How to Make Cotton String Handles

Yanked and pulled incessantly, handles on tote bags and pouches are usually the first thing to go. Handles on European string bags fit into the same category, as individual strings snap or get caught in places they shouldn't. Fortunately, with a small amount of imagination, these handles can be made from cotton string. Sturdy and slightly elastic, cotton string comes in different colors, plies and diameters, so you are sure to find something appropriate for your bag.

Things You'll Need

• Bag
• Cotton string
• Crochet hook

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of string and what colors are appropriate for your bag. Light Knit-Cro-Sheen is appropriate for light pouches, whereas heavy cotton cording is more appropriate for a backpack. Don't overlook unusual possibilities like embroidery floss, cotton yarn or upholstery cording. Your sewing store, hardware store and yarn shop all have different cotton string products.

2. Determine what size crochet hook is appropriate for your string. Size C (2.75 mm) is good for Knit-Cro-Sheen. Size F (5 mm) is good for most cotton yarns. Size H is good for heavy cord that you would use to tie a package.

3. Make a slip knot in your cord and insert your crochet hook through the slip knot. Gently tighten the knot around the widest part of the crochet hook. Holding the yarn with your left hand and the crochet hook with your right, catch the yarn with your hook and pull it through the slip knot (this is your first chain stitch). Continue chaining until the chain is as long as your desired handle is wide. Make one more chain.

4. Holding one end of the chains in your left hand and the crochet hook in your right, make a single crochet stitch in the second chain from your hook. Continue making single crochet stitches in every chain until you come to the end and then make one chain. Turn your work.

5. Repeat step until the handle is the desired length. Cut the yarn roughly 8 inches away from your work and pull the end of the yarn through the last stitch.

6. Trim the leading and trailing yarns, and affix your new handle to your bag. Working from the inside of the bag, take tiny invisible stitches into the handles. Depending upon the weight of the bag, several rows of stitches might be necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Cotton holds color well so in the unlikely event you cannot find colors that you want, you can always dye string using commercial dyes.

References

• Dummies: Chain Stitch
• Annie's Attic: Single Crochet