Duffle Bag Strap Pad and Handle

Learn how to make a shoulder strap pad and velcro handle pad for a duffle bag, to make carrying the bag more comfortable. Nicki LaFoille shows you how!

Nicki provides dimensions for the rectangles of fabric and fusible fleece (or batting) to cut for both styles of handle pads. First, you will learn how to round off the corners of the handle pad rectangles. Nicki demonstrates how to mark the center of the handle pad and attach the layers together by quilting an X across the two rectangles. You will then learn how to bind the rounded rectangle to protect the raw edges and provide a clean finish.

You will learn how to stitch Velcro to the handle pad, and how to stitch the handle pad to the duffle bag handles to secure it.

Next, Nicki demonstrates how to make a shoulder strap pad to slide on the shoulder strap of a duffle bag or other shoulder bag. Using fusible fleece or batting adds padding to the shoulder strap pad to make a heavy bag more comfortable to carry.

Follow Nicki’s instructions to create the casing for the strap to slide through, then bind the layers together using the same method as the previous handle pad. The shoulder pad slides easily onto a 1” wide webbing strap, but will also fit a wider strap as well.

Like Nicki’s duffle bag? Learn how to make one of your own by taking Nicki’s class Dual-Duty Weekend Tote & Machine Carrier.

For more travel and bag accessories, check out these videos:
Secret Pocket Travel Scarf
Creating Continuous Bias Binding
Travel Game Board