Making Bag Handles From Twisted Fabric Scraps

making bag handles

Making bag handles and using fabric scraps from your stash is the aim of this tutorial.  To set the scene, it is 3 am and as usual I am working late or is it early? –I really don't know anymore.  I realize that I do not have enough fabric for the bag I am making.  I could sew a few scraps together, but that would make it look “patch-worked.”  And I do not have the interfacing to stabilize it anyway.  I could use a thick chain, but unfortunately I don't have one of those either.  Can't use leather or canvas because yes, you guessed it, I don't have that either.

So I get the idea from the fabric covered beaded necklace that is hanging from the mannequin and the left over cord from the fringed bath mat.  These were both projects recently shared with you here on So Sew Easy.  I thought I would share with you what I was able to make with the left overs I actually did have.  For those of you that sell your bags, I hope you find it useful and a way to set your product apart from the rest.

making bag handles

I've chosen some pretty bright and contrasting colors simply because those were the scraps I had and because they would help illustrate the technique by contrasting the different pieces.  You can, of course, choose better matching fabrics for your own bag handles.

If you're someone that really likes bags, please have a look through this technique because we have a new, free bag pattern coming out tomorrow that will use it. Enjoy!

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Materials

  • 2 strips of fabric of 60″ in length by 1  1/2″ wide
  • 2 pieces of cotton cord 60″ in length by  3/8″ to 1/4″ thick.
  • 2 square of fabric  6″ x 6″
  • 2 square  6″x 6″of medium weight  fusible  interfacing
  • waxed cotton 1  1/2 yard approximately

Step One:  Sewing the strips

making bag handles

Here is the perfect opportunity to use your scraps.  The strips need to be 60″ in length by 2″ wide.  This length is enough to make a 22″ bag handle.  You can sew a few scraps together that complement your bag to reach the length required.  I am using 2 different fabrics from my scraps. There is no need for this to be on the bias.

Important Tip: For making bag handles

How wide your strip of fabric will depend on how wide your cord or rope is.   The width of your cord x 6

making bag handles

Sew the edges together at 3/8″.

making bag handles

With the help of a loop turner or a bobbin-pin turn inside out.↓

CLICK LINKS BELOW TO PAGES 2 TO 4 OF THIS TUTORIAL

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Marilyn Larkin
Marilyn Larkin

what a practical and very attractive idea. I am making tote bags for xmas gifts and will definitely try to make some handles for them using this method.

Arenka
Arenka

Instead of actual cording, could crocheting a length of heavy yarn be a suitable substitute? That would also be a way to reinforce the inside of a pick pocket handle as it would be very strong and able to be done with a variety of materials.

sharonmelville
sharonmelville

Is there a PDF pattern for the Making Bag Handles from Twisted Fabric scraps

Penny Dudley
Penny Dudley
Reply to  sharonmelville

Sharon,
if your computer/laptop is like mine I have a suggestion. Up in the right hand corner area, right below the X that you would use to close the page you will see three dots in a row vertically. If you click on those dots a drop down will appear. Click on print and change the printer destination to ‘Save as PDF’. You can then save the page as a pdf file where you would like. Hope this help. Have a save and blessed labor day.

Janice L Hildebrand
Janice L Hildebrand
Reply to  sharonmelville

Did you ever get an answer…I am having trouble with the sewing instruction to print?? Now I dont know whether the PDF for the pattern is even accurate?

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member

Hi Janice, there’s no PDF required for this one. You can do a simple pattern by hand as per the instructions on the second page of the tutorial. Have fun and happy sewing!

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  sharonmelville

Hi, there’s no PDF required for this one. You can do a simple pattern by hand as per the instructions on the second page of the tutorial. Have fun and happy sewing!

Sonnia
Sonnia

That’s a very cool idea for a change from the flat handles that I am accustomed too. Thanks for sharing, will be trying it soon.

Sharleen Newland
Sharleen Newland

There is a wonderful tool for turning tubes, it is called the Fasturn. You can add a cord and turn the tube at the same time!

patricia cantwell.
patricia cantwell.

Hello,
Thank you for the idea of the twisted handles. I’ve made many bags, but never
thought of making such interesting handles. My Christmas presents will be
special this year. Many thanks. Patricia

Marti Morgan
Marti Morgan

I have always had a problem with handles – this will be a great thing for my future bag making. Thank you, And I love the twisted look!

