https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/homemade-bag-handle • Posted by cats-rockin-crochet
Here is a nifty little idea I have been tossing about. I have seen similar handles up for sale on the internet, but knowing I had all the supplies on hand I decided to make my own handles. The one thing I did not have on hand was 16 guage wire, which would have been more flexible to work with and a better guage for some of the beads and findings I have on hand. So I used coat hanger wire, but believe, me I would not use it again. It does make for a strong handle though.
Here is a nifty little idea I have been tossing about. I have seen similar handles up for sale on the internet, but knowing I had all the supplies on hand I decided to make my own handles. The one thing I did not have on hand was 16 guage wire, which would have been more flexible to work with and a better guage for some of the beads and findings I have on hand. So I used coat hanger wire, but believe, me I would not use it again. It does make for a strong handle though.
These are some of the materials needed for making your handles. Pliers, wire cutter, wire, beads and findings.
Cut you wire to length I read some where that the length of your finished handle should measure about 13 inches in length, allowing extra for turning ends in. I have made mine a little longer here as I know I will need extra length to work off a nice finish, since the coat hanger wire is not so flexible.
Once again as my wire is not as flexible, I have used a sturdy circular object to shape my wire.
Now I have the shape I am happy with, I can prepare my beads.
Set out your beads in a colour scheme that you are happy with. I have used some nice glass foil beads I bought some time ago on special.
I am going to space my beads with the only other thing I have on hand with a big enough opening, other wise I would have used some nice silver balls or similar.
After placing my beads on the wire, I bent over the end I was not working with, so my beads would not fall off. I needed to bring out the heavy duty pliers here, as it was hard to bend the other end around to form a nice circular close.
Here is the finished handle, both ends have been turned in and the excess wire has been cut off for a nice finish. I may attach some half circle wire hoops to the ends of the handles, for attaching to a bag, or attach directly into the finished loops above. Next thing I need to do is make the bag.