How to Make Handles for Bermuda Bags
Bermuda bags were a favorite bright and preppy accessory of the 1970s. With some variation, the basic premise of a Bermuda bag is a soft satchel in bright colors attached to a wooden handle. Many designs included a removable handle for use with multiple satchels via a clip button or buttoned flaps. Bermuda bags are back in style, but like most stylish things, can cost a fortune. If making your own Bermuda bag is in the cards, construct a decent wooden handle as a money-saving alternative to buying one. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Two 8-by-4-by-1/4 inch wood slabs
- Pencil
- Scroll saw
- Wood file
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrush
- Varnish
Instructions
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1
Scribe an arc that goes from one end of the wood slab, touches the top, and goes down to the other end of the slab. You should have a semicircle shape on the wood piece, 8 inches across the base, and 4 inches high. Repeat on the other slab.
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2
Draw a line 1 inch from the base of the semicircle, parallel to it. Scribe a second arc along this line, 1 inch in from the first arc. This will be the hand hole in your handle, and it is 2 inches wide at the apex of the arc. Repeat on the other slab.
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3
Draw two rectangles, 1 inch wide and ½ inch high, positioned ½ inch from the sides of the larger arc, and ½ inch from the base. These are the holes through which your bag satchel will be looped. Repeat on remaining slab.
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4
Cut out the large arcs on the scroll saw, applying gentle pressure as you guide the wood through the blade—do not force it through. Cut out the inner arcs, and the satchel loop holes, as well.
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5
File the edges of the cut-out handles, rounding them off evenly. File on the inside and the outside arcs, as well as on the satchel loop holes, so all edges are rounded.
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6
Sand the handles well with the sandpaper. Smooth out any rough areas and finish off the rounded edges. Dust off with a clean paintbrush.
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7
Paint the handles with varnish, leaving to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Repeat with a second and third coat. Let dry before attaching to your satchel.
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