Shirley Roeder
Shirley Roeder

Your timing is unreal! I was JUST looking for a tutorial on making twisted bag handles! Thank you Thank you Thank you !!!!

Magpie
Magpie

Great idea! I love the cord wrapped end!

Mea Cadwell
Mea Cadwell

I found a way to make these without the inner cording. Dampen natural fabric (scraps from an old cotton sheet is what I used). Twist the scraps tightly in one direction (clockwise for example) then twist those twists around each other the other direction, makeing sure to keep the original twists tight. Use a hair dryer to dry them and they stay in the twisted shape.

I had wanted to use this actual tutuorial but didn’t have any available cording. I tried doing it dry but it didn’t keep it’s shape. It’s the wetting/heating that made it work.

Then I used it on a tote bag that I gave to a friend.

Thank you for all the tutorials you have for us. They are very much appreciated!

Donna Hawley
Donna Hawley

thank you so very much for everything you give to your fans

Marlene Walker
Marlene Walker

THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY DILL WHO SEWS THROUGH THE NIGHT, I LOVE THE NO INTERUPTIONS OF A NIGHT ON THE MACHINES.LOL

Carl D'Agostino
Carl D'Agostino

top notch for sure

mary
mary

hat is waxed cotton where do I get it?

FLOR
FLOR

Preciosos todos los trabajos, bendiciones

Carol
Carol

Thanks Suzan for sharing your method of turning fabric tubes. I always hated pulling the cord through the fabric. it often twisted and took so much time to do. I will definitely give your method a try.

Kathy Mason Bankston
Kathy Mason Bankston

Having lived in Italy for a couple of years, I can sympathize with the fact that the greatest majority of folks are good, honorable people. Sadly, there’s still the chance of becoming a “pickpocket target” virtually wherever we go. One trick popular among purse thieves is to slash handles of purses and take the whole bag on the fly. My question (finally) is: Instead of the cord, would you consider using picture hanging wire, chain, any strong but small diameter metal center support system? It could not be cut, adding to the security of your bag.

Judy Manville
Judy Manville
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

I have not done it (yet), but it occurs to me that using nylon-coated jewellery threading wire (like Beadalon flexible wire) might be a good move alongside the cord – flexible yet almost impossible to cut. Looking forward to making this bag. Thank you for yet another fab pattern. Judy M

Margaret L
Margaret L

So here’s another question: Wonder what happens when the pickpocket hits your bag? How fast can you punch him?!!! I had a friend who formerly lived in New York City who had her salary grabbed from the inside of a book in her purse as she exited a check cashing booth! She didn’t discover it until she got back to her apartment! While telling her friends, they all sympathized but said it had happened to “everyone” who lived in NYC at some time or another… That’s what scares a little girl from Artesia, New Mexico…

Judy
Judy

Just a question to suzannprincess, if you’re sewing the whole piece of cording in your fabric tube, don’t you pull it out of the fabric tube while turning the fabric tube right side out? OR… are you only putting a small length inside of fabric, sewing then turning? I’m having a hard time visualizing this. May have to go try it.

dvance
dvance
Reply to  Judy

use a length of cord twice as long as tube

kmacdigi2015

is there a pdf of this tutorial? I would like to print it as I don’t have internet where I sew… am I missing it somewhere? thank you in advance!

suzanprincess
suzanprincess

I’ve learned another method that makes turning fabric tubes easier for me. Allow an extra 1/2″ of fabric length and enough extra cord to hang on to while pulling on it. When sewing your tube together place the cord inside, tucked tight to the fold; sew a 1/4″ seam across the end to attach the cord; sew the side seam being sure to not stitch into the cord. Now just pull the cord through the tube, trim 1/4″ off the sewn end to get rid of the bulk, and there’s your filled tube! If you want an unfilled, flat tube, just remove the cord entirely. I’ve even made spaghetti straps this way, when a safety pin big enough to hand on to would be too large to pass through the tube.

Judy
Judy
Reply to  suzanprincess

Check out my question under Judy……..

gaillivingstone
gaillivingstone
Reply to  suzanprincess

this is the method i always use. easy and always successful. no aggravation on pushing anything through’

bcwestblog
bcwestblog

I really enjoyed this article and they turned out great! I can think of another use. A custom dog leash and collar. Can’t wait for the bag.