How to add a shoulder strap to a duffle bag
March 30, 2017 7:36 AM Subscribe
What is the best way to add a shoulder strap to a quality twill duffle bag that doesn't have one?
I have the Weekender duffle bag from Everlane, but it sits in my closet unused since the straps are slightly too long to comfortably hold by my side, but slightly too short to comfortably throw over one shoulder. I'd like to add a shoulder strap.
What might be the best way to add a shoulder strap to this bag? Could I ask a tailor to sew a strap directly to the bag or go with nylon d-rings sewn to each end of the bag? If either of these seem like a good idea, any tips on where to get the hardware? Is a riveted strap anchor an option instead of sewn?
Anyone with experience doing this sort of modification that must stand up to wear and tear, I would greatly appreciate your insight!
I have the Weekender duffle bag from Everlane, but it sits in my closet unused since the straps are slightly too long to comfortably hold by my side, but slightly too short to comfortably throw over one shoulder. I'd like to add a shoulder strap.
What might be the best way to add a shoulder strap to this bag? Could I ask a tailor to sew a strap directly to the bag or go with nylon d-rings sewn to each end of the bag? If either of these seem like a good idea, any tips on where to get the hardware? Is a riveted strap anchor an option instead of sewn?
Anyone with experience doing this sort of modification that must stand up to wear and tear, I would greatly appreciate your insight!
I would recommend you have the tailor (or leatherworker) attach d-rings on diagonally opposing corners of the bag so you can attach a strap that has swivel clips on each end. You'll want that swivel action rather than a fixed strap on a boxy bag like this.
I don't see a convenient attachment point at the very ends of the bag because of the zipper and pocket placement, which is why I think they will probably go on opposing corners.
You'll want strong, solid (not split) metal d-rings. Buckle Guy sells good quality hardware. Ohio Travel Bag is another good source with a very comprehensive selection.
The d-rings will be attached via strips of leather or webbing. These strips can be riveted on, but should also be stitched down, both for a cleaner look and to distribute the weight better so as not to tear the canvas.
An added complication here is whether the bag is lined. I doubt you want to take apart the bag for this project. So if lined, it will have a less-finished look inside the bag because the rivets/stitching will have to go through both the exterior fabric and the lining.
posted by mama casserole at 8:03 AM on March 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
I don't see a convenient attachment point at the very ends of the bag because of the zipper and pocket placement, which is why I think they will probably go on opposing corners.
You'll want strong, solid (not split) metal d-rings. Buckle Guy sells good quality hardware. Ohio Travel Bag is another good source with a very comprehensive selection.
The d-rings will be attached via strips of leather or webbing. These strips can be riveted on, but should also be stitched down, both for a cleaner look and to distribute the weight better so as not to tear the canvas.
An added complication here is whether the bag is lined. I doubt you want to take apart the bag for this project. So if lined, it will have a less-finished look inside the bag because the rivets/stitching will have to go through both the exterior fabric and the lining.
posted by mama casserole at 8:03 AM on March 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
I sometimes add shoulder straps to things. It's not terribly difficult, usually, provided you don't mind stitches showing on the inside of the bag where they might otherwise have been hidden by a lining. Of course, you can remove the lining and replace it, but that's a lot of extra work. This bad doesn't appear to have a lining anyway, though.
Your best option, the one that is least likely to look weird, is to replace the existing straps with longer straps and resew them in the same position. But then you only have long straps, which might make it too long to carry in hand.
Finding another place to attach hardware that won't interfere with the proper function of the bag or be lop-sided looking is a bit difficult because of the way the zipper extends into the pockets. Doing a single end to end strap will also tend to squish up the bag as you carry it, rather than carrying relatively flat as it does in the photos. I would probably set a D ring just below the zipper on each end -- effectively in those outside pockets -- and use that to clip a strap to. The advantage of those interior d-rings is that if you're not using them, they won't be visible, so you can remove the strap and get the minimalist look of your bag back.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:05 AM on March 30, 2017
Your best option, the one that is least likely to look weird, is to replace the existing straps with longer straps and resew them in the same position. But then you only have long straps, which might make it too long to carry in hand.
Finding another place to attach hardware that won't interfere with the proper function of the bag or be lop-sided looking is a bit difficult because of the way the zipper extends into the pockets. Doing a single end to end strap will also tend to squish up the bag as you carry it, rather than carrying relatively flat as it does in the photos. I would probably set a D ring just below the zipper on each end -- effectively in those outside pockets -- and use that to clip a strap to. The advantage of those interior d-rings is that if you're not using them, they won't be visible, so you can remove the strap and get the minimalist look of your bag back.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:05 AM on March 30, 2017
What about grommets? If you installed a grommet close enough to the edge of each pocket, you could clip a shoulder strap to it as long as there was enough clearance on the clip. That is assuming the pockets can take the weight of the bag.
posted by soelo at 8:48 AM on March 30, 2017
posted by soelo at 8:48 AM on March 30, 2017
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posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:57 AM on March 30, 2017