Tote handle repair? - YouLookFab Forum

Hi all,

I have an old workhorse bag that has suddenly developed a bad sign of wear. This reptile print Sam Edelman tote is brilliant — lightweight but sturdy, and the color scheme is perfect for me. Great for a day of errands or shopping and nicely fits a book or iPad or something bulky when I need a bit more storage.

However, on my last use a few days ago, I noticed the handles are now peeling badly. The rest of the bag looks so good still that I hate to get rid of it, but the handles really look ratty.

Has anyone ever had any sort of replacement or repair of such a strap style? It would be tricky because of the way they are attached to the body of the bag, so I don’t have high hopes, but I thought I’d post here and see if there are any ideas or suggestions. I’ll be sad if I have to let this go because it doubt I’ll find the same color combination in such a useful style ever again.

Any ideas?

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3 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I would reach out to leather craft artisans for a custom fix. They would be able to do a better/prettier fix than a cobbler - and would probably welcome the commission.

Janet

(website)

Ooh, Carla, you gave me an idea. I have a friend who makes handbags from recycled materials from old clothing and textiles. I bet she could help! Thank you. I like my cobbler for simple repairs, but his work is not always as clean and pristine as I would want to be for something like this.

rebekahphoto

second checking with an artisan. Looks like you could remove the existing handles and attach new ones with rivets in the same place. Maybe even a cool contrasting color--blue would be nice or belt weight leather.
If you found straps you liked a cobbler could attach them for you.

Stagiaire Fash

Sounds like your friend has just the right skill set. If not, try a saddle shop/leather worker.

Joy

I bought a hand made bag from a leather worker at an art show. It has a chain handle. Chain may work for you in the same grommets.

Windchime

It’s a great bag and worth investing in the repair. I hope your friend can take care of it for you.

Jaime

I bet your friend can help or knows someone who can. Keep us posted - I run across this situation frequently.

Thanks for the good ideas!

Joy, I like the look of chains but they are not comfortable on the shoulder. I’d definitely want soft but substantial leather straps.

Chains crossbody can also cause pilling on whatever is underneath. Yours is not crossbody, but could be made so. A guitar strap?

Joy, I thought of having the straps removed and adding loops inside the corners to accommodate a guitar strap but it’s a pretty sizable (long) tote so I think that will be overkill, as I wouldn’t wear it crossbody. Replacing the straps with the same length would probably be the most desirable solution, since they are just the right length to go over my shoulder, even wearing a coat.

You could have grommets put in, where you could clip in a pair of adjustable guitar straps or just leather straps.

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Urban Expressions Prince Embroidered Bag Strap

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anchie

I hope you manage to fix this bag. But if you don’t, you may find something similar more easily than you thought. I just saw this one.

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Oh, Anchie, those are lovely. Thank for the suggestion. I did have a brief look around online (even on Poshmark to see if someone was selling this same bag), and didn't immediately find a replacement that suited me. If I wore more white instead of black, the ones you shared would be excellent options! What makes the SE tote work so well for me is that low contrast combination of black, deep blue and deep green -- the pattern has a somewhat magical ability to blend with a lot of my winter outfits and can either stand out against a lot of solid color pieces or subtly pattern mix with other textures and patterns.

unfrumped

Wondering if, have straps, will do- so may either need to provide straps to cobbler- type shop or see if your friend sources materials to do it for you.
If only the right straps material is the missing , you might be able to sacrifice an existing handbag that’s no longer working ( though you may have curated out any orphans) or thrift a tote. Of course it could be hard to find the right quality- price mix where handles will be good leather and hold up. I just love the idea of trying to rejuvenate it though if it has been a great bridging piece and useful to boot.

That’s a good idea, unfrumped.

I can’t say I’ve bothered with this level of repair on a handbag before after so many years of use, but I do find this color combination unique enough that I’d like to prolong its life if I can. Anything I’ve seen online that comes close is stiff or formal or somehow not as functional, and the colors are not quite mine.

Sounds to me like having loved this bag for so many years is the reason to keep it! You often talk about “the ranch”. Surly there are saddle shops near it!

AndiB

I've had good luck with leather goods with my regular show repair / cobbler. they can easily replace straps like that. And I too was going to suggest a thicker guitar type strap, as others have, and I love the idea of the grommets!

A bag that looks very much like yours is on sale today at Macy’s. It caught my eye because of the shape, snake and some blue. I hope you see this.

Anonymous

You could have the existing straps cut several inches from the rivets,, then have small buckles stitched to the remaining straps, 4 total, and holes punched at both ends of 2 leather straps and have a bag with somewhat adjustable length straps.

Joy, I looked at the Macy's site and didn't see it. Do you have a link?

Phoebe, that's a cool idea! I could see doing something like that.

It was in an ad that popped up on my IPad yesterday announcing the sale. I will try to look on my desk top today. Maybe there is something from yesterday.

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