Alexei Volkov
Adding handles to a purse or bag is a great way to elevate your creation. There are several ways to attach plastic purse handles, depending on the style and material of the purse. For instance, if your bag has an inner and outer bag, you can bury the ends of the handles between the two layers. Handles with holes at the ends can be attached with ribbon, which can add a pop of colour or a print design to your purse. Alternatively, you can sew handles directly into the purse, or attach them with swivel clips.
Characteristics and Values Table for Attaching Plastic Purse Handles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Handle Length | 20" or 21" |
| Handle Width | 1 ¼ " |
| Handle Type | Double-sided, U-shaped, or open-ended |
| Handle Material | Cotton fabric, cork, vinyl, or leather |
| Attachment Method | Sewn into the bag, not onto it |
| Ribbon Type | Grosgrain ribbon |
| Ribbon Length | 4", folded to 2" |
| Seam Allowance | 1/4" |
| Handle Placement | Centered, with even spacing from seams |
| Handle Position | Handles between the outer and inner bag |
| Stitching Technique | Double stitching, reverse stitching |
| Tools | Fabric Tube Turning Tool, pins, sewing clips, double-sided sewing tape |
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What You'll Learn
Sewing handles into the bag
Sewing handles into a bag is a simple process that can be done by even beginner bag makers. The handles can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, leather, vinyl, or cork fabric. Here is a step-by-step guide to sewing handles into your bag:
Prepare the Fabric and Interfacing
Begin by cutting out the fabric for your handles. The length and width of the fabric strips will depend on your desired handle size and the type of bag you are making. For a sturdy handle, cut two fabric strips that are about 2" wide and 28 1/2" long. You will also need a strip of interfacing, such as Soft and Stable fabric-covered foam batting, or fusible fleece. The interfacing adds structure and stability to the handles. Place the interfacing between the right sides of the fabric strips, and pin the layers together.
Sew the Layers
Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing needle, sew along the long edges of the fabric strips with a 1/4" seam allowance. Leave a small opening in the middle of one long side, which will be used to turn the handle right side out. You can use a chopstick or a bamboo skewer to help turn the handle and ensure the seams are smooth and centred.
Prepare the Handles for Attachment
Once the handles are sewn and turned right side out, press the seams flat with an iron. You can then add additional topstitching along the long edges of the handles for a neater finish. To attach the handles to the bag, decide on the placement by marking the desired location with pins. You can also use double-sided sewing tape to fix the position and prevent the layers from shifting.
Sew the Handles in Place
Finally, sew the handles securely in place by stitching across the short ends of the handles, attaching them to the bag. You can hand sew or use a sewing machine for this step. Be sure to backstitch or sew a square or rectangle with an 'X' through it to reinforce the attachment and prevent the handles from coming loose.
Your plastic purse handles are now securely sewn into your bag! You can adjust the length and width of the handles to suit your bag's design and your personal preferences.
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Using ribbon to attach handles
Using ribbon is a quick and easy way to attach purse handles. While ribbons are not robust enough for use on bags, they can be used to make cute handles for gift bags, toys, and novelties. For a durable option, grosgrain ribbon is a good choice due to its decorative weave, resistance to thread pulls, and textured finish.
To begin, select a few ribbon colours that complement the fabric of your purse. Audition the ribbon by placing it on the purse to visualise how it will look when attached. Decide whether you want the tabs to blend in or stand out.
Most handles need to be attached during construction. Feed the ribbon through the hole on the handle, match the ends of the tab, and pin to secure. For added security, extend the ribbon tab slightly past the edge of the purse so that more of it is caught in the seam allowance. Ensure all tabs are extended by the same amount to create uniform loops. Pin the tab ends to your purse, finding the placement needed to centre the handle.
Finally, sew the ribbon tabs into place, creating loops. If your purse has removable hardware, you can add the handle at the end of the project by feeding the 'U'-shaped hardware through the loop and securing it with a screw.
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Hiding raw edges with an accent piece
To attach plastic purse handles, you can follow these steps to hide raw edges with an accent piece:
First, cut out two strips of fabric for the handles, with dimensions that fit your desired length and width. Place two strips of quilting cotton with their right sides together and lay a strip of Soft & Stable or fabric-covered foam batting on top. Pin these three layers together. You can also use a fabric of your choice and a little Soft & Stable interfacing.
Next, mark a stitch line by placing a large spool of thread about 1/4" from one end and in the center. Draw a half-circle and trim the corners, leaving about 1/4" around the line. Repeat this process for the opposite end. You can also fold over the edges of stabilised fabric pieces and sew them down to create a unique look for your handles.
