Does anyone have a good trick or use a good tool for turning strips for tote pages/purse handles right side out?

I use a big (turtle) diaper safety pin and do it the old fashioned way.

this is what works best for me as well.

Stitch with small gauge cord inside, slightly longer than strip. baste stitch to one end, then pull through. Remove basting

They make a "turning tool" you can usually get it at most places that sell sewing things...forget what it is called for sure. Bought mine many years ago....don't know even where it is at or I would tell you the name of it. Sorry.
When I didn't have the "turning tool" I would just take the strip and press the sides down and put the strip together and do a top stitch...NO need to turn the strips....works fine, chances are you are going to do a top stitch after you turn the strip anyway.

I fold the strip in half, press, open up, bring each raw edge to the crease mark, press, then fold in half then topstitch down both sides. I usually put a piece of webbing under the folded edges. I don't like turning a tube right side out. This method also has more layers making it stronger and wear longer.

I make them similar to binding,fold in half & iron then open & iron both sides to the middle. Then I top-stitch both sides.

oh i love Alikat's great idea!!!

Although I have tube turners, it's much easier to do the methods mentioned above. Plus, the result is much nicer.

I like my fasturn set. Got it at a garage sale. I like that I can manipulate the seam so it's open and lays flat.

When I started sewing tote straps again, I decided I didn't want to do any of that turning. So, I do the methods described above. Haven't had any problems....

I simply use a wood skewer rod. They are very slim and will work with anything, plus they are very inexpensive. I like to use this as a tool when I am making the tie strings on flannel pj bottoms. :)

I never even thought of not turning the strap. I certainly will from now on!! Great idea!!

I use stamp tongs. :) They work awesome for me

I use these turners:


http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-124637-1.htm

I prefer not turning them -- a lot of hassle and I prefer to add a bit of batting to the straps so I do the fold over and run several lines of stitching.

I use this Fasturn tool set.

http://www.shirleyssewingstuff.com/t...ing_tools.html

Yup, I do the folded method too, so then they don't have to be turned. It's much quicker for me.

I use a tube turner that I purchased several years ago....love it!!

Yep. This is my method too. Much stronger and accurate and a whole lot less frustrating.

I don't bother to turn it. I fold it with right sides out and top stitch down the edges to hold the layers together. Faster and neater that way.

Holy Moley! That is the best idea I ever heard for turning! My fingers and my patience thank you.

This is what I do, also ... very useful for small things like spaghetti straps. It works a peach!

What a great idea!

I just turn the edges into the middle then fold over then sew.Connie in CO

I always stitch in a piece of material or string that I can get my fingures on and pull. I used to use a pencil, but since Mr. Author decided to move into my hands, I had to find a different way.

This is what I do also. I like the easiest way possible and this works for me... :thumbup:

I like the fold and stitch method too, especially since the patterns usually call for batting (or in some cases I have used heavy twill tape to avoid the puffiness) I had no luck in getting the 1 to 1/2 inch wide straps turned.

I have done this for years. If straps or bands are too narrow to attach a cord to the end seam, then I don't sew wrong sides together. I fold over the hem edge, iron, pin, and top stitch.

I have the Fasturn tubes and wouldn't live without them!!

I use the fold and stitch method too. It is bulky but gives a nice result. My dinky Brother mechanical seems to sew through anything with no problems.

I never need to turn the straps for a tote bag. I cut the strip whatever length you want it, for a 2.5 inch strip, cut the strip 5 inches wide. Make a mock bias tape )fold in half, press then turn under raw edges, press then sew on raw edge side the length of the strip, the on the folded side of the strip, then sew down the middle of the strip. Always use a light weight fusible batting the length of the strip minus 1/2 inch. I also use this method for a braded handle. That takes 3 time as much fabric, but very pretty and seems to last longer. No need to use batting in this method.

Hey, that is a very clever idea! My DH could make something similar out of wood. Thanks! :-D

Rettie V Grama:
Thanks for the tip on the braided handles lasting longer.

Diaper safety pin

I use batting inside the straps, cut a little less than half the width. Press together down the center-right side up. Press 1/4 inch in on both sides or leave the selvage edge on one side and press the other side. Now bring the selvage edge over, then the other side lapped over that. Pin. Sew narrowly along each side of the strap and sometimes down the middle. The batting gives them firmness and softness all at the same time. I have never minded the look of stitched straps. So much easier.

I do it this way and add a stiff batting strip before sewing

Stitch with small gauge cord inside, slightly longer than strip. baste stitch to one end, then pull through. Remove basting

thanks Alikat110-

what a great idea. :-D

Also, I've seen Eleanor Burns use a hemostat-

Ditto for me except I don't usde the webbing. I place fusible batting inside.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: