The short bag strap problem

azureblue_2

Hello and please may I pick your brains?
I have a lovely black leather satchel handbag with a too short, 3/4" wide strap that is supposed to go cross-body but only on small people I'm guessing.
I've ordered a gel shoulder pad to spread the stress of the weight on my shoulder (I know, I carry too much, but it is all Very Important) but how do I get the strap about 4" to 6" longer?
I've thought about, and searched the interweb, for a black leather strap about 6" long with a buckle at one end and holes along the other, but to no avail. I thought I'd seen something like this for sale in one of those little catalogues that turn up in some magazines, things you never knew you needed (and still don't) but are quite expensive.
Anyway, rambling aside, has anyone out there experienced and solved this problem?
Thanks for listening. :T

adelight

are you able to change the strap? or is there something like D rings where the strap attaches to the bag where you could attach a new strap? you can get adjustable length straps which have two clips at each end but you'd need something to clip them on to, maybe even sew loops inside the bag for a new strap to clip to.

azureblue_2

Good idea, the bag straps are sewn into the sides though so it may look a bit odd to add rings. I will bear that in mind though, many thanks.

horsechestnut

You mentioned a short strap. Would a Dog collar work?

HelenYorkshire

...or a "matching" belt from a charity shop, cut to size, new holes punched?

Ilona

What about scouring a car boot sale, or charity shops, for a similar bag with a longer strap. If the strap is sewn into the bag at both ends are you going to cut one end off? My first thought was a dog collar.
Ilona

greenbee

If you have an old fashioned shoe mender/cobbler locally they can probably lengthen the strap for you. I'm not so sure whether the chain shoe repair places would be able to.

azureblue_2

Oooh thanks for the good suggestions. I popped into our local cobblers today and put the problem to him. He said, "In 14 years of doing this job I have never been asked this before." Anyway he decided he liked a challenge and could try unsewing the ends, fit in an insert either end and sew it back up. So I am mulling this over.
But I will also look at dog collars, a possibly easier solution.
Happy Christmas everyone. x

squeaky

How about trying a harness / tack shop. There are all sorts of reins and bridles and other odds and end that might be suitable, or you might be able to get something made?

azureblue_2

Just thought I'd update this; I found a perfect dog collar for £4.99 at Pets at Home that works a treat. I could probably do with a couple more holes in it so may pop back to my friendly cobbler for that.
Many thanks for all your help, and a very Happy Christmas to you all. x