While it might seem like a minor element, the handle can significantly affect the wearability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal of your finished project. Even the most beautiful bag can feel unsatisfying if the handles are flimsy, uncomfortable, or not securely sewn in. Therefore, mastering the construction and reinforcement of bag handles is a crucial step in the bag-making process.
Select a Suitable Handle Design
First, determine how you plan to carry the bag.
Your choice of handle should match the design of the bag.
Popular Choices
For example, you could go for:
- A short handle for a handbag
- A long handle for a shoulder bag
- An adjustable strap for a multi-purpose bag
- A wide handle for added comfort
The handle should be appropriately sized and shaped for the bag and its purpose.
Evaluate the Bag’s Intended Load
The handle on a small, light-weight bag does not need to be as sturdy as the handle on a larger tote meant to hold heavier items.
Consider what will go inside your finished bag.
Prepare for Intended Use
If you intend to carry heavy items such as books, a laptop, or groceries, the handle attachment must be very sturdy.
A pretty, decorative handle might not work well on a heavy-duty bag.
Select Appropriate Fabric
The handle can be made from the same fabric as the body of the bag or from a different fabric or material altogether.
Cotton, canvas, denim, webbing, and other appropriate fabrics can all work.
Choose Sturdy Material for the Handle
The handle should be made from a strong enough fabric to bear the weight of the contents of the bag.
If the fabric is somewhat soft, you might want to add some interfacing or other form of support to make the handle more stable.
Apply Interfacing When Necessary
Interfacing can give fabric handles more stability and make them easier to sew. It also helps to keep handles from becoming too limp or sagging out of shape.
Don’t Overdo It
If the handle is too heavily supported, it can become overly stiff and difficult to turn or sew.
Only add support where it is needed.
Determine an Appropriate Handle Width
The width of the handle also influences the comfort and appearance of the bag. A very narrow handle can become uncomfortable when carrying a heavier bag, while an excessively wide handle may not look proportional on a smaller bag.
Maintain a Sense of Proportion
Take into account the size of the bag when selecting the handle width.
A small handbag might look better with thinner handles, while a large tote bag may need wider handles to maintain a balanced look.
Reinforce the Handle Attachment
Because the handle is subjected to a great deal of pulling, it requires extra support at the attachment points. Attaching a handle to a single layer of fabric might not be adequate for a bag that will be used frequently.
Apply Extra Support
You can add extra support through the use of fabric, interfacing, multiple rows of stitching, or by applying reinforcement patches. The method you choose depends on the design of the bag and the materials you are using.
Ensure Both Handles Are Equal
If the handles are uneven, the finished bag will not only look unbalanced, it will be difficult to carry comfortably. Be sure to measure precisely before sewing them on.
Measure and Mark Before Sewing
Use a ruler, measuring tape, fabric marker, or another appropriate tool to mark out the placement of the handles. Check the distance from both sides before sewing them down.
Try Out the Placement
Pin or clip the handles in place temporarily before permanently sewing them. Hold the bag up and test it out.
Examine the Fit
Consider whether:
- the handles are comfortable to hold
- the handles are the right length
- the bag hangs properly
- the handles are equally spaced on both sides
It is much easier to make adjustments now than to unpick stitches later.
Handle the Finished Product With Care
The handle is a part of the bag that people will touch frequently, so it is important to ensure that the seams are neat, the edges are clean, and the stitching is secure. Take the time to press and topstitch the handle if you want to.
Concluding Remarks
A strong and polished handle is the result of proper material selection, thoughtful measurements, careful positioning, and adequate reinforcement. Treat the handle as an integral part of the bag construction rather than an afterthought. When you make your handles comfortable, sturdy, and well-finished, the overall quality and usability of your bag improves dramatically.
