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Online Sources for Hard-to-find Handbag Hardware

comments (24) April 15th, 2008     

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GorgeousThings Ann Steeves, contributor
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Clip-on handles are an easy way to finish off a bag.
There are endless accessories and options available on the web, from clasps to key rings.
With all the available hardware options, you can create custom bags for any occasion.
Clip-on handles are an easy way to finish off a bag.

Clip-on handles are an easy way to finish off a bag.

Photo: Courtesy of Craft Stylish Magazine
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I used to manufacture handbags, and I still make them for myself. I am often asked for sources for good handbag hardware. There are so many it’s hard to narrow down the choices. Here are some of my personal favorites, ranging from stores that cater to the individual sewer, to suppliers who can handle orders for the largest manufacturers. This is by no means a comprehensive list:


M&J Trimming
M&J boasts a staggering assortment of trims for every need. They have a wonderful selection of handbag handles, chains, and buttons. They also carry all manner of buckles and a small assortment of swivel hooks and rings.


Strapworks
Strapworks is a great source for all kinds of webbing and hardware for bags. They carry a large variety of rings, swivel hooks (which they call snaps), and sliders, all in both metal and plastic. The site is geared to small (and larger) businesses, but they also sell to individuals.


UMX - Universal Mercantile Exchange
UMX has a very large selection of hardware for purses. From handles to clips to hooks to magnetic snaps and purse feet, you can find pretty much anything you need here. They sell both individual pieces and by the lot.


Ah Kwok Supplies
This site has an incredible array of handbag supplies. Everything you could need, including snaps, buckles, purse frames, feet, and other hardware. You must buy in lots, but the lot sizes are small and the prices are quite reasonable. They also have an eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/Ah-Kwok-Supplies where you can score some real bargains.


Bag Fittings & Company
This site isn’t for everyone, but if you are a small manufacturer or can buy in bulk, it’s one of the best resources for all manner of handbag hardware. Here’s a little secret: they were my hardware supplier when I was manufacturing. There are minimum orders, but shipping is very fast, service is very good, and the products are used by designers and manufacturers of all sizes.

posted in: purse, handbag, handle, hardware, buckle
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Comments (24)

SKayeDesigns writes: This is a great post with so much info - one item I'm having a very hard time finding is leather straps and not the pre-made ones, just leather straping about 1" wide - any ideas?
Thanks
Posted: 11:42 am on January 31st
MarySpence writes: Thanks for these ideas. I actually went to NYC specifically to go to MJ Trimmings. It is spectacular.

However, I am in search of heavy duty dependable latches to use on my wooden box purses. I also need hinges and prefer to get these items in various finishes -- brass, antique brass, nickel and antique nickel. UMX is a fabulous supplier which I have been using BUT they are often out of stock and the delays are months not just weeks.

Anyone have a supplier of latches and matching hinges for me?
Posted: 10:52 am on December 2nd
yukilyle writes: for dittrich...I saw them in craft shop in Bali. They have all sorts of plastic chains with pattern, but i don't know if they have the pattern you'd like. I will be back to Bali in November...is it too long? I'll find out from them if they have it and maybe they'll do online shop as well.
Posted: 9:21 pm on October 3rd
SoniaDan writes: For Adding :

Here is the Shop which has most purse frames to sell now :)

www.3dpatternpaper.etsy.com
Posted: 11:16 am on October 1st
egyptrobin writes: I have been searching all over to find hardware for the Chloe Betty Bag, I am looking to replace the missing lock at the side of the Betty Bag. I am also missing a lot of screws and the backings that go into the Betty Bag.

I have contacted Chloe, and they dont have any spare parts.
If someone could please help me, I would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Robin
Posted: 1:35 pm on March 13th
egyptrobin writes: I have been searching all over to find hardware for the Chloe Betty Bag, I am looking to replace the missing lock at the side of the Betty Bag. I am also missing a lot of screws and the backings that go into the Betty Bag.

I have contacted Chloe, and they dont have any spare parts.
If someone could please help me, I would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Robin
Posted: 1:35 pm on March 13th
Jim_Witt writes: Great links and a very good list of companies. I get some of swivel hooks and rings from http://www.countrybrookdesign.com I do like bot them and strapworks for all my swivel and ring needs. Thanks for all the other ideas.
Posted: 2:59 pm on October 19th
deedeedoo writes: I am looking for the hardware set for the Birkin style bag
Posted: 1:37 pm on October 18th
dittrich writes: This is to leeislegal.

did you ever find a source for the plastic chains?

I am looking for tortoise plastic chains and can not find them any where.

Help!!!

someone help me
Posted: 10:45 am on August 7th
tantalizingstitches writes: missdee, i carry many different types of magnetic snaps - pronged and hidden types in both regular and extra thin thickness. 18, 14, and 10mm sizes and ship around the world.
http://tantalizingstitches.com
Posted: 9:19 am on July 8th
frankandgertrude writes: Found them!
http://www.yarnmarket.com/yarn/Fashion_Accessories-Leather_Clip-On_Bag_Handles-4005.html
Posted: 10:24 am on June 28th
InspiredCreatives writes: So no one knows where to purchase the clip on handles, huh?
Posted: 7:03 pm on April 28th
puniclove writes: please i would like to know if these metallic clip on hangers tear the bags over a period of time. I got these two and am really afraid of using them. What is the recommended thickness of the fabric that it could be used on. Thanks.
Posted: 4:43 pm on March 7th
leeislegal writes: Where can I find the plastic link handbag chains (preferably good quality and larger quanities)that were seen on Prada bags last seaason?
Posted: 5:29 pm on January 14th
repryrshoes writes: Hello would love to know where to get the clip on handles shown in the above pic. I have looked in yr resource list but cant find. Please let me know...Thanks so much
Posted: 10:56 pm on January 7th
paradise29 writes: Thank you for sharing. What store carries the metal SNAP ON HANDLES?

Posted: 8:44 pm on December 21st
elisafaith13 writes: What store carries the metal SNAP ON HANDLES??
Thanks for sharing!
Posted: 2:44 pm on December 4th
acca writes: .....I'm also dying to know where to get the Clip On Purse Handles" Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!!
Posted: 6:06 pm on May 27th
bopbags writes: Where do you find the snap handles?
Are they sold at one of the suppliers listed above? Thanks so much for this wealth of information.


Posted: 5:24 pm on April 15th
jwannabe writes: I am DESPERATE to find the faux jewels used to embellish designer clutches, etc. They look like giant rhinestones, you'll see them on many designer clutches this season. I have been searching for over an hour, and can find NOTHING. Anyone? Also, I'm new to this site, can't wait to learn from all of you. thanks.
Posted: 2:02 pm on January 25th
farfufnick writes: Which of the sources has those clip on handles. Went thru the sources you suggested but didn't see. Did I miss it?
Thanks for your help.
Posted: 1:50 pm on December 22nd
zanichar writes: I've been looking everywhere for information on where to buy handbag hardware. Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
Posted: 4:14 am on August 4th
missdee writes: thanks for sites it is hard to find `handbag hardware` that`s different to the bamboo or plastic handle!!
i am hoping they ship out to uk??
if not do you know of uk sites worth visiting?
are there different sizes in magnet closures in usa?? i have not seen any other sizes in uk.
Posted: 4:21 pm on May 2nd
craftyprincess writes: Thanks for posting the links to these suppliers. I've always wanted to make my own line of purses. I just blogged about it in fact (http://www.tammypowley.com/?p=37). Maybe it's time to dust off the old sewing machine again.
Posted: 7:52 pm on April 23rd
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