Now, start sewing from the middle of one long side and work your way around all sides with a 1/4" seam allowance. You can also sew a 1/4" seam along the raw edges of the fabric tube to create a neat finish. Once you've sewn the seam, turn the tube right side out using a Fabric Tube Turning Tool. Press the tube so that the seam is in the middle of one side.
To attach the handles to the purse, center an accent piece of fabric onto the main strip, ensuring the raw edges are hidden. Use pins, sewing clips, or double-sided sewing tape to secure the accent piece in place. Topstitch along the edges of the accent strip to finish the handles.
Finally, place the outer bag inside the inner bag so that the handles are between the two layers. Pin everything together, matching the bag seams. Pull the handles up and repin them so that they overhang the bag edge by about 1/4" for added strength. Sew the bags together, reinforcing the stitches where the handles are attached. Pull the bag through the bottom opening in the inner bag, and your purse with hidden raw edges and stylish accent pieces is complete!
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Securing handles with pins
When it comes to attaching purse handles, there are a variety of methods you can use. One common method is to use pins to secure the handles in place before sewing them on. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach plastic purse handles using pins:
Gather your materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need your plastic purse handles, fabric for the bag, pins, a sewing machine or needle and thread, and any additional tools you may require, such as scissors or a ruler.
Prepare the handles
If your plastic purse handles require any preparation, such as cutting them to the desired length or drilling holes for attachment, do so before you begin the attachment process. Ensure that your handles are ready to be attached to the bag.
Mark the attachment points
Determine where you want your purse handles to be positioned on the bag. You can mark these points with pins or small pieces of washi tape. This will help you visualize the placement and ensure that the handles are attached symmetrically and at the correct angle.
Secure with pins
Now it's time to secure your handles in place with pins. Place the handles in the desired position on the fabric, lining up the attachment points you marked earlier. Push pins through the fabric and the handle to hold them securely in place. You can use multiple pins along the length of the handle for added security. Check that the handles feel comfortable and are positioned correctly before moving on to the next step.
Sew the handles
With the handles securely pinned in place, you can now sew them onto the bag. You can do this by hand or using a sewing machine, depending on your preference and the tools available. Sew along the length of the handle, ensuring that you catch all the layers of fabric and the handle in your stitches. Sew back and forth at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the thread and prevent it from unraveling.
Final checks
Once you've finished sewing, carefully remove the pins and inspect your work. Check that the handles are securely attached and that your stitching is neat and even. If you're happy with the result, give your bag a final once-over to ensure there are no loose threads or other imperfections. Your bag is now ready to use, and you can admire your handiwork!
Attaching purse handles with pins is a straightforward process that can add a professional finish to your handmade bag. With these steps, you can feel confident in your ability to securely attach plastic purse handles and create a functional and stylish accessory.
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Attaching handles during construction
Now you are ready to attach the handles to the purse. Place the outer bag inside the inner bag, ensuring that the handles are between the two layers. Pin the handles to the inside of the inner bag, making sure to place the ends evenly from the seams and centre. The side of the handle with the seam on it should be against the bag. Pull the handles up and repin them in place, allowing them to overhang the bag edge by about a quarter of an inch for added strength. Pin all the layers together, with the handles hanging out a quarter of an inch, and sew the bags together. Sew over the handles and then reverse sew back over the stitch line for added security.
If your handles have holes at the ends, you can attach them using ribbon. Cut the ribbon to the same length as the other ribbons you are using, and feed it through the hole on the handle. Match the ends of the tab and pin to secure. You can then pin the tab ends to the purse, ensuring that the handle is centred, and sew it in place.
Another option for attaching handles during construction is to use swivel clips or key rings. These accessories can be attached to the purse during the construction process and provide a secure and durable connection for your handles.
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Frequently asked questions
The best method for attaching plastic purse handles depends on the type of handle you have. Some handles have holes at the ends, which you can attach to the purse with fabric loops or ribbons. If your handles do not have holes, you can sew them directly into the purse.
First, decide how long you want the handles to be and cut your ribbon accordingly. Feed the ribbon through the hole and pin the ends together. Pin the ribbon to the purse, making sure the handle is centred, and sew it into place.
Cut your handles to the desired length, fold the handle fabric in half, and sew the raw edges together to make a tube. Turn the tube right side out and press it flat. Place the handles between the inner and outer layers of the purse and sew the layers together, reinforcing the stitches where the handles are attached for extra strength.
