This is lovely...I also don't like the weight of handles. I cut 2 strips of 1 1/4 " width of fusable fabric 987F .... iron handle wrong sides together.....then do second fold so you have 4 folds. I open the outside on both sides and fuse 1 strip to both end lengths. Is is sturdy but not so bulky. I also prefer a magnetic snap. Warning they are adictive to make. I also make a snappy bag of the same fabric.