How to Make an Adjustable Purse Strap

If you have ever made your own tote bag or handbag, you know that the bag strap can be made many different ways. Some bags use ribbon or cording for the straps. Others use tubes made out of fabric.

One kind of strap that is a little fancier and a little more technical is an adjustable strap. Although this kind of strap may seem intimidating to create, it really is not difficult. With a few supplies and a short amount of time, you can easily create an adjustable strap for your next handbag.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nylon webbing Scissors Metal square ring Metal slide adjuster Sewing machine Sewing notions (thread, pins)

1. Cut a 5-inch length of webbing. Place the square ring on it.

2. 
    

   Match the ends of the webbing together, and stitch through both thicknesses to secure the square ring into the webbing.

3. Cut another length of webbing. This will be the main part of the purse strap. The length is your choice, but approximately 24 inches is a recommended length.

4. Thread this length of webbing over the center piece of the metal slide adjuster.

5. Fold the webbing over the center at one end so that there are approximately 3 inches of excess webbing. Turn under the raw edge (to conceal it), and sew this end to secure the metal slide adjuster. The sewing technique is the same as in Step 2.

6. 
    

   Lay the webbing piece you made in Step 5 out with the wrong side facing up. Place the other end of this piece through the metal square ring attached to the short piece of webbing in steps 1 and 2.

7. Pass the loose end of the webbing piece through the metal slide adjuster. Adjust the webbing pieces so that they are flat and straight.

8. Sew both ends of the strap to the handbag or tote bag with the wrong sides of the strap facing in.

Resources

• Square Ring
• Slide Adjuster