Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders

If there is one thing I really love about bags, it’s all the options. Today it’s a shoulder bag, tomorrow it’s cross-body. Apparently it’s unnecessary to have an entire room dedicated to bags though (pfft, what do they know), so I like to incorporate some of the more practical ideas into my creations, turning a single bag into a wonderland of options. Which brings us to today’s addition of Hardware Heaven: the swivel hook and slider.

The humble swivel hook is perfect for adding removable straps to purses, clutches and bags. Unlike a handle stitched directly to a bag, the swivel component of the hook allows movement, making it a more comfortable and practical solution.

They’re also great for adding a key hook to your bags. See Stand Up & Tote Notice Pattern Hack – Key Hook for more.

The slider can be used to turn a basic shoulder strap into an adjustable length, suitable for all tastes. Under arm, hip height, cross body, the possibilities are endless (well…they’re as long as the strap you make, anyway).

Creating an adjustable, removable strap

You will need:

• 2 x swivel hooks
• 1 x slider
• 1 x strap with a finished width the same size as the swivel hooks/slider (see Hardware Heaven: O-Rings, D-Rings and Rectangular Rings for instructions on creating a strap).

Take one end of the strap and feed it through the slider, over the bar.

Fold the strap back on itself by approximately 1’’ and pin in place.

Stitch the end of the strap in place using two lines of stitching, approximately ¼’’ apart.

Feed the free end of the strap through a swivel hook.

Keeping the strap flat and untwisted, continue to feed the free end though the slider, over the top of the stitched end.

Secure the free end to the second swivel hook using two lines of stitching, approximately ¼’’ apart.

Congratulations. Your adjustable, removable strap is complete. You may now find last week’s article, Hardware Heaven: O-Rings, D-Rings and Rectangular Ring, particularly useful in learning about creating attachment points for your fancy new strap.

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 love adjustable, removable straps as much as I do?

Happy sewing.

Lisa x