Have you ever worked up a crochet bag and then couldn’t decided on a good strap that would be sturdy and wouldn’t stretch??
For the longest time I avoided crocheting anything that involved a strap. Crochet purses, bags, market totes. I always hated the fact that the strap could or would have the possibility to stretch too much over time.
In the past when I tried working i-cords and other crochet cords for straps I found that they were too confusing to follow even when a video was available.
I-cords certainly looked nice but if it was too confusing to follow then there would be no more joy left in me to continue on and finish my project.
Why crochet straps worked width-wise don’t work
The one type of strap that I absolutely did not like to crochet was a strap that was just worked back and forth width-wise in rows. I would always need to figure out a correct length in order to account for any stretch that might occur.
So many variations on crochet straps worked in rows will still cause some stretch. A lot of stretch can occur when a bag is full.
I also want to avoid creating a stretched crochet strap so the fibers of the yarn don’t get too damaged and worn too soon. I would like my project to last and look nice as long as possible.
Because I hated most crochet straps for bags I decided to figure out a way to make my own that I would love. I finally came up with a technique for straps that I will forever use for any crochet pattern that requires straps or handles!
Follow along below the learn how to create this no-stretch strap.
↓ Pin this for future reference! ↓
About the Ultimate No-Stretch Crochet Bag Strap:
I am calling this strap the Ultimate No-Stretch Crochet Strap!
This strap technique can be worked up in 3 easy steps. Follow along with the steps provided below to learn how to work this sturdy no-stretch crochet strap.
You can create the straps independent of a bag and then sew them. Or, when it comes time to create the straps on a bag you are crocheting, you can follow these same steps as well.
My Watermelon Crochet Bag and Bottle Sling pattern uses this exact technique for the straps. Check out the pattern HERE and use code GET1OFF at checkout.
DESIGNERS – IF USING THIS TECHNIQUE IN A CROCHET DESIGN I WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU WOULD GIVE REFERENCE TO THIS ORIGINAL POST SOMEWHERE IN YOUR DESIGN.
TUTORIAL Bag Strap Instructions:
Step 1: Work a length of chains needed for a crochet strap or handles. (Picture shows the back bump/bar that you will work your stitches into in Step 2)
Step 2: In the back bump/bar of the chain stitches you will work a double crochet stitch (dc) in each chain space.
Step 3a: This is where the magic happens! You will fold the double crochet stitches of the strap in half. You can pin it in half using stitch markers or just fold as you go along when working Step 3b.
Step 3b: Now you will single crochet (sc) into each double crochet as follows, insert hook through both top loops and through both bottom chain loops and create your single crochet (sc).
Here is a completed strap shown below. The single crochet stitches are on the top and the folded double crochet stitches shown on the bottom.
I hope this way of working handles and straps for crochet bags becomes your new favorite technique! It sure is my favorite go to strap now!
Don’t forget to check out my Watermelon Market Bag and Water Bottle Sling pattern. This pattern uses this specific strap technique. Find the pattern HERE.
DESIGNERS – IF USING THIS TECHNIQUE IN A CROCHET DESIGN I WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU WOULD GIVE REFERENCE TO THIS ORIGINAL POST SOMEWHERE IN YOUR DESIGN.
I may have missed it but what size hook or doesn’t it matter? Old lady here!
You can use the same size that you used for the project you made that you need the strap for. But you don’t want the stitches too loose otherwise the strap may end up having stretch to it if the stitches aren’t nice and tight. So maybe a size or 2 smaller than what is recommended for the yarn weight you are using.
Thatnk you for sharing!
WOW!! It does NOT stretch. Thank you for the pattern. I will be using it in all my bags in the future and sharing your site with all my crocheters! 🥰
Thank you!! I’ve been using this technique on all my purses recently and love it!!
This design is so useful. I did a double row of DC and then folded it over. Then did a slip stitch along the bottom to neater it up and adds a bit more bulk too. I was using Tshirt yarn and it’s looks great!! Thank you for sharing
Would love to see a pic of this
I was just working on ideas to solve this problem with less than stellar results. Your idea is genius. Thank you!
I love ,love , love this technique! Purses are my passion to crochet and the handles have always given me fits. This works! Thank you for sharing it!.
I think if you crochet the chain then single crochet two rows then do a treble in the back bump then fold and do the single that might work to make it wider ..
I worked four rows of Dc then folded over my work and worked the Sc row finish and it looked great. I guess you could work more Dc rows to make it wider again.
Does it work with any width strap?
Just made an excellent strong handle using your method. I used a light pink for step 1 and 2 and a darker pink for step 3 resulting in a very pretty handle too. Thank you.
I wonder if two of these could be attached together to make the strap wider?
Thank you. I will definitely try it. Looks neat too.