Elevate Your Makes: A Guide to Bag Strapping
If you’ve been sewing bags for a while, you’ll know that the smallest details often make the biggest difference. One of my favourite ways to instantly elevate a handmade bag — whether it’s a tiny pouch or a roomy tote — is by using bag strapping. It’s simple, sturdy, and gives your projects that clean, modern finish you usually only see in boutique stores.
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about choosing and using bag strapping, based on my Elevate Series. Think of it as a friendly guide to help you pick the right style, width, and material for your next make.
Why Bag Strapping?
Bag strapping is one of those clever little upgrades that transforms a project with almost no extra effort. Instead of sewing fabric handles — which often involve turning tubes, pressing seams, and stitching through multiple layers — strapping gives you a neat, consistent result every time.
It’s durable, comfortable to hold, and adds structure without bulk. Even the simplest bag looks more polished with well‑chosen strapping.
Strapping vs Fabric Handles
Fabric handles are beautiful and can be a lovely design feature, but they do take time and precision. Strapping, on the other hand, is wonderfully fuss‑free. You simply cut it to length, stitch it in place, and enjoy a clean, professional finish.
If you’re making multiple bags or want a quick, reliable option, strapping is a game‑changer.
Choosing the Right Width
Strapping comes in a range of widths, and each one suits different types of projects:
- 20mm (¾”) — perfect for small pouches, mini totes, and children’s bags
- 25mm (1″) — a versatile everyday width that works for most bags
- 30–38mm (1¼”–1½”) — ideal for larger totes and crossbody styles
A good rule of thumb: choose a width that feels balanced with the size and style of your bag.
Thickness & Feel
The weight of your strapping affects both comfort and structure.
- Lightweight strapping is soft and flexible — great for small bags.
- Medium weight is comfortable and sturdy for everyday totes.
- Heavy weight offers strength and structure for larger bags.
Choosing the right thickness helps your bag feel just as good as it looks.
Materials: Finding the Right Look
Strapping comes in a variety of materials, each bringing its own personality:
- Cotton — soft, natural, and easy to sew
- Polyester — strong, smooth, and available in vibrant colours
- Nylon — durable with a sporty feel
- Jute/linen blends — beautifully textured and rustic
Your choice of material can completely change the mood of your project.
My Favourite: Japanese Cotton Strapping
I often reach for Japanese cotton strapping because it’s beautifully woven, soft to hold, and stitches like a dream. The colours are gentle and timeless, and it adds a handcrafted feel that pairs perfectly with quilting cottons and linen blends.
If you’re new to strapping, this is a lovely place to start.
Colour & Style Choices
Strapping is a wonderful way to add personality to your bag. You can:
- Match your strapping to your fabric for a seamless, coordinated look
- Choose a contrasting colour for a bold, modern finish
- Mix and match widths or colours for playful designs
It’s such an easy way to make your project feel uniquely yours.
Where to Buy Strapping
You can find great strapping at:
- Local quilt and craft shops
- Online bag‑making stores
- Etsy sellers
- Japanese craft suppliers
Look for high‑quality weaves and colours that complement your fabric stash.
Some of my favourite places to buy strapping are:
- Yuzawaya – online Japanese craft shop
- Okadaya, Shinjuku (Tokyo) Japan – store in Shinjuku, Japan
- Nomura Tailor – store in Kyoto, Japan.
- Daiso – 100 Yen shop worldwide. Not always in stock.
- Missouri Star Quilt Company – online store
Search terms: bag strapping, webbing, handicraft tape, cotton webbing strap.
How Strapping Elevates Your Project
A well‑chosen strap adds so much:
- A professional, boutique finish
- Clean, crisp lines
- Comfort and durability
- A modern, polished look
It’s one of the simplest ways to take your handmade bags from “cute” to “wow.”
Project Ideas
Strapping works beautifully for:
- Totes
- Pouches
- Crossbody styles
- Kids’ bags
Once you start using it, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate it into your sewing.
Some of my popular projects that include bag straps are:
Final Thoughts
Bag strapping is such a simple upgrade, but it brings so much polish and practicality to your handmade projects. Whether you’re sewing a tiny basket or a roomy market tote, the right strapping can elevate your make in the loveliest way.
If you try it in your next project, I’d love to see what you create — feel free to tag me on Instagram so I can admire your beautiful work.
Check out our other articles in the Elevate Series:
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