Circular Flexible Tube Handles

[Meridith13]

My friend sent me pics of a bag with leather-covered tube handles. The handles are stitched into the bag. The thing is, I am assuming that they used flexible tube because these do flex, but not sure how they got it to stay in a circle or if they used something to attach the tube ends together? Also, given the weight of the bag, wouldn't the ends start to pop out of the circle? I wish that I could post a picture!

[Retswerb]

A pic would go a long way here. Size it down and it will post.

[Rahere]

Normally tube handles are strip leather glued and sewn closely around a core, then hammered and trimmed back and corner-bevelled repeatedly until circular, without touching the stitching. You can even get forms to encouage it to go. The tabs at the ends are just lengths not treated, but carefuuly flared flat.

[mike02130]

I use rope or vinyl tubing

[LatigoAmigo]

17 hours ago, Meridith13 said:

The thing is, I am assuming that they used flexible tube because these do flex, but not sure how they got it to stay in a circle or if they used something to attach the tube ends together?

Using its hooks, I stretch out a bungee cord across my shop. Then I stitch the seams of the handle together over that core. When I unhook the bungee cord it relaxes and fills up the leather tube, resulting in a firm yet flexible handle with even pressure everywhere.

[maxdaddy]

The bungee idea is great. I assume you then trim flush and leave the bungee inside the handle?

[paloma]

I still do this in a traditional way, round leather, 4-6-8 mm wrapped in an anti-stretch fabric.

[LatigoAmigo]

11 hours ago, maxdaddy said:

you then trim flush and leave the bungee inside the handle?

Oh yea. 

[Northmount]

See this post

 

[jcuk]

This may help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsPJhIocXzM

Hope this helps

JCUK