How to Sew Handles on Book Bags
Book bags come in many sizes and shapes, but all have certain factors in common. Book bags are large enough to allow room for one or more books, as well as additional space for incidentals, such as pencils and pens. Heavy fabric creates a sturdy bag, necessary for hauling the weight of numerous books. In order for a book bag to be functional, it must include handles for carrying, or slinging over a shoulder. Because of heavy use, you may find it necessary to replace the handles on your book bag.
Things You'll Need
- Canvas or denim
- Scissors
- Iron
- Heavy thread
- Sewing machine or sewing needle
Instructions
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Select a sturdy fabric for use as handles on your book bag. Select a color or pattern that matches your book bag. Use a similar type of fabric or one that creates a nice contrast. Recycle old denim jeans for a retro look, or purchase a length of sturdy canvas.
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Measure the correct length before making the handles for the book bag. Use your old handles as a pattern, if possible. Otherwise, use a cloth measuring tape to determine the accurate length for shoulder straps or hand straps. Add an inch to the measured length to allow for seams.
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Cut your fabric to the desired length. Make the width of the fabric two and one-half times the width of the finished straps to allow for doubling. Cut two pieces for two straps. Using one piece at a time, place right sides together, sewing the fabric along the long edges to form a long tube. Stitch this 1/4 inch from the raw edge when sewing the tube. Turn the tube inside itself so the right sides are facing outward and the raw edges of the seam are not visible. Iron the tubes flat.
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Insert the raw edge of one handle into the book bag, between the lining and the outer fabric. This is the same place that you removed the old handles from. In bags that don't have lining, sew the ends of the handle inside the inner top of the book bag, turning the raw edge inward towards the fabric. Create a 1/2 inch of doubled fabric at the end of your strips to sew against the bag's fabric. Use a heavy thread and machine-stitch or hand-stitch the handle fabric in place. Create a sturdy attachment by stitching a second row of stitches over the first. Attach both ends of both handles in this manner. Trim off all loose threads and enjoy your book bag's new handles.
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