Bucket Bag Strap Replacement Thrift Flip
I found this very cute woven bucket bag at a thrift store in Bakersfield, but I wasn’t so crazy about the straps on it. I didn’t like the color of the straps that much, and they were only long enough for me to hold the straps in my hand, while I prefer to be able to have the straps hang on my forearm. So I decided to replace them. I debated what material to replace them with, and eventually found a nice gray trim that gave the bag a nice, sleek, monochromatic look. Check out how I did this thrift flip.
Tools and materials:
- Bucket purse
- Rope or trim
- Scissors
- Clear nail polish
- Seam ripper
- Needle and thread
Cut the original straps off the purse
The first I did was cut the original straps off of the purse.
Measure the new straps
Next, I inserted the trim I was going to use for straps into the holes to measure how much I would need.
Apply clear nail polish to the raw edges
I used some clear nail polish on the fraying ends of the trim to prevent it from fraying any further.
Remove the flat edge with a seam ripper
I didn’t want the flat edge on the trimming to be included on the straps for my purse, so I removed them with a seam ripper, which allowed me to remove the whole thing cleanly. When I tried to cut it off with scissors, some of the fabric was still left.
Insert the strap from the outside in
Once my straps were ready to be attached to the purse, I inserted one end of the strap into the hole in the purse from the outside and pulled just enough through so I could attach the strap to itself with needle and thread.
Sew the strap in place
I hand-sewed the strap together with a needle and thread.
Repeat the process
I inserted the second end of the strap into the hole on the same side of the purse as the first, and sewed that into place, as well. Then I repeated the process with the second strap on the other side of the purse.
My strap replacement looks great!
I love it so much better with these straps! What do you think?
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Have one similar. Thanks for the great idea!!
Thank you for this idea! I have a straw purse I love but the straps are shabby looking..
Going to the store right now and getting strap material!