Faux Leather Purse Straps Two Ways Tutorial

Faux Leather Purse Straps Two Ways Tutorial

I have a zillion bags and totes. Most of them have crummy canvas straps that in my opinion are just kind of ugly! I recently ordered some faux leather for another project and apparently I am not good at picking yardage when I buy fabric online because a massive 4 foot tall box showed up at my door with a huge cardboard spool inside that had a TON of faux leather on it! So to say I have some faux leather lying around is an understatement! Luckily it is B-E-A-utiful and I am finding lots of things I can make with it. Here are some faux leather purse straps (done two ways.) You could add them to this BEACH TOTE to really make it fun!

Faux Leather Purse Straps Two Ways Tutorial

Supplies: Click the supply to be taken to the listing on Amazon.

1/4 yard Caprice Bourbon Faux Leather (This is the prettiest color! I am so obsessed!!)

Coordinating Thread (I used a Yellow Guterman)

Leather Sewing Machine Needle

Walking Foot

Instructions:

We are going to make two different types of purse straps. The first is just a straight strap. These purse straps are best for a bag or tote where you are able to hide the end of the strap inside the purse. It should be sewn in between the lining and the outside of the purse.

The second strap is great if you are applying it to an existing purse or a purse without a lining. The end will be visible so we will make it somewhat decorative.

Whichever strap you need you will cut 4 strips the same length and width. For the first strap cut the strips 1.5″ wide and 21″ long. You can definitely play with these numbers depending on your preference. That is the size I used.

The second strap will also be 21″ long but it is 2.5″ wide.

The first strap is definitely the quick and easy way to go. Line up two of the strips wrong sides together. The leather should face out. Using your walking foot and sewing as close to the edge as possible top stitch around all four edges.

Even using the walking foot there may be some slippage at the end. Just trim as close to the stitching as possible. That is the great thing about the faux leather is you can cut it and it won’t fray or get messed up. That is it for the first purse straps. Attach them to your bag!

The second set of purse straps is not much more difficult than the first. With your 2.5″ strips facing wrong sides together use scissors to round the ends. Then top-stitch in place around all sides, the same as the first straps.

Now measure up 4″ from either end. Fold the strap in half in the middle. Leaving the first four inches of each side unfolded.

Top stitch along the existing stitching. I went over it twice to make sure the handle would hold.

Now you are ready to attach them to your purse. Go over the existing stitch marks or give it a double stitched look by stitching 1/4″ inside the existing stitch marks.

What bag will you spruce up with these purse straps? Which is your favorite? Share with me in the comments below! I can’t choose a favorite I think they are both adorable!