Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - Andrie Designs

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.

Hardware Heaven Introduction - two pretty poppets

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.

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets
Pattern: Statement Clutch by Andrie Designs (Photo courtesy of Paisley Avenue)

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).

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets
Pattern: Summer Lovin’ Beach Tote by Andrie Designs

Creating an adjustable, removable strap

You will need:

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.

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets

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

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets

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

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets

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

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets

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

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets

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.

Hardware Heaven: Swivel Hooks and Sliders - two pretty poppets

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

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