Fantastic idea about using 'saved' handles!! I have quite a few bags that I've kept (I'm a hoarder!!) but don't use anymore. Hmmmm...where's that sharp knife? (I'll also check out the charity shops.)

I have been making bags for years now, and I always reinforce my straps.  I prefer straps that are contained in the top seam of the bag as I find that they last longer (and don't wear out my fancy bag fabric).

I make a lot of handles/straps from upcycled suede items.  Suede washes well (please pre-wash) and then your whole bag is washable too.  You can use all of your thrifted suede item (make some cool buttons!), or mayble you will have some for another project.

I do want to say that I find it a bit environmentally irresponsible to recommend cutting straps from bags and then 'tossing the bag'.  That way, I've just ruined somethiing that someone else might use AND added to landfill.

I save the removable nylon straps from old back-packs, etc.  When I need to add a strap, I cut to size, and have a sturdy, neat strap.

While at a thrift store or goodwill, look for leather jackets/coats. They can be cut into strips and sewn into handles. One jacket will give you many pairs.

Peg

I have recycled the handles for sure, but I also adopted my husband's old leather jackets for several uses including handles and restyles into bags of leather and also for leather trims.  Another way to get these is at garage sales and thrift stores.

I, too, enjoy making totes.

If they are to be used for library books and heavy duty I use strips

of webbing running the full length of the bag -  either inside or

outside - and extending to make handles.    The webbing comes

in several widths.    This way the weight is carried by the webbing

and not the fabric.  

Hope this helps someone.      Margaret

To sew leather instead of using a denim sew machine needle purchase a leather sewing machine needle. You can use ordinary thread and because this needle is designed special to sew leather there are no problems and the item can be sewn easily. The needle is designed to be spiral and enters the leather with ease. Of course use caution and sew more slowly

Thank you and good luck and have fun

Belts make a very sturdy bag handle - you can either cut the ends off and use the middle for short handles, or just cut the belt in half for a shoulder bag and use the buckle to lengthen or shorten the handle, or simply as a design element. A hammer and awl (sharp, pokey tool that looks like a screwdriver with a sharp point) can easily make holes for sewing it on.

I don't like handles as i feel more secure with a strap that can be slipped over my head and worn across the body.  more hands for other things.  I have a book called "BarbarA Randle's more Crazy Quilting with attitude".  It is a book on making all kinds of bags with wonderful instructions on making great sturdy handles/straps and terrific instructions on making sturdy shaped bags.  I love making handbags.  They are original and I can add all of the organizational pockets I want to the inside and outside.  Thanks for the article. Judy M

I use belts i buy at Goodwill. I use lesther belts cuz of the great buckles, but u can also find grest chain belts and other kinds. I use sew a D Ring to the bag and rivet the belt to the D Ring.  

love totes!!!!  I usually reinforce with peltex or timtex when making them.

LIT

I search for belts at tag sales and find that they can be adapted easily for unique bag handles.  With a little creativity they can be altered to make one of a kind handles for purses.

Betty5050

I agree about the fabric straps, they often scream "homemade", and don't hold up long enough. I usually use horn, leather (real and faux), suede or rope handles, depending on the fabric.  

I've used broken beaded necklaces as straps for small evening bags, adding simple jump rings or other hardware to the ends.  

Lisa / Cultured Expressions

culturedexpressions.com/.../index.php

I too prefer straps sewn into the body of the bag. I just don't see how hand sewing is going to be sturdy enough for handles. I love making bags; I prefer shoulder straps, interfaced with DecorBond or Timtex, and I never have a problem with my straps.

Wow! Great ideas and suggestions ... and we do love our totes, don't we! Thanks to you all for sharing.