You can also get webbing at outdoor sports stores and sometimes even feed stores. One of the best places I can get it here in an assortment of colors and widths is the CalRanch store.

I have purchased rolls of webbing from newarkdress.com and was very pleased. Buying a large roll is kind of pricey, BUT you'll have enough to make lots of totes.

I have purchased various bags at garage sales and charity shops just to get their false bamboo or wood handles -- often the bags are only $2 and new handles cost upwards of $15 here!

J.Hittle has the webbing for a really decent price. They have several colors too. Their website is really clunky and annoying to use but they have really great prices so everybody just puts up with it.

Amazon has rolls of webbing - 1 inch wide, 25 yards, for about $8. I bought this one for making tote bag handles and it seems to be the same quality as webbing I've bought from Joann's: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o02_s00_i00

My idea (when I get around to it!) is to run a stripe of ribbon down the middle to match the bag. I have a lot of ribbon on hand that I need to use up.

I was in the $ $tore today and while waiting in line I happened to be next to the pet section and thought of this thread.

How about re-assigning dog leashes for bag/tote handles?
I bet it'd be cheaper than buying the yardage!
And there's usually so many colours available for the canine fashionistas!! :D

Nancy's notions also has a good selction of purse handle items and Mary Jo's should also.