Tutorial - bag handles

I hope someone will find this useful! Although I love making bags, I loathe making the handles. I've tried various methods, bought "tube turners" and tried adapting patterns to make them easier. I finally came up with this. Basically, the tube is sewn wrong sides together. Seam allowance is trimmed (only if necessary!) and another one or two layers are added. The multiple tubes are pressed with the seam open. Then sewn to each other with the seam allowance sides touching. Voila! No turning, no interfacing (usually) necessary!

Pressing the seam allowance. I usually eyeball it to make sure it is centered. Sorry about the gross ironing board cover...

The cut strips need to be two times the width of your trim or top strip, plus two seam allowances because it's folded. My trim was 1/2 inch, co I cut the fabric 1.5 inches.
Stitching trim to the coordinating fabric. You can see the seam allowance peaking out a little. I should have trimmed it better. When I was done sewing, I just pulled any stray threads and no one knows the difference ;-) shhh - don't tell on me.

If the trim or second fabric piece are narrow, a serpentine or honeycomb stitch works great! It the pieces are a little wider, a great stitch is the blind stitch so you can catch the top and the bottom at once. I do both edges, then the back of the handles are attractive too. (no pic of that one here. Camera is on the blink.)

Trim to the length you need and attach to your bag as needed. Enjoy!

A friend of mine bought this fabric and asked me to make several bags for her. In addition to these, there was also a makeup bag and a "travel tray." I've seen the idea a couple places, but didn't have a pattern. I winged it and put my own twist on the style. Next up will be my tutorial on the way I made the handles.