How To: Make and Attach Quilted Tote Bag Straps

How To: Make and Attach Quilted Tote Bag Straps

One of my very first sewing projects was a tote bag and I remember being so intimated by the idea of making straps. But making quilted tote bag straps is easy!

This is the easiest and fastest way I've found to make beautiful quilted bag straps that are perfect for tote bags, cross-body bags, and even backpacks.

Watch the video tutorial on Instagram

Part 1 - Make the strap:

  1. Fold your strap in half lengthwise and press.
  2. Fold again so the outer edges meet your middle fold and press.
  3. Place your batting strip into one of the folds and trim.
  4. Fold again.
  5. Set your stitch length to 3.0.
  6. On the side where the folds meet, sew 1/8” away from the edge of the strap down the full length of the strap.
  7. Turn the strap around and sew 1/8” from the opposite edge.
  8. Now sew down the middle and again down the middle of each side. You now have five lines of stitches going the length of your strap.
  9. Finish the raw ends of your strap with a zigzag stitch.
  10. On each end, fold under 1/8” and press. Fold under again at 1” and press.
  11. Pin to secure.
  12. Pin both ends to your bag on the same side of the bag. (The strap shouldn’t cross over the opening of your bag.)

Part 2 - Attach the strap to your bag with a Box X stitch:

  1. Sew an eighth of an inch away from all four sides of the folded end of the strap, making a box.
  2. Then, sew across the box, making a diagonal line.
  3. Travel along one side of the box, and make another diagonal line, creating an X.
  4. Travel down the other side and back stitch to secure.
  5. Your strap is now attached!
  6. Repeat on the other side of the panel, making sure not to twist your strap.

Part 3 - Repeat these steps for the other side of your bag. Your tote bag straps are attached!

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