I’m in the midst of testing a bag pattern and just finished making the straps. I love the scrappy look and thought you might like to see how I make mine.
You will need:
- Selvedges and/or scrap pieces of fabric
- Fabric Glue
-
A sewn bag strap/handle
- Your sewing machine
My bag straps are sewn and ready. Now I need to cut pieces of fabric down to selvedge size (about .5 inch) of varying lengths.
I layer the pieces and overlap a few, arranging until I’m happy with the layout.
Once you’re happy with the placement you are simply going to glue the pieces down to your strap.
Cover the scraps with a thin coating, making sure to get the edges if you dislike fraying.
I like the frayed look, so I just randomly dot the glue.
I’m using my favorite fabric glue, Liquid Stitch.
Here’s everything glued and ready to sew!
I start by sewing a line down the center and follow up with one on either side.
(I line up with the edge of my presser foot for the outside rows of stitching. You can also add an additional two lines in between the center/right and center/left for less fraying).
Beware, these are addicting!
Once you finish your project I think you’ll find it really adds a little something extra to make your bag one-of-a-kind!
Enjoy! If you make a scrappy bag strap, I’d love to see it! Feel free to add it to the LRstitched flickr page.
🙂 Lindsey
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OMG that is so spooky, I was planning the cutting for my 241 with Ruby Star Spring this evening, and trying to work out how to incorporate the selvedge – thank you, thank you, thank you – consider yourself ‘pinned’!! x
Oh, Ruby Spring, that will be a gorgeous bag! Glad this will work for you!
Thanks for this Lindsey. I have yet to make a 241 tote but one day I will and this will be great for that plus others! Love everything you do girl! 🙂
xo
Thank you Jennifer!
that is awesome!!! I’ve never used fabric glue and then sewn through it. It doesn’t gum up your needle?
I just got Anna’s new pattern and am planning on making it with the new heather ross (yes, I am a grown woman but I still love those whimsical characters :). the selvages have apples on them so I may have to do this!!! thanks so much for the tute!
Thank you! I use fabric glue a lot and I haven’t had any issues. If you did find it gummed your needle you could set the project aside for a few hours to dry thoroughly. And, no shame with loving whimsical characters, I am right there with you!! Share when you finish bag, I’d love to see it!
I’m selvage-obsessed so of course this got “pinned.” I’m happy to learn about the glue, too.
I should have stock in that glue I use it so much! I saw Amy’s handles and had to hop over and see how you did that. That will be next on my list!
super cute idea…
Oh, me too, I love this glue! Handy for so many things. Thank you Jeannie!
Awesome idea! What is that yummy green floral fabric in the next to last pic?