Making bag handles has never been easier and fun! Learn how to sew sturdy fabric handles for bags and totes with this simple tutorial that will show you how to make bag handles the easy way! This handbag handles tutorial will teach you how to make corded bag handles.
How to make bag handles
Ever wondered how to make bag handles that look like rolls of fabric? These types of purse handles look so nice, are durable and comfortable to wear and the best part is, they’re super easy to make! They are great for tote bags, as well as sturdier, travel bags. Plus, you can use any stash fabric you’ve got home, so that you don’t need to think of buying more fabric and stashing the leftovers as well.
Bags are a must in a woman’s life and handles are the most important element of a big bag (we don’t want to carry it around in our hands, do we?). The fastest handles one can make are flat ones. Three quick stitches and you’re done, but they tend to wear out quite rapidly. Corded handles are more robust, so they are great for a bag you’ll be wearing daily.
I made these bag handles for a pretty and quite roomy nautical bag (find the tutorial for this awesome bag here) because I felt that it needed strong, sturdy handbag handles to match its volume and stiffness. I also considered making rolled bag handles will help this tote bag look more interesting.
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As tote bags are so practical and fashionable, you have the chance of making one for yourself or your customers. This way, you can experiment with fabrics and colors to create amazing bags with great designs.
I personally think rolled handbag handles make a bag look less handmade and add a sense of professional touch to any bag. Plus these rolled handles for bags are great at providing extra padding and are definitely gentler on your shoulder, especially if you tend to carry around about every single item in your house (or is that just me?)
When I learned how to make handles for my bags I always thought corded DIY bag handles are a wonderful way to make matching handles, using the same fabric your bag is made of. Or you could make the handles in contrast fabric if you’re feeling more adventurous. If you’ve ever wondered how they get cording into those tiny handles and wanted to learn how to make rolled handbag handles, now is the perfect time because I’ve got the easiest and simplest tutorial for you!
This way of making them is so easy, that even I wondered “Why have I waited so long”? I’m sure you will ask yourself the same question once you try it.
How to personalize your corded bag handles
- To give the handles some more padding (especially when building a big bag to carry a lot of stuff), you can add some fusible fleece or other soft fabric between the cording and the upper fabric. You can also choose between different cording types depending on the feel you are looking for. For example, for a softer handle, you can use a poly-knit cord. If harder cording is just fine, you can choose cable cord instead.
- These handles can be attached directly to the bag surface, like in my tutorial, or you can attach each end to a D-ring, and the D-ring to the bag. This is a bit more time-consuming, but it depends on how you want the bag to look in the end. Also, you can add snap fastenings to your handles to easily remove them and add new handles whenever you get bored and want to refresh the look of an old bag. This is also helpful when your old handles become wear out and need to be replaced.
- Also, you can use cord to make simple no-sew cord handles. Just twist two thick cords and pass them through a ring in your bag. Make sure the ring is well secured, as the hole may unravel and ruin your whole project. It the end, just tie a knot to keep them in place and you’re done! Thinner cords can also be braided. For a different look.
Tips and tricks to get the best handles:
- All textile cords tend to fray at the ends. To avoid this, put some glue on the ends, or wrap some tape around them.
- When making leather or faux leather corded handles, be sure to use heavy-duty thread and jeans/leather needles. Also, in this case, you can glue along the ends to secure in place while you finish sewing the handles.
- For leather and faux leather, use a Teflon presser foot. If you don’t have one, cover your usual presser foot with tape to prevent the leather from sticking to it.
- Pins will leave permanent holes in leather and faux leather. Use clips to hold in place, rather than pins.
- For softer fabrics, double the ends of your handles with leather, canvas or other sturdy fabric. Constant tension may damage the fabric and ruin the bag.
If you don’t feel comfortable sewing right next to the cord, you can just work with the handle fabric, measure it and sew along, then just string it like you would with a pair of drawstring pants. I personally find this a little more complicated but hey, we all think and work differently, don’t we?
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Penny Annand says
Hi there! I do like this corded handle idea. However, I think there is an error in your directions. I did the initial long seam down 1/2 inch , not 1/4 inch wide. Otherwise there is too much fabric when you sew the folded sides close to the cord. You want about 1/8 inch from the seam to the outside.
Rhonda says
Such a great tutorial! I have never tried this technique and after watching your video I feel very confident! THANK YOU SO MUCH =)
Petro says
Thanks for such a lovely comment, Rhonda! So happy you loved my tutorial and I’m glad I could help you learn a new technique! xoxo
Mea Cadwell says
You aren’t the only one that carries around a house in their purse. I’ve been teased about the size of my purse. I actually went out and bought a dollhouse kitchen sink and now carry that in my purse too. When I get teased I pull out the sink. Makes people laugh.
Petro says
Haha! You’re so funny! Thanks for the laugh! xoxo
Midge says
Your instructions were not what was pictured. The pictured one had the seams hidden, the instructions show the seam on the outside. I want instructions with the cord pulled through with the seam hidden. Thanks
Petro says
Hi Midge. You need to read the instructions again, carefully. There is no hidden seam “with the pulled cord”. Following written instructions instead of just photos would also be helpful. Thanks!
Sandra says
I agree. The finished seam is not shown. Makes me wonder …
julia Nell Hill says
what do I do after I sewed with the zipper foot, do I trim the fabric that the zipper foot rode on of where does it go?
Petro says
Julia, you’re done at that point, if you followed my instructions and measurements! You just need to attach the handles to the bag you’re making these for.
Rosa Perez says
Thank you gor this amazing bag and handles tutorials. I would like to receive future newsletters and sewing tutorials from you. Thank you again!
Petro says
Hi, Rosa. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your lovely comment. I’m happy to help and hope you like my other tutorials too.
Angela Rivera says
Thanks for cord tutorial I be making it now so easily done.;)
Petro says
Thanks so much, Angela! Happy sewing!
Pam @Threading My Way says
Great tutorial, as always, Petro. Featured today….
Vkysy says
thank you.
Brenda Hill says
Yes! Very helpful and educate.