Braided Handles

• 1). Cut fabric into six 2-inch strips.
  
  
• 2). Fold the strips in half to make 1-inch strips; press the fold with the iron. Fold 1/2 inch from each edge to the center to hide the raw edges and press the folds.
  
  
• 3). Lay three strips on top of one another and stitch across them, about 1 inch from the top end.
  
  
• 4). Braid the strips until you reach about 1 inch from the end; stitch across that end.
  
  
• 5). Fold the raw edges of the ends under and stitch them down. With a needle and thread, attach the new straps to your purse. If desired, embellish them by adding a button over the ends of the handles.
  
  

Beaded Handles

• 1). Measure 12 inches of wire for each purse handle.
  
  
• 2). At one end of each wire, form a wrapped loop.
  
  
• 3). String beads in the desired pattern until you reach about 1 inch from the wire's end.
  
  
• 4). Form a wrapped loop at the end of the wire.
  
  
• 5). Stitch the loops to the pocketbook.
  
  

Necktie Handles

• 1). Cut off the wide ends of the ties to leave a 10- to 12-inch strip. Cut off the narrow end to leave a straight edge in place of the point.
  
  
• 2). Tuck the raw edges at each end into the folded tie and stitch the opening closed.
  
  
• 3). Use the sewing machine to make a buttonhole on each end of the necktie strip. Sew the buttons on the purse in the place you want the straps to attach.
  
  
• 4). Button the new necktie handles to your pocketbook.