Want your tote straps to run all the way down the body of the bag? I get so many emails about this, so here's a quick demo using my Santorini Tote pattern. Full-length straps look polished, add strength, and work with sewable leather, webbing, vinyl, cork, or even fabric straps.
What You'll Make
A tote with straps sewn down the front and back panels, ending about an inch below the top edge so there's room to add the zipper. I'm showing the Santorini Tote, but the same method works on most tote patterns.
Skill level: Beginner-friendly.
Supplies
- Santorini Tote pattern (printed) or the PDF. Want to sew it with me step by step? Try the Santorini Tote Making Course.
- Straps: I used sewable leather straps, which need no hardware. See all strap options here.
- Magnetic clips like SewTites (affiliate link) or double-sided sticky tape
- Ruler and chalk
- Gütermann thread and a Microtex 80 needle
How to Sew Full-Length Straps on a Tote
Step 1: Measure in from the sides
Lay your front or back panel flat. Measure in from each side and line the outer edge of your strap up with that mark. On the Santorini Tote, I bring the straps in 3" on the small (purse) size and 4" on the large. It can really be any measurement you like. Just use the same one on both panels.
Step 2: Hold the straps without pins
Run the strap all the way down so the bottom edges are flush with the bottom of the panel. Hold it in place with magnetic clips or double-sided sticky tape. Don't pin leather, vinyl, or cork. The holes stay forever. If anything needs to shift, move it now before you sew.
Step 3: Mark where to stop
Make a chalk mark about 1" down from the top edge on each strap. Stop your stitching there so you have room to move the straps out of the way when you attach the top zipper. 1 1/2" is fine too. Just give yourself at least an inch.
Step 4: Stitch the straps down
Stitch up one edge of the strap to your chalk mark. With the needle down, lift the foot, pivot, and stitch across. Pivot again and stitch back down the other edge. I use a stitch length of 3. You can remove the magnets as you get close to them, or sew right up to them, whatever you prefer. Matching thread hides any little wobbles.
Step 5: Repeat and line up the straps
Do the exact same thing on the other panel. When you sew the sides of the bag together, use plenty of clips or magnets so the straps line up across the side seams. If they end up a little off, don't let it stop you. We all do it sometimes, and nobody's going to point it out!
Jump to a Step in the Video
- 1:42 Placing the straps on the panel
- 2:00 Measuring in from the sides
- 4:00 Marking where to stop
- 4:34 Stitching the straps down
- 8:11 Lining up straps when sewing the sides
- 12:20 Q&A: magnets through foam
Full-Length Strap FAQ
How far in from the sides should the straps go?
On the Santorini Tote, I use 3" for the small size and 4" for the large. For other patterns, pick a spot that looks balanced and use the same measurement on both panels.
Why stop the straps an inch below the top edge?
So you can fold the straps out of the way while you attach the top zipper. Stop at least 1" down.
Can I pin leather or vinyl straps?
No. Pins leave permanent holes in leather, vinyl, and cork. Use magnetic clips or double-sided sticky tape instead.
Do magnetic clips hold through foam?
Yes. For thick layers with foam interfacing, use the heavy-duty (HD) strength magnets.
Can I offset the straps at the bottom to reduce bulk?
You can, but then the straps won't match up at the bottom seam. It's a personal preference.
Do I need hardware for sewable leather straps?
No. Sew Hungry Hippie sewable leather straps sew right on with your home machine.
More Strap Tutorials
- Santorini Tote with Cork Straps (my original written tutorial)
- How I Make Straps for Bags
- 3 Ways to Fancy Up Your Straps
- Shortening Too-Long Straps Quickly
- How to Add a Buckle Strap to the Santorini Tote
Shop straps, patterns, sewing courses, and tools and notions in the Sew Hungry Hippie shop.
Thanks for sewing along! If this helped, please subscribe on YouTube and join our email list for new tutorials, boxes, and restocks.
Peace, Love, Sewing,
-Natalie
