It is easy when you buy a pattern simply to follow it and to be honest, that is usually what the designer has in mind! But sometimes, a teensy tweak can change the way you use a bag.

Today I am looking at one of my favourite patterns, the Devon Tote and I would like to show you how very simply you can change the way you carry the bag with just a simple strap change.

The Devon tote has a strange handle which looks stylish but requires you to carry it with your hands. I really would like to show you how to change that up for an adjustable shoulder strap

A couple of posts ago, I showed you how to make an adjustable strap and you can find that post right here. It is a super easy make and really versatile because there are so many bags that it can be quite simply added to.

As you can see by the colours that I used for my strap (and my Devon bag), I was planning ahead just a little bit. As I mentioned, I love this bag and the stylish handle but I hate carrying things in my hands if there is a hands- free alternative. There is a hands- free alternative!

The story this time starts with that adjustable strap and in addition, you will need a small amount of leather or vegan leather (about 2″- 2 1/2″ wide x 4″ is right), a couple of 3/4″ D- rings rings and some 3/8″ rivets.

I suspect that my D-rings are supposed to be 1″ ones but to be honest, 3/4″ leather tabs fit better so be prepared to play with what you have.

You will need some fabric glue too and a leather hole punch. I just have one of those old fashioned ones which makes several sized holes.

So what do we do first? Cut two tabs from your leather or vegan leather (hereafter, just leather) which measure 3/4″- 1″ wide x 3″ long.

Fold the leather tab over, enclosing the rectangle ring inside

Find a spot on the bag where you can add a strap. You could put them on the ends (shown here with clips)

But I want to make it sit against the body better so I am electing to put one tab on the back panel, right hand corner and one on the front panel left hand corner like this

You could choose either though. But do bear in mind that because of the divider pocket, you don’t have as much depth on the gusset. To get around this, you would put one in front of the divider pocket and one behind.

Now use your fabric glue to position the tab where you want it to be and clip it until it is dry as you see in the photo.

I always include this step because it allows me to be precise and very sure that things are in the right place before I commit to making holes.

Speaking of making holes, decide where your holes are going to go and mark them clearly. I am putting two in because it is more secure and you have room on that tab (and I think that hardware looks really nice!).

Now punch the holes

And attach your rivets.

Repeat for the other tab and you are good to go! The adjustable strap works perfectly.

This simple design change means that I will use this useful bag a lot more and in more ways. It actually matters that a bag is easy to use and does not get on your nerves when you are out and about.

If you want to buy the Devon pattern and make one for yourself, you can find it here in my pattern shop.

And did you know that if you share any of your purchases on Facebook, I will give you 20% off the price. Simply scroll down the sales info until you get to the social media buttons and click the Facebook button. As soon as you have done it, the price will adjust automatically and you get to bag a bargain!

Thank you so much for making with me again. I love to have your company.

Happy sewing!

Debbie xx