Slide Adjustable Strap

• 1
  The right fit makes a purse comfortable.Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  Cut a 5-inch length of the strap material in your choice of pattern or color. Cut a longer length if you prefer a low-hanging purse.
  
  
• 2). Slide one end of the fabric through the metal square ring. Fold the webbing over on itself, creating about a one-inch overlap and sew through both thicknesses. Sew a box about 3/8 of an inch inside each edge, then sew diagonally across the box, creating an X.
  
  
• 3). Cut a longer length of fabric, usually 24 inches, but longer if you like a longer strap.
  
  
• 4). Slide this length of fabric over the center metal piece of the slide adjuster. Fold about 2 inches of the fabric back on itself and sew it as in Step 2 to secure this piece of the strap to the slide.
  
  
• 5). Slide the short piece you made in Step 1 through the square ring, making sure the sewn-under pieces are facing each other and will both wind up on the inside of the strap, closest to your body. Smooth the put-together strap flat.
  
  
• 6). Sew both loose ends of the now adjustable strap to the sides of the purse.
  
  

Belt Buckle Adjustable Purse Strap

• 1
  Buckles are stylish and make a handbag strap adjustable.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  Cut two lengths of leather or fabric purse strap material. Recommended lengths are 15 inches and 21 inches. Cut a third length of strap material that is 2.5 times the width of the material; this will be the strap loop.
  
  
• 2). Thread the shorter strap through the buckle, folding the material back on itself, and sew the strap to secure it to the buckle. If you are using a leather buckle, insert the leather into the clawed end of the metal, then pinch or gently hammer the metal teeth closed around the metal.
  
  
• 3). Measure about 2 inches from one end of the longer length of strap material and mark a spot in the middle of the material for the first buckle hole. Measure one inch farther from the end, and mark a second hole spot. Continue the same process to mark four or five holes, one inch apart.
  
  
• 4). Punch holes in the strap material using the awl. If you are using leather, you are finished. If using fabric, use metal eyelets to prevent fraying around the holes.
  
  
• 5). Finish the piece with holes by placing a metal tip on the end -- included in the buckle kit -- or stitch along the edge to prevent fraying.
  
  
• 6). Slide the strap piece with the holes into the buckle, making sure both front sides are facing up. Sew the loose ends to the purse.