Easy steps to make quad-fold straps for bag makers -
Making straps for your purse or handbag is very easy, and kind of fun actually! This is just a quick tutorial to get you through the basics. You can experiment with lengths, widths, and fabrics. Later, when you get adventuresome, you can add O-rings, D-rings, triangle rings, sliders, swivel hooks and more! I just love the results, and they turn out so professional looking!
Lengths:
Lets talk lengths. I will let you decided how long yours will be, but here are some general guidelines:
- A typical handle is about 18" to 26"
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A typical shoulder/crossbody strap is around 54"
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| Handbag Straps - I love making them! |
Let's Get Started:
1. Pull out your rotary cutter, mat, and ruler. From your chosen fabric, and depending on the width of your strap, cut a rectangle that is:
- 3" wide for a 3/4" wide strap
- 4" wide for a 1" wide strap
- 6" wide for a 1.5" wide strap
- 8" wide for a 2" wide strap
Cut this width x the length of strap you have chosen. (18" - 26" for handle, 54" for shoulder/crossbody)
- HANDLE LENGTH (18"-26"): If you cut it the width of your fabric from selvage to selvage, you may be able to do all your sewing at once and then cut it in half later to make two straps or cut some 4" lengths to be used as O-ring or D-ring tabs.
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SHOULDER/CROSSBODY (54"):
- If you are using 44" (112cm) long fabric for the strap, you will need to cut two pieces and join. Cut (1) 44" x chosen strap width (3/4/6/8") & (1) 12" x chosen strap width ( 3/4/6/8").
- If you are using faux leather, cut (1) 54" (or full WOF) x chosen strap width ( 3/4/6/8").
SHOULDER/CROSSBODY (54"): If you are using 44" (112cm) fabric for the strap and need to join the 2 pieces you've cut to create one long strap, follow steps 1a below. If you are using a 54" (37cm) strip, skip to step 2.
Referring to diagram 1a, with RS together, overlap the 2 strips cut at a 90° angle. The ends will extend over each other ¼" (6mm). Stitch across the corner at a 45° angle. Trim the excess fabric on the corner, leaving a ¼" (6mm) seam allowance. If using an iron safe fabric, press the seams open. Finger press if you cannot iron.
If you are using quilting cotton, you may want to fuse some interfacing down the middle of the strap leaving ¼" (6mm) of the width on either side without.
2. Referring to diagram 2, press both short ends of the strap over ¼" (6mm). NOTE: If you are using a fabric you cannot iron, you can leave these ends raw and unfolded. You can use edge paint or strap ends to finish.
3. Referring to diagram 3, fold the strap in half length-wise, WS together, and press if using iron safe fabric. NOTE: For faux leather or fabric you cannot iron, draw a line at centre instead of folding.
4. Referring to diagram 4, open again and fold the outside edges towards the centerfold line & press. NOTE: For fabric you cannot iron, do not press. Fold the outside edges to the center and use double-sided tape or clips to hold in place.
Fold entire strip in half once again, meeting folded edges together and press. NOTE: For fabric you cannot iron, do not press. Use clips to hold the sides in place.
5. Diagram 5, starting on the clipped side, topstitch around all 4 sides using a ⅛" (3mm) seam allowance. (I like to use a 3 - 4 stitch length for topstitching. Sometimes if I have a material that is sliding quite a bit on itself, I use a quilting foot or walking foot and it works like a dream. You can do an additional line of stitching ⅛" (3mm) from your previous topstitch if you choose.)
Optional:
6. Adding a swivel hook and strap slider: Referring to diagram 6, thread one end of the strap through the strap slider, folding it over the middle bar and back on to itself, overlapping about 1½" (38 mm). Rivet in place, or sew a box to secure.
7. Refer to diagram 7, with the wrong side of the adjustable slider facing up, thread the other end of the strap through one of the swivel snap hooks. Then go back through the adjustable slider.
Thread the free end of the strap through the other swivel snap hook. Rivet in place or sew a box to secure.
Strap Connectors & Anchors:
Customize your bag! Check out our many options of strap connectors, anchors, and finishing hardware!
- Edge Connectors
- Easy Strap Anchors
- Long John
- Strap Keepers
- Diamond
- Chain Strap Connectors
- Bridge Anchors
- Top Edges
- Corset Rings
- Strap Clip with D-rings
- Strap Ends
Looking for something different?
- Webbing
- Pre-made handbag & tote bang handles
- Pre-made shoulder and crossbody straps
- Leather strips for straps
Thanks for looking!
Email us if you need any help
- Janelle & Steph
