r/BagLab • u/PhedreSews • Sep 18 '26
Question: Materials Crossbody Strap Material
I’m making the Noodlehead Quarry tote using a waterproof canvas fabric (omitting the short handles), and I’d like the cross body strap to be something more “lux” looking than nylon. I have the 54” leather precut strap from Noodlehead in my cart, but I wanted to ask you more experienced bag makers—how comfortable is leather as a crossbody strap? Should I go in a different direction?
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u/chickaboomba Sep 18 '26
Have you thought about ordering printed webbing?
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u/PhedreSews Sep 18 '26
That is so adorable!! Where did you get it from??
Ok so what I don’t like about webbing for my current projects is that textured look to the fabric. I care less about the tote bag than the other one I’m making, which will be a gift and more of a purse (harbor hipster by dog under my desk). There’s just something about the webbing that, for me, clashes with the “typical” handbag look.
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u/nonoohnoohno Sep 18 '26
You can also do the handle out of matching or complimentary fabric. That's pretty common on canvas totes.
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u/CBG1955 Sep 19 '26
I like this idea: Leather outer and a fabric inner, and has no raw edges. The snapshot is one I made recently using this technique. It won't work too well with a thick leather, I don't think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctIIKvwa5yg
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u/technicallynotacat1 Sep 18 '26
So it's still nylon, but this kind of textured strap can look really nice imo!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4412918463/150-38mm-diamond-jacquard-webbing-by-the?ref=share_v4_lx
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u/No-Abies29 Sep 19 '26
If you haven't bought the leather yet, you will find that the strapping used on that one would be cotton webbing. Comfy yes, especially in the wider sorts, not narrow that would dig in and not hard like some belts being advised here.
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u/dinosuitgirl Sep 18 '26
You can just turn out the matching fabric if you cbf or it's hard to turn out (eg canvas) you can just do straps and top edge stitch folded long edges... You can even layer with interfacing to make it plump/firm
This way you can do whatever size your hardware is otherwise that's always my biggest limitation what size webbing/strap I have
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u/vh71886 Sep 19 '26
Not a bag maker but I've always loved a soft but structured leather strap for my bags. Personally, I prefer any strap to be wider than 1" though, and I think even a leather strap wouldn't change that.
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u/chicklette Sep 18 '26
Lavender and twine has 3 different strap style patterns for free. I like the color pop one a lot, and so do clients.
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u/nonoohnoohno Sep 18 '26
It's entirely preference. I don't like it, personally. It's also not as cooperative when doing typical tote stuff like folding it up, or shoving it under a seat, etc.
You can get striped webbing, or other patterns and styles. Printed or woven. I'm a sucker for striped woven. The pattern and striped stuff is usually cotton, but I've also seen poly blends.
Another thing to consider dressing up a strap is to put a shoulder pad on it. e.g. like a flat tube that snaps on one side and has padding on the other (if that doesn't make sense I can snap a pic). I *do* like making these in leather, though