KNITTING A PURSE STRAP - what's the best way for it not to stretch with time?

Question

The last purse strap I knitted was garter stitch (5 stitches) and that purse practically hangs to the floor now because over time the strap has totally stretched.

Would an I-Cord not stretch as much? Or is there another technique or stitch that will resist stretching|?

Answer 1

I think if you were to get a box of dry laundry fabric starch, you could dip the strap in it and let it dry (follow the directions on the box, of course).  And that would stiffen it so it would be more like the macrame type straps you see on purses.

Just a thought, hope it helps.

Blessings ~ JoDe

P.S. I might make the strap a little wider (more lke 10 stitches) next time to help carry the purse load. You could also use some D-rings (with the curved end against the purse & the straight end to attach to strap), and attach them to the sides and then knit your straps on for more support.

Answer 2

Cut a piece of material the length you want the handle to be and

crochet around it. Make sure you fasten the strip to the purse.

Or add cotton yarn to the yarn and crochet tightly.

Answer 3

In my experience with purse and bag handles, even the purchansed ones, the very best way is to line them! You could use fabric or ribbon in a color or design that compliments your bag. If you have lined your bag, you  might use some of that fabric.

Answer 4

I-cord would stretch just as much.  Generally, I'd line the entire thing, purse, strap and all.

I think a tight cable wouldn't stretch as much.  That would be something you could try.

I mean a tight cable as in cable twists placed frequently and probably also as snug.

or you could crochet the strap but the switch in styles would bug the heck out of me.

Answer 5

An I-Cord would not stretch it is more like a rope. Or you may think of braiding 3 together:

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kms-ra...

Answer 6

I would also say I -cord ,or you could also try moss stitch ,is purl one knit one and on the next round do the opposite ,you knit the purl and purl the knit .

Answer 7

I cords are good for straps, and would stretch less if you make a couple and braid them together.  Could also make a strap in 1x1 ribbing which would stretch width wise, but not as much length wise.

Answer 8

Braided I-cord is less stretchy than garter stitch and a single I-cord.  It's still a bit stretchy, but I find it works better for purse handles.  In case you don't know how to do braided I-cord, here's the instructions...with pictures:

http://emmybearknitting.blogspot.com/200...

But, what works best of all is when I crochet the handle.  Crocheting has very little give compared to knitting.  I do a single crochet stitch and make the strap as wide and long as I want.