When creating bags, sometimes store-bought straps or webbing can be a convenient choice. But for a unique, customized look, you might prefer to make your own straps from the fabric you use in your bags.
I love using two complementary fabrics for my projects, and recently, I created some two-color straps. Here’s my guide on how to sew two-color straps—it’s easy, and the results look amazing!
Materials Needed for Two-Color Straps
To make two-color straps, you will need:
- Two different fabrics (contrasting colors work best for a striking effect)
- Interfacing
I used quilt-weight fabrics and Decovil light interfacing, but feel free to adjust based on your project needs.
These straps have two layers, with the bottom layer wider than the top layer.
For a finished strap width of 1 1/4 inches, you need:
- For the bottom layer:
dark fabric: 2” wide
interfacing: 1 1/4” wide - For the top layer:
accent fabric: 1 3/4” wide
interfacing: 1” wide.
Cut your fabric and interfacing strips to the length you need for your straps.
Place the fabric strips wrong side up. Center the interfacing on top of the corresponding fabric strip. Press to fuse the interfacing.
Fold the fabric over the interfacing and press firmly. For a faster, neater finish, use glue to secure the fold before pressing.
On the wider fabric strip, place a strip of double-sided adhesive tape along the length of the fabric.
Remove the paper backing to expose the sticky surface.
Carefully center the narrower strip (top layer) over the bottom layer. Finger-press it into place, ensuring it is aligned and secure.
Topstitch along both edges of the top strip, stitching close to the edge for a clean, professional look.
And that’s it—your two-color strap is complete!
Tips for Longer Two-Color Straps
If you need extra-long straps, don’t worry about not having interfacing strips in the exact length. I needed 35” long straps and didn’t have interfacing that long, so I simply used multiple shorter strips of interfacing, placing them edge-to-edge. By cutting the edges straight, the joins are nearly invisible.
Now you know how to sew two-color straps—a fun and simple way to add a unique touch to your handmade bags.
If you sew bags, you probably have boxes with interfacing scraps. Using this method, you can sew custom two-color straps and reduce the interfacing waste.
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Happy sewing!
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