Beaded Purse Straps

Chainmaille

Channel your inner warrior queen with chainmaille purse handles and straps using full Persian and Byzantine weaves.

• Oh! Ring™ Components
• Mix with jump rings to add stretch and color to weaves. We recommend using aluminum or stainless steel for their resistance to rust and oxidation. Plus, aluminum jump rings come in so many fun colors!
• Czech pressed glass rings
  
• These colorful glass beads are best for upscale and formal designs, as they can break under repeated shocks. But they do add marvelous color and iridescence!
  
• Donuts
  
• Intersperse sections of chainmaille with gemstone, glass or shell donuts.

• Chainmaille weaves
• Queen's link can be used all over or interspersed with beaded areas.
• Byzantine weave is smooth and easy to grip.
• Full Persian weave works well for mixing metal tones and finishes.
• Double spiral rope adds a twist to the standard chainmaille.
• Celtic line combines sizes for a visually stunning variety.
• Turkish roundmaille is a more complex creation, like the Byzantine weave. It's ideal for mixing smooth, twisted rings or colorful rings.
• Twisted 3-in-3 chain is a simpler weave that works well with Oh! Rings, as it alternates evenly.
• Box chain weave creates a slightly squared-off length of maille.

Braiding and Knotting

Braiding and knotting techniques make intricate handles for boho-style purses.

• Kumihimo and Macramé
  • Use your choice of satin, leather or cotton cord to make spiral, flat and square braids.
  • Braid and knot with beads to add interest or without for a clean finish.

Beads

There are many options and techniques to explore when it comes to beaded purse handles and straps.

• Bead stringing
  • String beads onto a durable thread like FireLine® or a beading wire like Accu-Flex®.
  • Knot between each bead to prevent bead loss if the stringing material breaks.

• Loomwork
  
• Weaving a band on a beading loom lets you make a customized pattern in a wide, comfortable strap.

• Off-loom beadwork
  • Tubular peyote stitch and St. Petersburg chain stitch designs. Tubular peyote stitch can also go over memory wire (or, if large enough, over rubber cord over memory wire) for a round handle.
  Right angle weave is ideal for wider profiles.

• Bead embroidery
• Sew over a purse's existing straps, or sew onto other backing and attach separately.
• Embroider straps with beads first, and then attach the handles.
• Large-Hole and Dione® Beads
• Soft handles can be made using leather bracelets.
• Rigid handles can be made using bangle and cuff bracelets.

• Other types
• Wirework
• Chain with beads or dangles, or thread a colorful cord or a string of beads through an open link chain.

• Jewelry Inspiration
  • Create straps using decorative links
  • Multiple beaded strands woven together
  • Embellish straps using rhinestone cupchain
  Premade bracelet components
  • for smaller purses