How To Make Bag Strap Connectors- 7 Free PDF Templates

See how to make an adjustable webbing strap with faux leather strap connectors and add a trending look to your handmade bags. Video tutorial included - grab the 7 free printable connector template PDFs below!

These wide, soft straps are everywhere right now - and with my free template, you can sew your own in under an hour.

Table Of Contents

• Why Are Wide Webbing Straps So Popular Right Now?
• Supplies
• Video
• Finished Size
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• More Questions
• More Bag Strap Tutorials
• Conclusion
• Want a printable copy of the whole tutorial?

Why Are Wide Webbing Straps So Popular Right Now?

They're comfy, eye-catching, and so quick to sew - no wonder bag makers love them! These trendy straps add a bold, modern touch to handmade bags, and the faux leather ends give them that pro look.

PRO TIP: Many bagmakers include them as a bonus strap with their bags - and customers love it. It adds value, and yes, you can charge more! (Interchangeable straps? Yes, please!)

Want to try a different kind of bag strap? I've got you covered - here's how to make adjustable straps without webbing, too.

Supplies

• 60-70" of 1 ½" wide webbing (I chose 60")
• two scraps of faux leather or a different type of durable material that can hold weight
• optionally, scraps of Decovil Light for reinforcement (see video for details)
• bag hardware: (one) 1 ½" adjustable strap slider, (one) 1 ½" rectangle ring,
• (two) 1" swivel clasps
• double-sided tape or fabric glue
• optional: two double-cap rivets + tools for setting them
• free template in 7 designs

Shop my personal favorite sewing supplies on Amazon HERE.

Video

This video will show you how I create wide bag strap with 1 ½" webbing and my free strap end template.

Finished Size

The strap I made in this tutorial (using a total of 60" webbing) finishes at the adjustable length of 35"-55".

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 - Get the Free Strap Connectors Template

Join our mailing list and get the 7 free bag connector templates emailed to you:

Do you want a printable copy of the WHOLE tutorial? → See it HERE or get it in the huge-value BUNDLE!

Step 2 - Cut 2 Pieces

Using one of the strap end templates, cut 2 pieces out of faux leather, cork, vinyl, canvas, or some other durable material that your machine can handle. (See here which sewing machines I have and use: heavy-duty Janome HD9, and a domestic sewing machine)

PRO TIP: If your faux leather is too thin, you can fuse a narrow half-inch strip of Decovil Light to the back of the two connectors, keeping it out of the seam area. (see videlo for details)

Step 3 - Prepare your webbing

Cut your webbing into two pieces: one at 10", one at 50-60". Melt the raw edges or add Fray Check to seal the ends, so they don't unravel.

Step 4 - Attach the rectangle ring

Take the 10" piece and slide the 1½" rectangle ring onto it. Fold the webbing in half so the raw ends meet, and sew them together with a straight stitch or a small rectangle for strength.

Step 5 - Add the swivel clasp

1. Add a few strips of DST (double-sided tape) on the connector areas, keeping them out of the seam area.
2. Slide a 1" swivel clasp onto one strap connector - position it so it sits in the center narrow section.
3. Attach the strap connector piece: sandwich the raw end of the webbing into the leather strap end. Make sure it sits deep enough to be secure, but not into the narrow center area.
4. Sew around the edge of the connector using a ⅛" seam allowance, catching both the strap and the connector layers. Set this short piece aside.

TOP TIP: If using a home machine, use a denim or microtex needle and a longer stitch length. Go slowly. And see our free bagmaking guide - packed with good tips!

Step 6 - Prepare the adjustable end

1. Take the 50" webbing piece. (If your strap has a front and a back side, the back side should be up.) Feed the end of the strap through the slider around the middle bar.
2. Pull the end of the webbing through the slider by 2 or 3": fold back the raw end and ...
3. ...fold back again and clip to secure in place.
4. Stitch it in place: sew a rectangle over the strap end to secure it.

OPTION: You can set two rivets through the faux leather and webbing to secure.

Step 7 - Connect both strap parts

Place the long strap with the right side down. Slide the free end of the long strap through the rectangle ring on the short piece.

Step 8 - Thread back through the slider

Now thread the long end through the adjustable slider again: up, over the center bar, and back down - going over the stitched part.

Step 9 - Attach the second swivel clasp

Repeat steps on the free end of the long strap to add the second leather strap end and clasp:

1. Stick DST (double-sided tape) on the connector, away from the seam area.
2. Slide the swivel clasp onto the connector, centering it in the narrow part.
3. Sandwich the webbing end inside the strap connector.
4. Sew around the edge with a ⅛" seam, securing all layers.

Tip: How To Finish Raw Faux-Leather Edges

To give your faux-leather strap ends a clean finish, simply color the raw edge with a permanent marker that won't bleed onto the front (Sharpie works great!). For an extra polished look, use edge kote - but for quick projects, the marker trick does the job beautifully.

This is how Vicki used one of the 7 free connector designs with her Lumera bag:

More Questions

More Bag Strap Tutorials

Are you curious which is the other new way I'm creating straps? New tutorial for an elegant, no-bulk diy purse strap here.

Check out the trending ZARYA Hip Bag pattern in our shop - perfect for carrying all your essentials - hands-free!

Conclusion

That's it - you're done! I hope you've enjoyed the tutorial and the video on how to add a diy strap connector to a bag strap. You now have a strong, adjustable strap with a clean leather finish that's perfect for your handmade handbags.

These DIY connector tabs give your bags that custom, boutique look - and trust me, people notice the details. Can't wait to see what you'll sew next!

Want to learn more about bag strap options? Take a look at my popular tutorial on how to thread strap adjuster buckle, or how to make bag handles.