How to make fabric straps: a roundup of handmade ideas
Straps that come in handy in all sorts of situations—shoulder straps, smartphone straps, neck straps, and more.
Many of you may be thinking about making them with your favorite fabrics.
In this article, we introduce ideas and how to make straps in various styles.
We’ve gathered helpful ideas such as ways to make good use of fabric scraps and character-themed straps that are perfect as gifts.
If you’re interested, give them a try!
How to make fabric straps: A roundup of handmade ideas (1–10)
[Cloth Tape] Strap with Indian Embroidered Ribbon
![[Cloth Tape] Strap with Indian Embroidered Ribbon](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KTc4Su7x7h0/sddefault.jpg)
Would you like to make a strap using Indian embroidered ribbon sold at 100-yen shops? The materials are 30 cm of Indian embroidered ribbon, 30 cm of 2 cm-wide cotton tape, one swivel clasp, and one set of plastic snaps.
First, cut and remove the stitching at the ends of the Indian embroidered ribbon.
Place the cotton tape at the center of the ribbon and sew them together.
Finally, attach the swivel clasp and the snaps to shape it into a strap.
Feel free to adjust the length, colors, and patterns to your liking.
You’re sure to end up with a strap design that really stands out.
Name Tag Strap
How about an easy-to-make name strap for children’s school or lesson bags? You’ll need one piece of fabric in your favorite print, one sheet of fusible interfacing, one name label sheet, one piece of faux leather, a swivel hook, double-cap rivets, rivet setting tools, and wood glue.
Fuse the interfacing to the fabric and fold it in half.
Then fold both long edges in toward the center.
Fold it in half again and stitch along both edges with a sewing machine.
Fold it in half to set a crease, place the name label sheet, and stitch around the four corners.
Match the faux leather to the swivel hook, sandwich the main strap, and sew together.
Punch a hole in the center of the faux leather and set the rivet.
A name strap made with fabric you love is sure to become a favorite for your child.
[Using Fabric Scraps] Shoulder Strap
![[Using Fabric Scraps] Shoulder Strap](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JwT6RrDO_0k/sddefault.jpg)
Why not make a handmade shoulder strap you can attach to a mini pouch? First, prepare five fabric scraps measuring 6×30 cm, two swivel hooks, and one slide adjuster.
Stack the scraps vertically and horizontally so they form 5 cm squares, then sew a diagonal line from the top left to the bottom right.
Cut along the outside of the seam with scissors.
After sewing all five scraps together, fold the strip in half and press with an iron.
Open it once, fold both long edges in to meet the center, then fold along the center again, press to set, and stitch with a sewing machine.
Sew both ends, turn it right side out, then sew the remaining open end.
Attach the swivel hooks and the slide adjuster, and you’re done! It’s a great item to personalize your existing pouches.
bag strap
Here’s a simple and cute bag strap idea.
You can make it with small pieces of fabric, so it’s perfect if you have leftover scraps.
First, cut your fabric to 22 cm × 6 cm and fold it in half with right sides facing.
Leave an opening for turning, sew with a 1 cm seam allowance, then turn it right side out and press with an iron to shape it.
Topstitch around the edges, thread the hardware through, and stitch to secure.
Finish by adding a button, and you’re done.
It’s a handy item that works as a key holder or a strap.
beach sandal strap
Isn’t it true that many people struggle with how easily flip-flops slip off? Let’s make straps for flip-flops so you can wear them comfortably.
First, measure the length from the thong to the heel.
Then, create loops about 3 cm in size on both thong sections.
Add 7 cm to the total length and cut the fabric.
Make two identical pieces and sew them together with right sides facing.
Turn them right side out, thread elastic through the inside, then sew at a point 7 cm from the end, pull the elastic tight, and close it.
Punch a hole at the end with an awl, attach a hook, and you’re done! The hooks make it easy to attach and remove from your flip-flops, making this a very handy item.
[Using Fabric Scraps] Hand Strap
![[Using Fabric Scraps] Hand Strap](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TyR-5bN8HdI/sddefault.jpg)
When you do handmade crafts, you sometimes end up with leftover fabric scraps or bag handles.
This time, I’ll share an idea to make use of those spare parts.
First, cut the fabric scrap to the width and length needed to wrap around the handle.
Insert a small template inside, wrap the fabric around it, and press with an iron to set the shape.
If the scrap isn’t long enough for the handle, connect a few pieces and sew them together by machine.
Once the scrap matches the handle, hold it in place with clips and stitch it with a sewing machine.
Place a swivel hook at the end and sew again, wrapping it in.
You’ll end up with a strap that highlights the fabric’s pattern.
[100-yen shop] Neck strap
![[100-yen shop] Neck strap](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ixuHTdluTYE/sddefault.jpg)
Let’s make a neck strap using materials you can get at a 100-yen shop.
If you’re using one fabric scrap, cut it to 6 × 92 cm; if using two scraps, cut them to 6 × 47 cm.
Have a swivel clasp (lobster clasp) ready as well.
First, fold both long edges of the fabric toward the center and press with an iron.
Then fold it in half lengthwise and press again.
Thread the clasp onto one end, align the ends of the fabric, and sew them together.
Next, sew the open edge with a sewing machine, moving the clasp along as you go.
Finally, to secure the clasp, stitch across just below the clasp hardware.
This is a simple idea for making a neck strap in your favorite pattern.