Hardware Heaven
Hardware Heaven: O-Rings, D-Rings and Rectangular Rings
O-Rings, D-Rings and Rectangular Rings are some more common hardware components of bag making that are not only practical, but add a whole new level of blingliness to your bag.
Theyβre particularly useful as attachment points for handles and removable straps.
Thankfully, they are super easy to install! In fact, if you can sew a straight(ish) line you can install a ring. You donβt even need any special tools, though a zipper foot will help. A narrow zipper foot is even better, but it certainly isnβt essential.
Installing an O-Ring, D-Ring or Rectangular Ring.
The following tutorial details how to install a 3/4” (19mm) D-Ring. You can apply a similar technique for any size of D-Ring, O-Ring or Rectangular Ring.
Determine the size by measuring the inner edge of the ring at the widest point.
You will need:
- A D-Ring sized 3/4” (19mm)
- A piece of fabric measuring 3” x 2” (7.6cm x 5cm)
- The strap width is four times the width of the ring.
Fold the fabric in half, wrong sides together and matching the short sides. Press to form a centre crease.
Open it out and fold each side in again, this time meeting the raw edges at the centre crease. Press. Fold again along the centre crease to enclose all raw edges (like double fold bias tape).
For most straps and handles it’s a good idea to fuse a strip of interfacing through the centre to add stability and increase durability.
Top stitch along each long side, using a 1/8” (0.3cm) seam allowance.
Slide the D-Ring onto the strap and fold it in half, matching the raw edges. Stitch as close to the D-Ring as possible. This is where a narrow zipper foot can really come in handy.
Baste the D-Ring strap in position ready to be stitched to your bag (within the seam allowance).
If you’re using an O-Ring try following the curve of the ring, rather than sewing a straight line, for something a little extra fancy-pants. (This is where a narrow zipper foot reeeaallllyyyyy comes in handy!)
That’s it! Of course, there’s many other ways to install them such as by using strap connector tabs (shown above on the Summer Lovin’ Beach Tote). More often than not these will require a pattern piece and placement measurements to show you exactly where to place them on your outer panels.
Where to buy
Some fabulous online suppliers of handbag hardware include:
Betty Box Pleat – Queensland, Australia.
Sew Creative Supplies – Western Australia, Australia.
Voodoo Rabbit Fabric – Queensland, Australia.
Emmaline Bags – Canada.
Bobbin Girl – United Kingdom.
Do you have a favourite, go-to shape of rings…? Or a favourite size…? I’d love to know which ones YOU love!
Happy sewing.
Lisa x
