Hidden Connectors - The MUST Save Video for Bag Makers

[@ChrisLucasDesigns]

I love the look of the hidden strap connectors Kelly as they add an extra touch of class 💖.

[@sharonelizabethmiller3723]

Great video Kelley! I've seen it before, but enjoyed watching again as I needed a refresher. It also reminded me that I needed to replace my hump jumper! Thank you for a great tutorial!

[@Lizzycreates]

loved this one thank you. About to try my first. Wish me luck!!

[@um1129]

Really loved your video. I would appriciate it if you add a shopping/material list. I did go to the Tops and Bobbins site but had know idea what to look for🙄

[@gloriabonham5661]

Just followed your video to make hidden connectors, thank you so much ❤️👜

[@brendahoulihan4729]

brilliant tutorial I love this way with the connectors. Thank you x

[@haydeecaskey2396]

What was the touch in the little bottle you added, couldn't catch the name? Thanks, great video!!!

[@sewkelley]

Was it Fray Check?

[@GoddessNan]

Thank you for this tutorial. This has made my bags look more professional!

[@annkvittum4190]

Excellent tutorial Kelley! Thank you!

[@4golfing]

A hint. if you use a hairdryer around the opening, it will soften the vinyl but not shrink it. You could likely then pass through easier. I make golf cars seat covers with marine vinyl and this is what I do to make it easier to handle.

[@shazlahey6784]

Hi Kelly, thank you for this video, what model Juki do you use please.

[@sewkelley]

Hi. This is a Juki 8700.

[@LizMcDon]

Another great video Kelley. Thanks so much. I’ll have to try this on my next vinyl bag.

[@sharonshetley8167]

The narrow black piece you put down the center - what did you say it is? Cordera or something like that. Another informative video

[@sewkelley]

Hi Sharon. Yes, Cordura. You can find on ebay; but really, you could use ribbon, rip stop, anything that will stop the stretch of the strap over time.

[@karenjordan3226]

Thank you Kelley! You made that look easy!

[@fayeehlis854]

I have not used the connectors in my bag making....but you make it look inviting. Thank you Kelley

[@sewkelley]

I just love the look of them compared to sewn on connectors -- though they have their place, too!

[@BellaBagsPDX]

This is really lovely! Thanks. Was wondering if you could sew the second stitching from the back, just on the connectors? You’d want to put a bit of FabriTac or something on the vinyl edge to keep it from pulling to the front and do your rivet as usual. Would that work? Then they really would be “hidden”! 😎

[@sewkelley]

Peg Farrell I think someone has tried this and it worked!

[@Sewlady718]

I love these hidden connectors especially on the Lola. Thanks for making it look easy. What model Juki are you using? It's so quiet!!!

[@sewkelley]

Hi there. I mostly use my Juki 8700.

[@alysonsneyd3401]

thank you! I’m looking forward to trying this. BTW, which JUKI machine are you sewing on?

[@sewkelley]

Juki 8700 and Juki 1541 (to name a few)!

[@shirleyann1901]

Great tutorial Kelly.

[@donnavanengen9834]

In a number of bag patterns I have made, they make a point of saying never to backstitch (or doublestitch) over vinyl as the extra holes will weaken it making it more prone to tearing. Here you are stitching twice over the vinyl above and below the slit. Is that not an issue here?

[@sewkelley]

I've read not to use tiny stitches as it perforates at stress points; but these are reinforced well. I've never had a stitch bust apart. Give it a try.

[@donnavanengen9834]

@@sewkelley Thanks! I will give it a try.

[@sewhelenrichardson]

Hi Kelley - great tutorial as usual. Can I use this technique with leather do you think? I wouldn't need to add the fray check to leather but maybe leather edge paint?

[@sewkelley]

Helen Richardson absolutely! Raw edge connectors that are edge painted. Probably a 3 fold max leather strap. And thank you!

[@A-Bear]

Great video… Thanks

[@brmeller13]

Excellent tutorial! And easily transferred to any bag pattern

[@sewkelley]

brmeller13 thank you! That was the idea. ❤️

[@BellaBagsPDX]

Thanks for the great video, Kelley. I noticed the hook on the side of your machine; may I ask what you use it for? Thanks!

[@sewkelley]

It's just a thread cutter that is stuck on; I forget to use it!

[@kristinf8092]

Great video on this technique, Kelley! Thanks for posting this. One question about the connectors on the back - you mentioned "adding reinforcements" (other than the rivets) and said one or two pieces - I'm not sure what you mean by that - ?

