Sew a purse strap using a basic running stitch by hand or a straight stitch on a machine

A purse strap is two pieces of fabric sewn together lengthwise, then attached to the purse body at both ends. The simplest method is to fold a rectangle of fabric in half lengthwise (right sides facing), sew down the long edge, turn it right-side out, and press it flat. Then you stitch it to the purse opening using a ladder stitch (by hand) or a straight stitch (by machine). The whole project takes 30 to 45 minutes once you have your fabric cut and your purse body ready.

You do not need special equipment—a needle and thread work fine, though a sewing machine makes the seams stronger and faster. The most common mistake is sewing the strap too loosely, which causes it to fray or separate from the purse after a few weeks of use. A second mistake is attaching the strap at an angle instead of perpendicular to the purse opening, which throws off the balance when you carry it.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut your strap fabric as a rectangle roughly 2 to 3 inches wide and 40 to 50 inches long, depending on whether you want a shoulder bag or a crossbody strap.
  • Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with right sides together, sew the long edge closed, then turn it right-side out and press it flat to create a finished strap.
  • Pin the strap ends to the purse opening at a right angle, making sure both ends are the same distance from the edge so the strap hangs evenly.
  • Attach the strap using a ladder stitch if sewing by hand, or a straight stitch 1/4 inch from the edge if using a machine, and backstitch at the start and end to lock the seam.
  • Test the strap by pulling it firmly before you finish—if it shifts or the seam separates, you need to sew it again with a tighter stitch.

Measure and cut your strap fabric

Start by deciding how long your strap needs to be. A shoulder bag strap is usually 40 to 45 inches long (measured end to end after it is sewn). A crossbody strap is 50 to 60 inches. Add 1 inch to your target length to account for the seam allowance where you attach it to the purse—so if you want a 45-inch shoulder strap, cut your fabric 46 inches long.

Cut your fabric 2 to 3 inches wide. A 2-inch-wide strap is thin and elegant; a 3-inch-wide strap is sturdier and easier to sew by hand. If you are using a lightweight fabric like cotton or linen, go wider (3 inches). If you are using a heavier fabric like canvas or upholstery material, 2 inches is enough. Cut straight edges using a ruler and a rotary cutter, or mark your lines with a pencil and cut with scissors.

Fold, sew, and turn the strap tube

Lay your fabric rectangle on a flat surface with the right side (the side you want to show) facing down. Fold it in half lengthwise so the two long edges meet and the right sides are facing each other. Press the fold with your fingers or an iron to crease it.

Sew along the long open edge using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. If you are using a machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew slowly so your line stays even. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch (in and out, in and out) with stitches about 1/8 inch apart. Backstitch at the beginning and end—go backward over your last two or three stitches to lock the seam so it does not unravel. Do not sew the short ends closed; you will turn the tube right-side out through one of those openings.

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch to reduce bulk, then turn the tube right-side out by reaching into one of the open ends and pulling the fabric through. Use a chopstick or the blunt end of a pencil to push the corners out so they are sharp and even. Press the strap flat with an iron, making sure the seam runs down the center of one side. This finished strap is now ready to attach to your purse.

Position the strap ends on your purse

Decide where you want the strap to attach. For a shoulder bag, the strap usually starts 1 to 2 inches from the edge of the purse opening on each side. For a crossbody bag, you can position it anywhere that feels balanced. Mark these points lightly with a pencil on the inside of the purse.

Pin the strap ends to the purse, making sure both ends are perpendicular to the opening (at a 90-degree angle) and the same distance from the edge. If one end is tilted or closer to the edge than the other, the strap will hang crooked and feel unbalanced when you carry the purse. Measure from the edge to each pin to confirm they are equal. The strap should sit inside the purse opening, not on top of it, so the raw edges are hidden when you close the purse.

Attach the strap by hand using a ladder stitch

A ladder stitch (also called an invisible stitch) creates a seam that is nearly invisible from the outside. Thread a needle with thread that matches your strap fabric, and knot the end. Bring the needle up through the purse fabric from the inside, right at the base of the strap end.

Insert the needle into the strap fabric directly across from where you came out, then slide it inside the strap for about 1/4 inch and bring it back out. Go back into the purse fabric directly across from where you exited the strap, then slide inside the purse for 1/4 inch and come back out. Repeat this pattern—in and out of the strap, then in and out of the purse—working your way around the strap end. Keep your stitches close together (no more than 1/4 inch apart) so the seam is strong. After you have gone all the way around the strap end, knot the thread on the inside and trim it.

Repeat this process for the other strap end. Test the strap by pulling it firmly in different directions. If it holds without shifting, you are done. If any part of the seam feels loose, go back and add a few more stitches in that spot.

Attach the strap by machine using a straight stitch

If you are using a sewing machine, position the strap end under the presser foot so the needle will sew 1/4 inch from the edge of the strap, right where it meets the purse fabric. Backstitch (press the reverse button) for two or three stitches to lock the seam, then sew forward slowly around the strap end. Keep the edge of the strap aligned with the 1/4-inch mark on your presser foot, or use a seam guide to stay straight.

Sew all the way around the strap end until you reach your starting point, then backstitch again to lock the seam. Trim any loose threads. For extra strength, sew a second line 1/8 inch closer to the edge of the strap (so you have two parallel lines of stitching). This double-stitched seam is much less likely to fail under the weight of the purse.

Repeat for the other strap end. Pull the strap firmly to test it before you consider the purse finished. A machine-sewn strap should hold without any give.

Reinforce the strap attachment if needed

If your purse will carry heavy items (books, a laptop, groceries), add a reinforcement patch behind each strap end. Cut a square of sturdy fabric (canvas, denim, or interfacing) about 2 inches by 2 inches. Pin it to the inside of the purse, centered behind where the strap attaches, then sew around all four edges using a straight stitch 1/4 inch from the edge. This distributes the weight across a larger area and prevents the strap from tearing through the purse fabric.

Another option is to sew the strap attachment in a box pattern: sew a rectangle around the strap end, then sew an X through the middle of that rectangle. This creates four triangular sections that are each locked in place, making the attachment much stronger than a single line of stitching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of fabric should I use for a purse strap?

Cotton, linen, canvas, and upholstery fabric all work well. Avoid thin, stretchy fabrics like jersey or knit, which will not hold their shape. If you want a padded strap for comfort, use interfacing or fleece between two layers of fabric before you fold and sew it.

Can I attach a strap to a purse that is already finished?

Yes. Open a small section of the purse seam at the point where you want to attach the strap, insert the strap end inside, and sew it closed using a ladder stitch. This hides the strap attachment inside the purse. If the purse is glued rather than sewn, you may need to carefully peel back the fabric and use fabric glue to reattach it after inserting the strap.

How do I make a strap that does not twist when I carry the purse?

Sew a line down the center of the strap lengthwise after you have turned it right-side out. This divides the strap into two narrower sections and prevents it from rotating. You can do this by hand with a running stitch or by machine using a straight stitch.

What should I do if my strap seam comes apart after a few weeks?

The stitches were too loose or too far apart. Unpick the old seam, trim any frayed threads, and sew it again using stitches no more than 1/8 inch apart. If you are sewing by hand, pull the thread a little tighter with each stitch. If you are using a machine, sew a second line of stitching right next to the first one for extra strength.

Can I use bias tape instead of sewing a fabric tube?

Yes. Bias tape is pre-made fabric tape that you can fold and sew to create a finished strap edge without having to sew a tube. Fold it in half lengthwise, press it, and sew it closed along the open edge. It is faster than making a strap from scratch, though it is usually thinner and less sturdy than a strap made from two layers of your purse fabric.