Get a Handle on Your Totes

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

Rose@Stitch — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:29:49 GMT

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

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

Carol Barringer — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 22:03:19 GMT

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.

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

lisashep — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:46:38 GMT

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

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

Betty White — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:03:20 GMT

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

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

chocolaterules — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:19:27 GMT

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

LIT

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

Jilly23249 — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 17:08:56 GMT

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.

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

judymorris — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:28:41 GMT

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

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

HennieL — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:01:12 GMT

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.

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

sharlo — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:48:03 GMT

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

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

Langtonian — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:36:29 GMT

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

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

jubie — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:11:33 GMT

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.

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

SaintPea — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:42:36 GMT

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

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

VALCAT — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:26:15 GMT

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.

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

minerva454 — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:49:38 GMT

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.

re: Get a Handle on Your Totes

Alessia6 — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:16:20 GMT

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.)