As I lay out the fibres for my latest felt bag, I am reflecting on the options for felt bag handles. For me a bag of whatever kind has to have a handle. I just can’t manage clutch bags and in truth I struggle to use any bag that can’t hang comfortably on my shoulder.

There are many methods to make a handle for a felt bag. The handle can be made from felt or an alternative material like canvas or leather. It can be integrated into the bag as part of the design , or it can be attached in a variety of ways. I am thinking of :

• Stitching
• Loops
• Ties
• Knots

All of which I have tried at one time or another.

These handles all work but what I really like are fully integrated felt bag handles.

WHY ?

Because I think integrating fully integrating the handles,  is what sets felt bags apart.    It makes them unique.   With some thought the handles can be integrated seamlessly, giving simultaneously strength and style. That’s just not possible with fabric or leather.  Maybe is possible wth knitting or crochet  ?  But a knitted bag is not very stylish.

Here is an example of a bag I have made wth two integrated handles

A more substational felt bag made from the beautiful Gotland wool.  Here the handles are intergated into the back and the front of the bag giving it stability and shape.

Both bags are different in design but based the same integration principles.  Both have unique and fully integrated handles.

I made a bag recently at a workshop with Chrissie Day that I really like and it’s got leather handles. This adds contrast and is very easy to do.

What I am currently wondering is can I modify this bag design to give it integrated handles. This is quite crazy idea really as it will make the bag much  more complicated to make. I think if I am going to do it,  I will need to make  strap like handles, or maybe strap like at the end and cords in the middle.

So even though I think integrated handles have benefits ,   I think , this time , I will make a bag without integrated handles.  I will continue to ponder the best method of attaching them for the next bag.