How to Pin Handles to Bag

Decide how long you want your craft bag handles to be before you cut your material. If you want a handheld tote, measure fabric that allows the user to comfortably hold the bag at mid-thigh. Measure more material if you want a shoulder bag. Pin the handles to your bag and try it on before you sew.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Chalk
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine

1. Measure the fabric you plan to use for the purse handles. Measure an additional two inches at the end of each handle strip to attach the material to the bag. Use chalk to mark the fabric where you intend to cut it.

2. Select a width for the purse handles. Add at least 1/2 inch of material to the width measurement if you want to finish the handle edges with a seam. Use the chalk to mark the width on the fabric.

3. Cut the material with fabric scissors. Use your first strip of fabric as a template for your second strip. Compare the two strips and make sure they match each other in length and width. Make any necessary adjustments.

4. Use sewing pins to attach the fabric to your bag. Attach both strips so there are at least two inches of material inside the bag. Try on the bag and see if the handles hold the bag at the right length. Adjust the strips of fabric until the bag hangs correctly. Use the chalk to mark the handles at the spots on which you plan to attach them to the bag.

5. Remove each sewing pin and use your sewing machine to hem the handles.

6. Pin the hemmed material to your bag at the marked spots from Step 4. Measure the distance from the side of the bag to the pinned handle strips. Make sure the distance from the edge of the bag to the pinned strip is equal on the front, back and each side of the bag. Adjust each pin until the measurements are exact.

7. Try on your bag one last time. If it hangs correctly, sew the handles onto the bag.