Bag/Tote Handles
 

I need some items for Bag and Tote handles. I'm having a hard time finding the webbing that I want so would like some ideas from you. Most of my bag handles are made from the bag material, but would like to do something different. Thanks for any suggestion.

I have bought the webbing at Joann's also bought a belt at Salvation Army...it was a woven summer belt for a man...worked just right.

belts work- web ones, leather ones, even elastic ones- also ties make good handles- all kinds of thing can be used - felted wool knitted cables- ....

I buy belts at thrift sotres/ yard sales. Be careful sewing leather. it can throw you machine out of time. ( I did alterations & had this happen).. Also I've found some really neat macarame handles & use as it. I do wash them first. Made some jean purses & everyone like the handles. Matched the lining to colors of belt. The elastic webbing would stretch too much for bag in my opinion

I prefer fabric ... use a piece of fabric 6 times the width of your desired handle, and a piece of batting the width you want. Then iron fabric in 1/2 lengthwise. Centre the batting on the fabric and iron the two sides in, so that the raw edges are buried. Then rows of topstitch/quilting about 1/4" apart the length of the handle.

It stays flat with use, and makes for a very comfortable handle to carry. And of course, coordinates with your bag!


Another possibility is to braid fabric together ... either raw edge or tubes turnes on batting.

Hobby Lobby has webbing.

I like the cotton webbing vs. the nylon/poly stuff. Best price I've found is Hobby Lobby. You can get purchased handles at Joann's. I've seen handles made from embroidery hoops, rope and on denim bags I cut the flat felled seams from the outside of the legs of old jeans and use it for handles

OMG! I gave away soo many belts that would have worked beautifully for bags. Oh well story of my life. I did the same thing with tons of zippers I had; thought I'd never use them since I didn't make garments anymore. Dumb dumb dumb!

In the ribbon and emblishment section at Jo anns they have some neat strapping that is suitable for handles some is kind of pricey you can also buy chain and weave it with ribbon and ect to make your own, Just think outside the box and you will come up with many ideas on evening bags I have used a necklace for handles

www.newarkdress.com offers webbing. I have not bought their webbing, but have used them for other supplies with satisfaction. I don't know if M&J Trimming (on 6th Ave in Manhattan) has a web site but they have practically everything you might want.

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.