Fixing your hand bag handle

It's happened way too many times: new bags, old bags, expensive and not so much. Whatever material the handle has been covered with, it begins to crack, tear, peel or just plain fall apart. This is what happened to my extra large straw bag and I was not ready to let go. Keep on reading if you want to know how to repair your hand bag handle. 

Depending on the type of bag, choose your materials. In my case since the bag is informal and straw, I went for leftover fabric from a dress I made. If it were leather I'd probably buy velvet or satin ribbon.

You will need: a pair of scissors, material of your choice and stainless fast drying glue for fabric.

Step 1: Clean and remove all the previous material or as much as you can. I used a dry cloth and then a toothbrush. Afterwards I used a damp cloth and then let air dry for about thirty minutes. This will help glue adhere better.

Step 2: While the handles dry, cut the fabric in several long strips or one long one. 

Step 3: As the handle straps have dried, begin to cover with glue the part where the handle begins, close to the bag. Wrap the fabric around the handles tightly, do it adding glue where needed. Always making sure you cover the damaged handle. If you cut the fabric in several long strips like me, you will have to stop to get another piece of fabric and continue glueing until you have reached the other side of the handle. Once there, cut off any remaining fabric and add glue to the edges to keep it in place and then use a clothes pin to hold it.

Step 4: Let it dry for at least one day before use... and voilá you've added more wears to your bag !