Over the last few weeks, I have been working my way through the Sidekick Mini Suitcase pattern, sharing any extra tips that didn’t make it into the pattern directions, and answering questions. The printable pattern and complete directions for the suitcase are available for purchase here.
Today in the sew-along, we make the suitcase handle!
This method of strap-making is a mash-up of techniques a la Amy Butler and The June Bride. No frustrating tube turning, or ugly lumpy corners here. 🙂 I used this method to make all the straps on my Mommy Poppins bag and the recent clutch wallet. They look sharp and stand up to daily-bag-use abuse.
The Mommy Poppins Bag
Shoulder Straps – Corduroy, backed with interfacing, stabilizer insert
Cross Body Strap – Home Dec fabric, fleece insert
The “Well Suited” Pleated Clutch Wallet
Cross Body Strap – suiting, backed with interfacing, no insert
Wristlet – quilting cotton, backed with interfacing, stabilizer insert
How to Make My Favorite Bag/Purse Strap
We start with the Handle piece (backed with interfacing).
This method of strap making is adaptable to any size. Use the following dimensions:
Length = [finished length] + (2 x [seam allowance])
Width = [finished width] x 4
Fold it up as you would to make double fold bias tape. (Fold in half length-wise. Press. Unfold and bring long edges to the center. Press. Then, fold in half length-wise again.) Press.
Now, unfold that last (center) fold and re-fold it inside out.
Sew both short ends.
See how this makes two pockets?
We take our Handle Stabilizer piece and tuck it inside one of those pockets.
The width and length of the insert is the same as the handles finished width and length. Use Peltex for a stiff handle, fleece for a soft one, or no insert at all for a lightweight handle.
Trim the seam allowances on the sewn short ends to reduce bulk.
Turn the handle right side out, with the stabilizer still inside its pocket.
Poke out the corners, press, and pin.
Top-stitch the edges (which also closes up the opening).
Isn’t it pretty?
(back to the sew-along)
To finish up our sew-along today, sew the handle to the canvas Side piece. (More details included in the pattern directions.)
I just sewed squares on each end, but you might prefer the traditional X-ed box.
Finally, switch to our canvas-matching thread, stay-stitch the bottom edge of the Side, and sew the short ends together.
That’s it for today! See you Wednesday.
I love your work!
You can send me e-mail, the mode of this suitcase.
Bag / Purse Strap
Sorry for the english
kisses
Wow, thank you for sharing this!!!
Now ………. I’m impressed!
Love this!
I’m a stitchin’ mama too. I love seeing other ways to do cool things. Your straight to the point work and candid ownership of fear and abilities are beautiful. Keep up the fantastic work.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jennifer! I hope you stick around and we can get to know each other!
voce te video no yutb gosto muito de artezanato
voce te video no yutb gosto muito de artezanato
That is the best strap tutorial I have ever seen. Will make all my straps that way from now on. Thank you so much.
I can’t find the instructions to make straps this way. Would someone tell me how to find them?
Thank you. This idea is great, and your explanation is perfect.
Ok-I’m totally impressed with this method. NEVER seen this before! I curse my straps when I have to turn them. I can’t wait to try!! Thank you!
Gina @ Gina’s Craft Corner
Thank you. Makes straps so much easier. Very easy to follow.
Omg!!! I’m a new sewer n this strap is so so much more easy than I’ve been doing. Yay!!!!!
I loved this post! Thank u for making sewing so much easier!
you are welcome!
Great tutorial. Thank you!
You’re good! So easy to understand and follow!
I knew it!!! There had to be an easier way. THANK YOU SO MUCH
Wow! Great tutorial! Who knew it could be this easy to make bag handles! Thank you!
OMGosh! Wish I’d thought of this!
This is so much easier than the way I’ve been making my handles.
I mentioned on a recent blog post ….. about making a Christmas bag ….. how I’d been pulling the wadding through the fabric tube ….. your way will certainly save my poor fingers!
So glad I found your tutorial! Thank you for sharing!
Barbara x
Blogging as: http://www.theflashingscissors.blogspot.co.uk
This is excellent thank you so much
Brilliant! Thank you so much!
Very nice tutuorial. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this tutorial!
I love your work!
Please can You send me pattern for suitcase.
It is available here: https://sewfearless.com/shop/sidekick-suitcase-pattern/
I’m so glad I found this! I make tote bags from old sails and the fabric is very thick. It’s impossible to turn a tube made from canvas AND interfacing (for the straps). Your method works beautifully. Thank you!
Thank you! I love making bags. I hate making the straps. I will try this next time. It seems so much easier that turning or trying to keep the folded ends together while I top sew it shut.
WOW…. such a simple method. I am so glad I happened on this tutorial. Thank you for posting and sharing.