Sewing Tip | Two Ways to Sew Straps

In this installment of our sewing tips series, we’re covering two ways to sew straps for your handmade clothing and accessories: Turning and the Fold and Topstitch method. In addition to sewing straps, these techniques can also be used when creating drawstrings and ties.

Above are two examples of our patterns where these strap sewing methods can be used: the shoulder straps of the Marcel, and the front detail straps on View A of the Victory Tank.

METHOD ONE: TURNING

Turning straps is probably one of the most common methods and the one we use regularly in our patterns because it produces a lovely clean finish with no visible topstitching.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

A cut strap piece like the ones included in the Marcel or Victory Patterns
Pins
A sewing machine
A safety pin or turning tool
An iron

SEWING THE STRAP

Cut the strap and interface the wrong side if the pattern calls for it. Fold the strap lengthwise, right sides together, and pin.

Sew the length of the strap using your desired seam allowance. Here a 3/8″ seam allowance is used.

TURNING WITH A SAFETY PIN

If using a turning tool, follow instructions included with the tool to turn strap right side out. If using a safety pin, attach it to the side of the strap on the outside.

Turn it inside the tube and work it through, pulling fabric as needed.

Work safety pin through the strap until it is fully right side out.

Press so that the seam allowance is centered on the underside of the strap and that’s it!

METHOD TWO: FOLDING AND TOPSTITCHING

If you don’t want to bother with turning straps or you’re working with an especially delicate fabric, the folding and topstitching method is what I’d recommend.