How to Fix a Torn Suitcase Strap, Handle | Sew it! Don't replace it!

We depart from our usual content to bring you this quick fix for a torn suitcase strap or suitcase handle. All you need is a curved needle, some really strong thread and a bit of patience. Seriously - it's a quick fix that can save big bucks on luggage.
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[@laurad1487]

Old fashioned.button and carpet thread is very strong

[@ColleenMarble]

Yes it is! I've recently acquired some 100-yr-old silk buttontwist and that stuff is STRONG. You cannot break it.

[@DavidCollinsRivera]

I've never needed to do this, but if I should have to at some point, this video will come in very handy. Learning from your efforts, I might use an awl or heavy needle to pierce some holes in that tough fabric first, so I wouldn't have to push the curved needle through quite as forcefully. Thanks for showing your different attempts. Fun video!

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks for watching! The awl/heavy needle idea sounds like it would help for sure! I bet the end result would be much neater that way.

[@Amritadivya54]

Why didn't you coat the embroidery floss with wax so it is stronger and less likely to knot? Great to see a repair on an item like this! I have a large case that also has a broken handle but it is leather. I will have another look at it now. Thanks!!

[@ColleenMarble]

Great point! And in fact, I didn't have any wax at the time, although I do now. It really does make a difference in hand sewing, so I bet it would be good for this type of project. We just came back from another trip with that suitcase and it's still holding up great! 10/10 recommend this repair.

[@susancheveralllong7694]

The more custom you case the easier you can find in the sea of cases...

[@ColleenMarble]

very true!

[@SBL1932]

What's some e6000 underneath the handle when you put the end back in before you sew help.

[@ColleenMarble]

Yes, I think that would be a good addition to this repair! I hadn't thought of that. We just returned from another trip with this suitcase, and I'm happy to report this repair is still holding!

[@laurad1487]

How would you fix a handle that is ripped through in the middle?

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm sorry, I just saw your comment. I am not sure that is fixable, but you could try stitching it together using really strong thread to see if that works.

[@ersheri]

This was just what I needed! Yeah!!!!!

[@ColleenMarble]

Great!!

[@staysweden]

How do i remove the washer in the broken side of the handle though? Was thininking, i;ll replace it that way.

[@ColleenMarble]

Hi! Thanks for watching. On my suitcase, the washer is actually a rivet of some kind. There is no way to undo it. I hope you'll still be able to fix your suitcase!

[@staysweden]

See that's the thing.. on my suitcase as well it looks like the rivet cannot be removed :(

[@ColleenMarble]

@@staysweden The good thing is you can fix without removing if your strap is broken in the way mine was. The repair I made has held up perfectly through many trips over the past year and a half. We've traveled a lot, and I even took this suitcase overseas. All of the stitches have held up great!

[@ashleyeahh]

You can remove the rivets.
th-cam.com/video/9MWHm4J25JQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=e2SMt5hlLaiHe0_H

[@shakeblue5573]

​@@staysweden drill out the rivet

[@memphis03]

Job well done!

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks! Since I made that video, I've taken several trips with this suitcase, and the repair is holding up very well!