Reparing a cheap handbag

Maggie_Bob

Okay - I know some cheap things are false economy, but I've been after a satchel style bag as my summer handbag for a while, and saw the perfect one in Primark for £9, so I snapped it up.

Been using it for about a month, and it's great, fits everything I need (including my commuting paperback, my lunch, and my umbrella). The only problem is I carry so much stuff it's obviously a bit heavy for the cheap faux leather strap and it's started to come away. The strap is basically sewn on to either side of the bag, but only to the outside faux leather 'shell', it's not sewn all the way through to the lining. The shell has started to peel away from the bag along with the strap.

Now, I don't mind it looking a bit scraggy (shabby chic/worn-in, right?), but is there a practical way to reattach the strap? Is it going to be too laborious to sew through 3 layers of the faux leather, and the cloth lining by hand, and would this even hold? Am I going to need a leatherwork needle? Would it cost a stupid amount (i.e. more than the original cost of the bag) to get it fixed in a shoe/bag repair place? Or should I just chuck it out (which I'm very loath to do) and call it a lesson learned about cheap handbags? :mad:

Butterfly_Brain

I have sewn a lot of handbags because they always seem to go at the handle and you need a heavy duty needle

Kitchenbunny

Agreed, a heavy duty needle with some strong cotton should do the trick - just make sure if you're using the existing holes from where it was sewn together before that none of them are going to give easily or you'll have to do it again (speaking with the voice of experience here )

KB xx

the_cat

Do you have the receipt still?

I would take it back. A month is a very short time and you have a good case for it not being 'fit for purpose and of merchantable quality'

Bronnie

the_cat wrote: »

Do you have the receipt still?

I would take it back. A month is a very short time and you have a good case for it not being 'fit for purpose and of merchantable quality'

Maybe, but in fairness the purpose of a summer handbag is for purse, keys, make-up bag, tissues and a few lightweight bits and bobs not what OP was packing in....she needed a tote bag really!

Maggie_Bob

You know, I never would have thought it taking it back :idea:

Not sure what the chances are that I still have the receipt, but I'll certaintly have a look for it. Failing that, It'll be a heavy duty needle and as good a mending job as I can do.

Thanks folks!

Hovel_lady

I had the same problem with a bag I got as a Christmas present. By February the strap had gone.
I've come to the conclusion that cheap handbags only last if you don't put much in them. Mine is lasting SO much better since I stopped carrying round my credit cards :rotfl:

Maggie_Bob

Hovel_lady wrote: »

I had the same problem with a bag I got as a Christmas present. By February the strap had gone.
I've come to the conclusion that cheap handbags only last if you don't put much in them. Mine is lasting SO much better since I stopped carrying round my credit cards :rotfl:

Oh you have made me smile on this grey Monday afternoon! :rotfl:

Hovel_lady

Glad I made you smile.
I've just re-read my post and made myself laugh.
Is it bad to laugh at your own jokes?? :rotfl:

Maggie_Bob

Nope, it just means you're telling them right ;o):rotfl:

meritaten

if you are going to have a go at mending the bag - use a heavy thread - if you can get cotton thread all the better! then if you run the thread through a piece of wax (an old candle is ideal) you will get a thread which is stronger and runs easily through the holes. also waterproofs it so if it gets wet it doesnt disintegrate.