Sewing a bag strap: In this step-by-step tutorial, I will show you how you can easily sew your own bag strap. Includes a free pattern for webbing end pieces.
The most important things at a glance
- In this tutorial, I will show you how you can easily sew a bag strap for your bags yourself
- You can sew the shoulder strap from fabric, faux leather, webbing, and many other materials
- You only need the appropriate sewing machine needle and, if necessary, your walking foot
- With our free template, you can easily make webbing end pieces yourself
- ✂️ Sewing level: easy
- ⏰ Sewing time: 1-2 hours
How do I sew sturdy bag handles for my shopper? Perhaps you have asked yourself this before. Self-sewn bag straps are not only practical; they can also become a real eye-catcher. In this tutorial, I will show you great variations that you can use to easily sew your own bag straps from now on.
As a newsletter subscriber with a customer account, you can download a free pattern template for various strap end pieces directly here in the post.
The clever thing about these strap end pieces or snap hook holders: If your webbing is 4 cm wide, but your snap hook is, for example, only 2 cm, you can get started with sewing. The strap end piece acts as a connecting piece and makes everything fit. Good, right?
Does sewing bags make you happy? Then read my tips on the topic of "Sewing the perfect bag"
YouTube sewing tutorial: Sewing a bag strap
Who is writing this guide?
For this guide, I was able to recruit bag professional Olga Landel. She has seemingly already sewn thousands of bags and backpacks and also shows her beautiful sewing results on her Instagram channel. In the summer of 2024, Olga's first book, which is already eagerly awaited by many bag fans, will be released by Topp-Verlag.
Olga Landel has been a creative mind at Matroschka Handmade since 2017. She is a sewing blogger and author. She was interested in sewing even as a child. Nowadays, she can no longer imagine her life without sewing. Her great passion is bags and backpacks, for which she also designs her own patterns.
*Why should I sew a bag strap myself?
When you sew your own bag strap, you can not only let your creativity run wild but also design an individual and unique strap that fits your style, height, and needs perfectly.
It is a great way to improve your crafting skills while living sustainably by reusing materials and creating your own high-quality, custom-made solution.
Reading tip: Threading a strap slider
Which materials can I use to sew a bag strap?
Of course, you can sew a bag strap from regular webbing. It is firm, stable, and very durable. But you can also sew great shoulder straps from the materials you use to create the bag itself. In this guide, you will learn which fabrics you can use to sew bag straps.
Can I sew a bag strap with a normal sewing machine?
You can sew a bag strap with a normal sewing machine. Most commercially available sewing machines are capable of sewing most types of fabrics from which bag straps are typically made.
However, it is important that you use the correct needle and thread for the material you intend to use. For example, you may need a stronger needle and robust sewing thread if you are sewing a strap made of thick material like leather or canvas. Otherwise, nothing stands in the way of sewing a bag strap with your regular sewing machine!
I recommend using a universal needle in size 80 to 90 for sewing the bag strap. For sewing thread, you can use, for example, an all-purpose thread like Seralon by Mettler.
What must my sewing machine be able to do to sew a bag strap?
To sew a bag strap, it is helpful if your sewing machine has a few useful functions. Of course, you can also sew great bag straps with a fast-running machine that only sews straight stitches. But it is practical if your sewing machine has various settings.
- Stitch selection: A sewing machine with a wide range of stitch options, especially straight and zigzag stitches, is very practical. You can use these stitch types to sew the strap and give it extra stability.
- Presser foot pressure adjustment: An adjustable presser foot pressure allows you to adapt the pressure of the presser foot to the material being used. This is important to ensure that the fabric is sewn evenly and stably and does not pucker.
- Stitch length and stitch width: The ability to adjust stitch length and width is useful for adapting the seam to the thickness of the material and achieving an even seam. The thicker the material, the larger the stitch length can be.
- Strength: A robust sewing machine capable of sewing thicker materials like leather or canvas is advantageous, as bag straps are often made from durable materials.
- Free arm: A sewing machine with a free arm makes it easier to sew curves and small areas, which can occur when making bag straps.
- Needle position: The ability to adjust the position of the needle makes it easier for you to sew along the edges of the strap.
What should I consider when I want to sew a bag strap?
When you have decided to sew your own bag strap, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure your project is a success.
- First, you should select the right material, which is both stable and comfortable to wear.
- Be sure to choose the correct length and width for your strap so that it fits your bag perfectly and lies comfortably on your shoulder.
- Don't forget to use robust seams to ensure your strap can withstand daily wear and tear.
- And finally, experiment with different closure and decoration options to make your bag strap a unique and personal accessory.
With these tips, you are well-equipped to create your own individual bag strap!
What you need to sew a bag strap
Gather materials: Before we begin, let's ensure we have all the materials ready. These include:
- Material of your choice (e.g., cotton, linen, canvas, webbing,...)
- Measuring tape*
- Sewing thread in a matching color*
- Craft scissors*
- Professional fabric scissors*
- Iron*
- Ironing mat*
- Sewing machine
Sewing bag handles with Bundfix
To sew sturdy bag handles for your self-sewn shopper, you need Bundfix and fabric strips. Bundfix is an iron-on fleece tape with folds that you can also use for belts or waistband cuts.
We are using this practical fleece helper this time to sew bag handles and thereby save ourselves the measuring.
These are the required materials:
- 2 fabric strips*, 7 cm wide in the desired length, e.g., 80 cm
- Bundfix by Vlieseline*
The fabric strips should be exactly as wide as the Bundfix.
Step 1
Iron the Bundfix with the adhesive side onto the left side of the fabric strips.
Fold the reinforced bag handles over at the crease lines.
Topstitch the edges close to the edge.
Tip: With an edge-stitching foot, you can achieve perfect topstitching.
Attach the finished bag handles to your prepared shopper.
Both handles should have the same distance from the side edge.
Tip: Sew a shopping bag with a free pattern
Sew the handles on in a cross pattern. Now they are extra sturdy and can handle heavy shopping!
Sewing simple bag handles with webbing
With webbing and strips of fabric, you can sew beautiful and very simple bag handles and shoulder straps.
You can also use webbing to sew sturdy bag handles. Here, it is important that your webbing matches the color of the fabric.
You will need the following materials
Cut 2 fabric strips to the desired length. The width of the strips should be twice the width of the webbing + 2 cm.
Example: If your webbing is 2.5 cm wide, the fabric strips must be 7 cm wide.
Iron the long edges of the handles toward the center.
Place the webbing in the center and topstitch it along the edges.
Tip: When sewing them onto the shopper, make sure that the handles are placed with the webbing side facing down.
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