[@sewkelley]

It does depend on the size of your rivets, but I still feel it adds even more strength. So, two small pieces of vinyl that I punch through, and insert the 12.7mm rivet through them all and press in place.

[@sharonarmstrong4578]

I missed the name of the black tape you put down the centre. What was it called?

[@janiespencer6658]

Thank you so much. I have learned another very useful trick. Xx

[@marilynbowman]

Thank you. I finally understand how to do this technique.

[@jandksplend]

Love it! Thank you so much for the tutorial.

[@jackyf3505]

I do like the general look of hidden strap connectors. Your white stitching isn't glaring but I think it's ideal to hide the stitching too when possible. I'm sure I've seen that done quite effectively somewhere.

[@sewkelley]

I definitely want to try that method, too!

[@gitasown]

Thanks Kelley - Awesome tutorial

[@Vanessa-pe1fo]

What product are you using inside of the strap? where do you get it?

[@sewkelley]

I use Cordura and you can find it (400-500 Denier) on ebay.

[@marywebb8795]

Can you use this technique if the bag body is fabric or is it just for bags made of vinyl? I would worry about fraying.

[@sewkelley]

Some people have tried with fabric and have mixed results. But there is a new pattern coming out at the end of the month (not mine) that will show you how to do this using fabric!

[@jos.4276]

No backstitching? I'd worry that my threads would work loose?

[@4golfing]

where did you get the dbl side tape? name? thx

[@sewkelley]

Pretty sure it was here (great value): www.blingyourbag.com/product-page/double-sided-tape

[@georgycolson9671]

Where do you get the Cordura?

[@sewkelley]

Look on ebay. It’s about $10 a yard, 60”

[@mamabear349]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🌹

[@dianachong4088]

Hi Kelly, thanks for the great tip! This is the first time I have seen this hidden strap connector. What is it made of & where can I buy it?

[@sewkelley]

You can buy the 1” connectors from all kinds of places, including Amazon.

[@loregravish4211]

Kelly where do you get the codura?

[@sewkelley]

You can find on Ebay and Etsy!

[@fullarmor4576]

I don't know if cordura is just ribbon? What is it?

[@sewkelley]

Fullarmor it’s a durable material like ripstop. You can get on Ebay.

[@margiecastonguay517]

Is it t the same procedure with afabric front rather than vynil

[@sewkelley]

No, with fabric, you'd need to make a mini zipper facing else fabric will ravel and other issues might arise, too. Check Sew Sweetness for a tutorial on fabric hidden connectors.

[@joycelondon1639]

Thanks for sharing Atlanta Ga USA helpful 👀 next time

[@stephanniemetz3610]

Thank you!

[@okinc10]

How do you make the templates ?

[@sewkelley]

Trace your pattern piece onto plastic cutting mats (available usually 2 for $1 at Dollar Tree/Dollar General type stores).

[@syn20000]

I like how little of the connector is shown.

[@sewkelley]

Yes, me too!

[@kimhoward6124]

Do you cut your own cordura strip or get it like that.

[@sewkelley]

I cut my own. Do a bunch at a time to last a few months. One yard of Cordura goes a very long way!

[@moscato07]

Excellen tutorial!

[@Grace-zf8zr]

Where did you get the acrylic template?

[@sewkelley]

Hi there. You can get at Tops and Bobbins on line.

[@PeggyDieu]

Where can I purchase this purse pattern? Thanks!!!

[@sewkelley]

You can purchase here with this (affiliate) link: swoonpatterns.com/shop/lola-domed-handbag/?ssp=541

[@PeggyDieu]

Thank you so much! After looking , I'm thinking it's to small for me...but I love the bag!!!

[@sabrinanylund8087]

I also use a pasta roller! 🤣

[@denashortt9405]

Thank you for sharing I love hidden connectors or i Guess they can be called Kelley connectors

[@sewkelley]

That's certainly more catchy! But it's not "my" technique, just what I learned from a few people over the years.

[@betsymegna6263]

Where do you get cordura for the strap connectors?

[@sewkelley]

You can find on Etsy. I use 400 Denier. You can also use other materials, ie. rip stock, Decovil Light, even webbing.

[@ufoquilter86]

I’ve been trying to figure these out. You were a little bit out of camera so I really didn’t see it.

[@sewkelley]

Sorry you had trouble viewing. Try to pause in between if that would help.

[@carolvout2092]

Camera angle awful. Couldn’t see what you were doing.

[@sewkelley]

It is pretty bad! See the Simona version. Much better.