my straps? I normally line them with quilt batting, but duh! (I’m smacking myself in the forehead here) interfacing!!

2. Kristin responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 10:44 am →

   Well, you make that look so easy! I am definitely going to try it. Thank you!

3. beki responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 10:59 am →

   This is how I make my straps, but I never thought to add additional stitching, making “channels”. I’ll give that a try next time.

4. heidi responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 11:02 am →

   love the pictures! thanks for the great tutorial!

5. Stephanie responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 11:04 am →

   Thanks so much, Lisa! I have always admired your bags and wondered how you made those fabulous handles!!

6. Mary responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 11:59 am →

   Thanks so much, Lisa! Those look great. I like doing the extra stitching, too.

7. Lisa responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 2:18 pm →

   It was my pleasure, I’m always willing to share, happy bag making!

8. liz elayne responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 2:31 pm →

   love the idea of the extra stitching – going to do that later today!

9. Kathy responds:
   Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 4:19 pm →

   THANKS FOR SHARING! I’ve been wondering how to make my straps sturdier.

10. Lauren responds:
    Posted: July 10th, 2007 at 7:03 pm →

    Thank you! I’m not so afraid of making straps anymore!

11. Hope responds:
    Posted: July 11th, 2007 at 4:24 am →

    Best way to make straps ever! Thanks!

12. Rachel responds:
    Posted: July 11th, 2007 at 7:57 am →

    I’m going to give this method a try. I dislike crunched up purse straps. Thanks for sharing!

Advertising
info@sewmamasew.com