Truth is, I understand that if you are getting a new leather tote, choosing the right drop length can feel complicated.
I will make it simpler for you in this article by answering your question about how to shorten tote bag straps.
The basic you need handy is a ruler or tape for measurement.
I know that sometimes you even ask yourself if you should go with the stand about handles or if you need some extra length when purchasing your first or w KMM & Co leather tote bag.
If you read my previous article about how long should a messenger bag strap be, you’d discover that the recommendations are there but it still sums up to personal preference.
Today’s article comes with great recommendations but you’ll still find out that some personal questions will be asked because it’s all about how it works for you.
Table of Contents
HOW TO SHORTEN TOTE BAG STRAPS WITHOUT CUTTING
Here is how to shorten the tote bag strap without cutting, there are many ways but I will share a few:
A) By weaving it with your hands and it comes out as a beautiful art design.
B) The Crossover Method:
First, pull the long handle up, crisscross it, open the top of the bag and put a handle over the bag, and close it, letting it drop will be shortened and look like a double chain and you can wear it on one shoulder.
C) The Knot Method:
This is a process of pulling the long handle up, taking it to the side of the tote bag where a side or back zip is, knotting the excess length, opening the zip, and putting the extra into it.
D) The Clip Method:
This is the method of unclipping the long handle and taking a shorter handle from another bag and clipping it on the tote bag you want to use.
HOW TO SHORTEN TOTE BAG STRAPS
Below are 5 methods you can employ to shorten your tote bag straps;
- You can shorten tote bag straps by using a small clear or colored elastic to wrap the straps nearly.
- You can shorten tote bag straps by trying a belt loopy.
- You can shorten tote bag straps by weaving them with your hands and it comes out as a beautiful art design.
- You can shorten tote bag straps by interchanging shortened straps from a purse.
- You can shorten tote bag straps by styling the tail into a single or pretzel loop.
CLIP TO SHORTEN BAG STRAP
The Clip Method:
This is the method of unclipping the long handle and taking a shorter handle from another bag and clipping it on the tote bag you want to use.
HOW TO SHORTEN A CROSSBODY STRAP
See below for recommended options on how to effectively shorten your crossbody strap:
1. You can slide the leather collar away from your crossbody bag away from the button.
2. You can pull off the button and adjust the strap to the desired length.
3. You can push the button through the appropriate loophole.
4. You can strap the leather collar back to ensure the straps are secure.
SHORTEN BAG STRAP HACK
1. You can add a new hole with a sharp awl if there is a buckle and holes in the straps.
2. If you have a flap purse that has a thin strap, wrap the strap on the inside to shorten it.
3) You can interchange straps from other purses that have a lobster claw attachment so that it can be a handheld purse or a shoulder purse.
HOW TO ADJUST BAG STRAPS
There are different kinds of bags and straps.
To answer this question, we can focus on a backpack.
Steps:
1. You can start by loosening all the straps: (a) the shoulder straps (b) the hip belt (c) the chest strap (d) the compression straps (e) load lifters
You can load the pack with your hiking gear. Add some weight in the pack to simulate a load if you’re trying out the pack in a store.
2. You can fasten the hip belt at the hip level:
To avoid pain, your bag’s weight should be distributed evenly between your pelvis, lower back, and shoulders. Avoid carrying heavy bags on one shoulder because of the effects.
– Put your pack on, and tighten the hip belt at hip level, above your glutes.
For the load lifters, some packs have this feature at the base of the waist belt; tightening it stabilizes your pack.
3. You can adjust the shoulder straps:
For balance, comfortable weight distribution between your upper and lower back is achieved once you have adjusted your backpack’s hip belt and tightened the shoulder straps.
If the length of your pack is adjustable, try to adjust the torso length so that the tops of the shoulder straps fit the shape of your shoulders and the weight is neither heavy on the shoulders nor at the hip level.
4. You can adjust the chest straps:
It’s important to adjust the height of the chest strap if it’s possible for you and the recommended position should be at the top of your chest.
This positions the shoulder straps comfortably and it will snug your backpack to your back which will not restrict your breathing.
5. You can tighten the compression straps:
To tighten all the compression straps, you must first take off the pack after you have adjusted the shoulder straps and hip belt
Try not to tighten it too much so you don’t damage the contents inside the pack. This compresses the load and stabilizes your gear and also keeps it from swaying.
HOW TO KEEP PURSE STRAPS TOGETHER
You can achieve this by crossing the straps over each other and zipping the bag.
Truth is, it’s easier to keep one strap on your shoulder than two, by crossing them over each other and not forgetting to zip the bag for balance.
You can buy a new purse with a narrow shoulder strap because the problem most times is the width.
You can buy and stick a Purse Gummy or Strap Gummy on the underside of the strap. This should put the strap of your purse together and it won’t slip off your shoulder.
HOW TO SHORTEN CHAIN STRAP BAG
Find below the two standard methods on how to shorten chain strap bag:
Matching Metal Method
– You can use matching metal buckle(s)
– Going with this method requires a little buckle that connects two links on the strap together and shortens it.
You can use 2 hooks for an even shorter strap
String/Scarf Method
– You can use a string or a small scarf
– This method appears to be an easy way to shorten your strap; with a sturdy string, you can find, like a shoelace, or a scarf.
HOW TO TURN A CROSSBODY INTO A SHOULDER BAG
One of the easiest ways to turn a crossbody into a shoulder bag is by shortening the shoulder strap and you can easily wear your crossbody bag as a shoulder bag.
HOW LONG SHOULD A TOTE BAG STRAP BE?
A tote bag strap should be around 20”-22” in length with a 9”-1” drop.16.
CONCLUSION
We’ve been writing about how to shorten tote bag straps and it’s been an interesting one. I’m sure by now your questions are all answered and you can go ahead and adjust your straps and do more with your bag.
REFERENCE: HOW TO SHORTEN HANDBAG STRAPS
