Where can I find purse- and bag-making supplies online?

June 14, 2006 7:42 AM

Where can I find purse- and bag-making supplies online?

I need things like clasps (NOT the magnetic snap ones that are abundant), straps, handles, etc. I also need a source to purchase ready-made 2" adjustable shoulder straps, like what you'd find on a messenger bag. Thanks in advance for your help, online shopping geniuses of the green board.

posted by orangemiles to Shopping (8 answers total)

There are tons of sources and links in the handbag/purse threads at Craftser. The ads on the right hand side of the page often feature handbag supplies, too. I've gotten lots of good tips and ideas from the threads there.

I've ordered a few things from Hand Bag Supplies, and really like their quality. Their site pretty much sucks, though. It basically consists of scans of their catalog pages.
posted by iconomy at 7:57 AM on June 14, 2006

My grandfather always used to buy his stuff from Tandy Leather. They still seem to have a decent selection, however it may be a bit "Western" for what you're looking for.
posted by beowulf573 at 8:03 AM on June 14, 2006

Forgot to mention that I've gotten webbing here twice, and it's good quality. I use it for tote bag and messenger bag straps.
posted by iconomy at 8:22 AM on June 14, 2006

I like this place for seatbelt webbing.

Denver fabrics also has a ton of purse supplies.

I like to get straps and release buckles from my local army-navy surplus store. You should check one out near you to see if they have any handy materials.
posted by Alison at 8:42 AM on June 14, 2006

Seconding the UMX reccomendation iconomy linked to- the UI stinks - but everything i've ordered from them has been good.
posted by Wolfie at 9:23 AM on June 14, 2006

I think M&J Trimming's site has some pretty cool handbag handles.
posted by katie at 10:33 AM on June 14, 2006

Another vote for UMX. I have ordered from there only once, but had no problems. Yes, their website is not the prettiest...

I recommend to start here and view the pages of their print catalog.
posted by o0ll0o.o0ll0o at 11:52 AM on June 14, 2006

Tall Poppy
posted by kmel at 1:31 PM on June 14, 2006