How to Make Your Own Purse Parts Using Natural and Recycled Materials

Creating one-of-a-kind purses is a great adventure when you make purse parts from natural or synthetic recycled materials. When making purse parts for my crochet purses, I have experimented with natural materials when I wanted to save on retail costs and recycled products when I wanted to "go green." A few of my ideas are described below.

All Natural Bamboo or Sugar Cane Straight Purse Handles

Though straight bamboo purse handles are sold in stores, it can be quite costly if you are making many purses. As an alternative, you can pick your own bamboo if you live in a warm region. Living in the warm climate of the South, I have access to sugar cane, a tall, jointed stem in the grass family with bamboo, which grows alongside the roads in wooded areas. I have found it convenient to use the sugar cane to make straight purse handles after cutting them down into smaller pieces and painting them with acrylic paint. The natural sugar cane handles that I used to make a crochet purse looks as lovely as the store-bought bamboo handles on my photographed pattern.

Recycled 3-Inch Wide Purse Strap Rings

One of my favorite crochet purse patterns requires purse strap rings that measure three inches in diameter. Since the purse straps that I have encountered are designed with smaller rings, I have found the need to obtain separate rings. While craft stores carry 3-inch wide metal craft rings at affordable prices, an alternative is to recycle the 3-inch wide, sturdy cardboard rolls that come with crochet thread and ribbon. Using a sharp pair of scissors, I have trimmed these rolls to 1.5 cm in height and have decorated them by painting them, gluing on sequins, or crocheting matching yarn around the cardboard rings.

Recycled Purse Straps from Used Belts

Anyone who owns a variety of cute 3-inch wide high-waisted belts made of leather or vinyl that are pliable, sturdy, and comfortable should consider turning them into purse straps by removing the existing buckle from one side and looping through and sewing or tacking matching round buckles or rings to each end. In fact, I have discovered that one of my flexible, soft pleather belts with gathers had a style identical to the strap on one of my store-bought handbags.

With these three ideas in mind, purse makers can see the way that a little experimentation and creativity lead you into a world of discoveries. DIY purse parts made from natural and recycled materials offers flexibility, affordability, and resourcefulness. Even more, you will be admired for your creativity.