Update the look of your bags simply by changing the straps.
Got a favorite bag from last season that needs a little love? A new strap will do the trick. So easy to make, so fashionable and so very on trend right now. This is a pretty brilliant idea, and one that you can use immediately to freshen up your bag collection. We’ve got three great strap options for you and each look is really easy to DIY with just a few key supplies. Make a bunch of straps in varying widths and lengths and have fun auditioning your bags for each. Mix and match the straps, or layer multiple straps of varying lengths on a single bag. You literally can carry a new and different looking bag every single day!
Look 1: the super wide fabric strap.
Swoon. This just might be our favorite. To make this strap, you’ll use fabric and interfacing paired with a riveted tab with swivel hook hardware. The riveted tab allows you to use a swivel hook that has a much narrower opening than the width of the strap.
Look 2: the super wide belting strap.
Then there’s this. It’s a clever configuration using two pieces of Dritz striped belting sewn side-by-side to get the extra width. It also has a riveted tab with swivel hook hardware – again, the tab allows you to use a swivel hook that has an opening that is narrower than the width of your strap.
Look 3: the adjustable strap.
If you want a strap that is adjustable, you need to make sure that you have slide hardware that is the same width as your strap. The Dritz adjustable slide buckle hardware used on this strap has a 1-1/2″ opening and is used with 1-1/2″ wide belting. For this strap, a tab is not necessary because the opening of the swivel hook is also 1-1/2″.
It’s a great looking bunch.
Take a closer look at the different straps and note how the hardware is used. You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to bag hardware!
The more the merrier is our motto.
The take-away is this: the wider the bag strap you want to make, the more likely it is you will need to make tabs at the ends. The tabs give you the flexibility to use hardware that doesn’t match up with the width of the strap. Super wide straps are typically fixed in length and not adjustable because wide slide buckle hardware is not that common.
Bulk up on supplies.
The key supplies for strap making are the belting (or fabric) that make up the strap itself, and the hardware that attaches the strap to the bag – usually swivel hooks. The swivel hooks open and close and allow you to attach the strap to fixed loops or rings on the bag itself. The straps are removable and can be switched from bag to bag.
If you’re making a bunch of straps, or want to maximize your trips to the store, check out the bulk quantities of swivel hooks and rings and adjustable slide buckles in the Dritz line.
Make the super wide fabric strap.
To see the full details for making this 3″ wide fabric strap, jump over to Trash To Couture for Laura’s complete DIY tutorial.
Prepare the fabric for the strap.
You’ll cut your fabric for the front and back of the strap, fuse on the interfacing, stitch the fabric together, turn it using a Dritz loop turner, and then press and topstitch.
Draft, cut and sew on the tabs.
You’ll make a pattern using the strap and swivel hook you’re going to use. Use the pattern to trace the shape of the tab onto vinyl or leather and cut out the tab, then slide swivel hook through the tab and sew.
PRO TIP: have any Dritz leather elbow patches in your stash? Use them to create the tabs – they’re the perfect size.
Add the rivets.
Rivets give the straps a really professional finish and they add stability, too. Watch this video to see how they are applied.
Make the super wide with belting strap.
Laura’s got the full details on this one over at Trash To Couture too.
Sew the belting for the strap.
We absolutely love the idea of sewing two strips of the 1-1/2″ belting side-by-side to get that extra wide width.
PRO TIP: finish with Fray Check liquid seam sealant to prevent fraying. See how easy it is to use.
Draft, cut and sew on the tabs.
This process is the same as the tab made for the fabric strap above – draft, cut and sew.
Make the adjustable strap.
This third look is a classic. For this one you’ll follow our tried and true adjustable strap tutorial.
You’ll use 1-1/2″ belting paired with 1-1/2″ hardware – an adjustable slide buckle and swivel hooks. (Remember, the same adjustable strap can be made using 1″ belting + 1″ hardware … the key is that they match up.)
Mix things up a bit.
If you want to mix things up, add fabric atop belting.
See the how-to over at Trash To Couture for the addition of fabric embellishment.
Strap making: it really is a thing.
Yes, it is. It is also addicting. Why? Because it’s easy, it’s creative and it is just such a cool way to revive a basic bag without doing anything to the bag itself. If you find yourself making more than just a couple, be sure to search for Dritz bulk packaged items online or at your favorite craft retailer – buying your favorite hardware and tools in bulk will save you both time and money.
Audition those bags.
Create different looks. Remember to play with not only the width of the straps, but the length, too. We’ve seen some really fun ready-to-wear bags with multiple handles attached – some long, some short – that provide options for how you carry the bag (by the handles, crossbody, etc.).
Stay in touch with Dritz on Instagram – we share lots of inspiration and product tips regularly. It’s also a great place to leave comments and questions about specific projects and techniques.
Happy making!
