Free Adjustable Bag Strap Pattern

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Universal Adjustable Straps in 4 Sizes

A universal adjustable bag strap can be used with various types of bags such as totes, crossbody bags, laptop carriers, duffel bags, diaper bags, and more. Making bag straps from faux leather or cork fabric is a durable, sleek option, and much faster to sew than using woven fabrics for a few reasons: faux leather and cork fabric do not require interfacing for straps, there’s no need to press or fold these fabrics for straps, and these materials can be left raw edge. For a visual step-by-step tutorial of this pattern, watch the video below on how to make an adjustable strap.

The strap is adjusted by a slider buckle. Slider buckles allow the length of straps and belts to be adjusted by feeding the strap through the slots. This type of hardware is also called tri-glides, slip locks, 3-bar slider, or butterfly buckle.

The swivel hooks attached to each end of the universal adjustable strap make it simple to remove the strap, or interchange it between bags. Swivel hooks can attach to d-rings, o-rings, triangle rings, or other hardware to secure it to your bag. Since swivel hooks rotate, your strap is less likely to twist and knot, which makes your bag more comfortable to carry.

Universal Adjustable Bag Strap Supplies

For 1/2” Finished Width Adjustable Strap:

(2) 1” wide by 25” long pieces
(1) 1/2” inner width slider buckle
(2) 1/2” inner width swivel hooks

For 3/4” Finished Width Adjustable Strap:

(2) 1-1/2” wide by 25” long pieces
(1) 3/4” inner width slider buckle
(2) 3/4” inner width swivel hooks

For 1” Finished Width Adjustable Strap:

(2) 2” wide by 25” long pieces
(1) 1” inner width slider buckle
(2) 1” inner width swivel hooks

For 1-1/2” Finished Width Adjustable Strap:

(2) 3” wide by 25” long pieces
(1) 1-1/2” inner width slider buckle
(2) 1-1/2” inner width swivel hooks

Universal Adjustable Bag Strap Tutorial

Using a 2.5 mm stitch length, join both strap pieces by placing the short ends right sides together, perpendicular to each other, overlapping the ends, and sew a diagonal seam from corner to corner.

Trim excess seam allowance to 1/4’’ wide. Finger press the seam allowance open. Topstitch using a 3 mm stitch length 1/8’’ from each side of the seam allowance.

With the wrong sides together, either fold the strap in half lengthwise, or fold each length side to the center. Folding the strap in half lengthwise is easiest; however, folding each length side to the center will help conceal the raw edges. Secure the layers with sewing clips. Topstitch each length side with 1/8’’ seam allowance.

Thread one end of the strap over the center bar of a slider buckle. Fold the end of the strap about 1’’ to the underside of the strap. Topstitch the end of the strap to itself by sewing 1/4” from the raw end, or by sewing a box with an “X” in the center for reinforcement.

Thread the opposite end (without buckle) through a swivel hook. Thread the end over the center bar of the slider buckle.

To complete the strap, thread the end through the remaining swivel hook. Fold the end of the strap about 1’’ to the underside. Topstitch the end of the strap to itself as desired.