Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Herringbone tape bag handles are made from a dense tape 25–40 mm wide, cut to a length of about 50–60 cm for hand carry or 60–70 cm for shoulder carry. The ends are sewn to the bag with a rectangle and a diagonal cross to spread the load. The tape is strong, does not stretch and gives cotton and linen bags a natural look.
Why herringbone tape for bag handles
The handle is the most heavily loaded part of any bag. It must carry weight, not stretch, not cut into the shoulder and look good. Herringbone tape meets all these requirements: the twill weave makes it dense and stable lengthwise, its edges are woven and do not fray, and its matt look sits naturally on cotton, linen and canvas bags. That is why it is the standard choice for eco totes, promotional bags, shopping bags and beach bags.
Which width to choose
| Type of bag | Recommended width | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small pouch, gift bag | 15–20 mm | Light load, decorative function |
| Standard cotton eco tote | 25–30 mm | The most common option |
| Larger shopping bag | 30–40 mm | A wider tape does not cut into the hand |
| Beach bag, canvas tote | 40–50 mm | Often double-layered or lined |
| Holdall shoulder strap | 40–50 mm and more | Polyester for greater strength |
The wider the tape, the more evenly the weight is spread across the hand or shoulder. With heavy bags a narrow tape cuts in and twists. The full range of widths – from narrow up to 100 mm – is in our herringbone tape category.
How long the handles should be
- For hand carry: about 45–55 cm finished length (the visible part between the attachments).
- For shoulder carry: about 60–70 cm – the bag must go on the shoulder over a jacket too.
- Long cross-body strap: about 110–130 cm, often adjustable.
Add 3–5 cm at each end for sewing to these lengths. If the handle is sewn on the inside, under the folded top edge, also add the depth of the hem. Measure a finished bag in real use – this is the most reliable guide.
How to sew a handle so it does not tear
- Finish the cut end. With polyester tape the end can be sealed with a hot knife. Cotton tape is folded under or hidden under the hem of the bag.
- Place the handle under the hem. The end should go at least 3 cm inside, so that it catches both the hem and the main fabric.
- Sew a box with an "X". A rectangle with both diagonals spreads the load over the area of the stitching instead of along one line.
- Use a strong thread. A heavier polyester thread and a needle suited to the number of layers. See the options in our threads category.
- Reinforce heavy bags. Add a piece of fabric or tape on the inside, especially if the bag fabric is thin.
Single or double handle
On light eco totes the handle is a single layer of tape – simple and quick to produce. On more expensive bags a double layer is used: the tape is folded lengthwise and topstitched, or two tapes are sewn on top of each other. A double handle is stronger, more pleasant in the hand and looks more upmarket. Another option is tape sewn onto fabric – it combines the textile look with extra strength.
Cotton or polyester
- Cotton tape – a natural look, suited to an eco concept and cotton bags. It may shrink slightly in the wash, so it is best for both bag and tape to be cotton.
- Polyester tape – greater strength and slower edge wear. Suitable for heavily loaded bags, beach bags and long-life products.
- Blend – a compromise between natural look and durability.
Colour and branding
The handle is visible and is often the first thing noticed on a bag. Natural tape on a raw cotton tote is a classic. A contrast colour – black, navy, red – gives a modern look. For promotional and branded bags the tape can be dyed to Pantone and carry a printed logo repeated along the length of the handle. If you want a more refined, ribbed look, compare with grosgrain ribbon.
Common handle mistakes
- Too narrow a tape for a large bag – it cuts into the hand and twists.
- Only one line of stitching – the handle tears away at the first load.
- The end of the tape goes too little under the hem – the stitching catches only the edge of the tape.
- Different shrinkage of bag and tape – after washing the handles distort the top edge.
- Handles of different lengths – even a 1 cm difference is noticeable when carried.
- Handles sewn at different distances from the side seams – the bag hangs crooked. Use a template or marking at cutting so it is the same for every piece in the series.
Testing strength
Before the series, load a sample bag with a weight close to real use and carry or hang it for a while. Check that the handle stitching does not tear, that the tape does not distort and that the fabric around the attachment does not rip.
Tape for handles from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment haberdashery and accessories based in Sofia. We supply herringbone tape for bag and tote handles in various widths, in cotton, polyester and blends, with Pantone dyeing and logo printing, to manufacturers throughout the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Send us the bag dimensions and the expected load via our contact page to receive samples and a quote.
