How to Sew Your Own Padded Fabric Bag Handles

 padded bag handles

Are you a keen bag maker? Ready to take your bags to the next level?

Wondering how to create your own professional handles which tone perfectly with your bag?

It's so easy to make your own handles, have a go:)

You will need:
2″ by 28″ times two of fusible fleece
2″ by 29″ times two of the handle fabric

Adjust as necessary for the length of the handles you need for your particular bag pattern.

To make padded fabric bag handles

Attach the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the fabric following the manufacturer's instructions, centering the fusible fleece

Turn in the end of the fabric handles to the wrong side, and press. Adhere into place with fabric glue, bondaweb or similar.

padded bag handles

handle ends fold in edges

Fold in the sides to the centre and adhere into place

handle ends completed

Fold both long sides into the middle so they meet on the wrong side. Press into place.

Iron into the center

At each end of the handles adhere this into place

Fold the handle in half again, and pin it into place (you can use clover clips or even hair clips).

clover clip into place

Stitch along the edge leaving 1.5″ of the handle not sewn at each end to create the part that is sewn to your bag. That's it!!! Simple:)

padded bag handles

I have made a denim and tweed upcycled large tote to show off the padded bag handles.

Large Denim Upcycled Tote with Corded Bag Handle

For a free tutorial for the bag visit my blog. What style of bag will you make with your professional handles?


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Jane
Jane

Very useful clear instructions for padded handles. Thank you.

SpinninJenny
SpinninJenny

This is a very timely tutorial!! My good handbag handles have developed cracks and are going to need replacing. They’re a red faux leather. I’m going to look in the car upholstery dept for a close match. I think I can use this method to make new ones using glue, batting, and a leather machine needle. I’ve never made purse handles before but I love my purse and I’m sure going to try. Thanks for a great site and for sharing your ideas!!

Sandra-Kay Murphy
Sandra-Kay Murphy

Very clear instructions, can’t wait to try it on my next bag.

Elle Lyons
Elle Lyons

Are hand stiching the handles? I can’t tell by the pictures.

Priscilla M. Laybolt
Priscilla M. Laybolt

I think this is a fantastic solution. Can’t wait to try it.

Pamela
Pamela

I’ve wondered how these were made, so thanks for the clear instructions!

Anne Evans
Anne Evans

Very effective. They look really good. Thank you.

Yvonne
Yvonne

Really excited to try these handles thank you

Moyosore Lateefhat
Moyosore Lateefhat

Love it and have give it a try. Thanks you

Joon Albany
Joon Albany

Thank you so much! I’ve had a bag made for a year, quite beautiful but wanted some better handles and this is just fabulous way to do it! So glad I came across your post❤️

Susanne
Susanne

I have been looking for a handle like this thanks

Gina B.
Gina B.

Could I use foam instead of the fleece?

Deby at So Sew Easy
Active Member
Reply to  Gina B.

Yes of course, give it a try. Some foams are thicker than others, so if its particularly thick you might need to experiment a little to see how much you need to allow for the turn of cloth effect.

Gina B.
Gina B.

Thanks! The foam I get her is quite thin – a bit less than ¼ inch thick.

Rosemary de Ponte
Rosemary de Ponte

Brilliant! Thank you so much. I love it!

gracievenezia

This looks great, can’t wait to try it, thanks for sharing

Amie'lie

Les poignées et le sac sont superbes, merci pour ces informations Déby !

Tracy in SW WA
Tracy in SW WA

Deby, thanks for the clear and easy instructions to make the handle. Your denim and tweed bag is gorgeous – it looks useful, lived-in, and so versatile!