How to Crochet Handbag Handles
Crochet handbag handles for your bag, tote, purse, and more. Make a braided handle, tube handle, and Tunisian handle in this tutorial.
I’ve been having a tough time finding traditional hardware for my handbags. When I make a bag, I usually crochet the bottom part (the actual bag) then sew on purchased handles. Handles are not precisely at the top of anyone’s manufacturing priority list with all that has gone on in the world. With this in mind, I’ve been going back to crocheting handles and straps for my bags.
Handbag handles can be finicky. You want to make them sturdy to avoid stretching or losing shape. Plus, you want them comfortable to sit on your shoulder or in your hand. With this in mind, the following three handbag handles have passed the test of time with me. And I’m not too gentle on handbags!
Tunisian Crochet
The first handle that I like to make is a Tunisian crochet one. I use the Tunisian knit stitch in mine, but feel free to use the regular Tunisian simple stitch. You can also use any other Tunisian stitch. This handle produces a nice solid strap that doesn’t stretch. It’s also nice and flat and sits very comfortably on your shoulder, even if you wear a thin shirt or sleeveless top.
The Tunisian handle also lends itself nicely to attaching to purse hardware. I start with a row of single crochet either in a ring or on a swivel clasp. Then make subsequent rows with the Tunisian crochet stitch of your choice.
Round Crochet Handle
This handle is fun to make; however, I would recommend practicing with a thicker yarn if this is your first time. You’ll be working into the back “bump” of the previous round’s single crochet stitches.
With this in mind, it’s essential to make your stitches relatively looser than usual. The tube is made in a spiral, always working in each crochet stitch’s back bump instead of under the traditional top loops.
Braided Crochet
This handle works great, especially lovely as a longer handle. With the other two handles, you keep crocheting until you reach the desired length. However, with the braided crochet handle, you have to know the finished handbag size before beginning.
If using worsted weight yarn and a size G 4 mm hook, I use the estimate of 50 chains for every 10 inches of the finished braided handle or strap. Granted, this is just an estimate, but it should give you an idea of how long to make your starting chain.
By the way, I have a ton of written patterns for handbags HERE. You can also view my tutorial videos for handbags HERE.
