How do I Change Purse Handles?
You can change the handles out on your purse to change broken ones or switch to longer or shorter handles. There are purse handles or straps on the market that are made to replace the old handles, or you can take the straps off of an old purse and attach them to another purse. Use a specific sewing technique to securely and neatly attach the ends of the handles to the purse so they will stay attached.
Instructions
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1
Slip the pointed, sharp edge of a seam ripper through the stitches holding the bottom of the handle to the metal "D" rings, "O" rings or other hollow metal component. Carefully tear away the stitches (without ripping or piercing the purse itself) until the handles have been detached completely. Now only the metal components and the fabric loops holding them to the fabric are still attached to the opening of the bag.
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2
Feed the fabric at the ends of the new purse handles through the metal components so that the end is facing inward and the edges cannot be seen from the outside of the handles. Make sure the fabric is folded over about 3/4-inch from the end of the handle and pin the fold together with a safety pin or a straight pin.
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3
Thread a sewing needle with thread that is the same color as the fabric of the new purse handle. Pierce the needle through the edge of the folded fabric from the inside to the outside and secure the beginning of the stitches by going back and forth in one spot 10 times.
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Sew a straight stitch in a square to hold the folded fabric together and go over the stitches again with a line of stitches along the inside of the first line of stitches to reinforce it. Make each stitch no longer than 1/8-inch long.
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End the line of stitches by going back and forth 10 times with the last stitch leaving the thread on the inside of the handle. Trim the excess thread and repeat this procedure to attach the other end of the handle.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
