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.