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.
Fold in the sides to the centre and adhere into place
Fold both long sides into the middle so they meet on the wrong side. Press into place.
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).
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:)
I have made a denim and tweed upcycled large tote to show off the padded bag handles.
For a free tutorial for the bag visit my blog. What style of bag will you make with your professional handles?
Very useful clear instructions for padded handles. Thank you.
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!!
Very clear instructions, can’t wait to try it on my next bag.
Are hand stiching the handles? I can’t tell by the pictures.
I think this is a fantastic solution. Can’t wait to try it.
I’ve wondered how these were made, so thanks for the clear instructions!
Very effective. They look really good. Thank you.
Really excited to try these handles thank you
Love it and have give it a try. Thanks you
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❤️
I have been looking for a handle like this thanks
Could I use foam instead of the fleece?
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.
Thanks! The foam I get her is quite thin – a bit less than ¼ inch thick.
Brilliant! Thank you so much. I love it!
This looks great, can’t wait to try it, thanks for sharing
Les poignées et le sac sont superbes, merci pour ces informations Déby !
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!