How to Make a Strap for Purses

How To Make a Purse Strap and Add Hardware

• First of all, decide the finished width you want, keeping in mind the hardware you'll be using which is usually D-rings, swivel clasps and possibly a slide buckle

• Examples: A small clutch or crossbody bag will often have a 1/2" strap, a medium sized purse or tote would have a 3/4"- 1" strap, and guitar strap might be 2" wide.  

Purse with 3/4" strap

CUTTING THE WIDTH

The width of your fabric will be FOUR TIMES the finished width.  In the example below, for a 1/2" strap you would start with a 2" wide piece

CUTTING THE LENGTH

• The length will depend on your pattern but keep this in mind:  The easiest way to "cut" a long length for a strap is to tear the fabric across the WOF (width of fabric.)  Many fabrics come in a 44" width which turns out to be the perfect length for an adjustable strap for a crossbody bag.

• Another advantage to cutting/tearing it this way is that both short edges (ends of strap) will be on a selvedge so you won't have to worry about finishing or folding them under to conceal raw edges.

Top stitch along both edges

• Once you cut your fabric to the correct width/length, you'll want to interface it.  Choose the weight of your interfacing to suit your fabric, since you want the strap to be sturdy and stable - you don't want it to stretch out from the weight of the bag you're carrying.  (However, if you're using a very sturdy canvas, faux leather, cork, etc. you might not need any interfacing at all.)  

• Then, as shown above, it is as simple as folding in the long edges to meet in the center - press - then folding it in half and press again.  

• Now top stitch 1/8"-1/4" along each edge depending on total width.  

ADDING THE HARDWARE

1.  If using a slide buckle, insert end of strap into the buckle, then turn it over the middle bar and stitch it into place

2.  Now slide one of your swivel clasps onto the other end of the strap and slide it on down to the middle 

3. Take the free end of the strap and thread it onto the buckle - it will go OVER the end of the strap that is already sewn on - and pull this on through until you have about 10" of strap doubled up.*

4.  Sew the other swivel clasp to the free end of the strap as shown.

If you're not using a slide buckle, you simple sew your two clasps on each end.  You can add a little rivet for a nice touch.

*NOTE:  If you're making d-ring tabs on your purse, you can cut off a 4"-6" length of your strap to make the tabs.