Hidden Connectors - The New & Improved Method for Installing in Handbags by Amy Lynne Designs

Hidden connectors are all the rage now in the bag making world! They are an inexpensive solution to adding strap connectors to a handbag and D-Rings to a wristlet or tote! They using minimal hardware and scrap pieces of vinyl. Their popularity is truly understandable!
But there was just one problem with the traditional installation method that
drove me crazy! That little front lip where the connector is inserted
rarely cooperated when pulling the connector through. It's "supposed" to
stay folded under before you stitch it down. Oh wait, let me back up --
there are THREE problems.
1. Getting that edge to fold down.
2. Keeping that edge folded down.
3. Finishing the Topstitch with beautiful final stitches.
I just could not accomplish all three! There had to be a better way.
And now I think there is!
Introducing the Concealed Connector Method! Gone are the days of that
little raw edge protruding (on purpose or not) and forget about stitching it
down. In this NEW method I show you how to conceal both edges of the
connector slit (which also serves as a reinforcement for these high stress
areas) leaving you with THE most gorgeous hidden connectors ever. Follow
along in the video and be sure to tag me #CCMAmyButler and/or #CCMAmyLynneDesigns if you use this method in your next bag.
Attention Pattern Designers! Love this method (of course you do)? If you
plan to use in an upcoming pattern of yours, that would be fantistic count me in! All I ask is this attribution is required and appreciated. Easy Peasy!
One tester could not stop gushing!
"This is simply amazing! I'm never doing my hidden connectors any other
way!" -Kelley Rao, It's Sew Kelley!
Brayer~ 2Pcs Rubber Brayer Roller for Printmaking, Great for Gluing Application Also. (4inch+2.2 inch) www.amazon.com...

[@Psalm139v13]

I am dancing from the rooftops! This is a game changer! It looks so professional! A 1,000 thank you's! YEA!!!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Wahoo!!!

[@sugarmuffin57]

Well this is going into my bag making tool belt for sure. Great tutorial.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@goldmelb]

I just used these for the first time. Awesome tutorial and a great finished look.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Awesome! Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

[@maryjacobsen6539]

This is awesome! You are quite talented!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much! Cheers!

[@doreenarroyo3089]

Love your method. A customer asked me today to make a hidden strap connector. Been searching KZbin for hours. Your method is the cleaner looking one. Great idea, necessity is the mother of invention!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Well, I’m so glad you found my tutorial and I’m really glad you liked it! You are so right necessity truly is the mother of invention! I had to figure something out that would work for me!

[@rebeccasanderson8207]

Sheer genius. This is the best method I've used. Thank you

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you loved it!!

[@gen2917]

Brilliant as usual 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sherryfaires7931]

Fantastic tutorial!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Glad you liked it! Thank You 😊!

[@laurao48]

This is the best way I’ve ever seen for sewing hidden connectors. I hate attaching handles because they look so homemade, but this is perfect! I just added 4 to a toiletry bag (2 on each side) and I didn’t even dread doing it. Thank you!!!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I am so glad I was able to remove the dread! I totally can relate to that!

[@sprucebaeb]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're very welcome!

[@terrilldickson2262]

Wow that is awesome! I can do this!!! You are an excellent teacher.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You can do it! Thank You 😊

[@aliciap5241]

Thank you for this tip. Your awesome

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome! Happy to help!

[@donnadailey5062]

Another great tutorial. Would this work for quilt cotton bags? All suggestions welcomed. Thank you for sharing your time and talent.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you! While I have not tried it on a cotton bag I have seen lots of people use it on cotton bags. I would use Decovil or KrafTex as the stabilizer in the area that ends up cut. Both of those will not tear. Then I would be sure to use glue around that area to secure the fabric from fraying. Beacon or E3000 would work. Test it out on a smaller crossbody and really load that bag, weigh it down, and see what happens. It will confirm your confidence in using this technique on cloth.

[@janwalkingstick1393]

Wowza! Thanks for sharing.🎉

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thanks for watching!

[@christinedempsey7228]

Thank you, this is so brilliant! Not only have hidden connectors been a mystery for me up to this point, but I am about to make a bag that has connectors stitched to the outside, and that's not what I want to do. I will be doing this technique and I think it will be perfect for the effect I want.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Glad it helped!

[@ajbb749]

Awesome Sauce! Loved it❤

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You 😊

[@denisehosner3405]

This tutorial is fabulous, Amy. Your camera work and explanations are stellar! Thanks!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You so much Denise!

[@innisneill7510]

Wonderful explanation. Thanks a lot, this looks fantastic. :-)

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad you liked it!

[@skynarita]

Thank you, I love it!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I'm so glad you like it!

[@debbiesdroppedstitchstudio1587]

Brilliant!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you!

[@ssuzimoore]

Great tutorial

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ajbb749]

Awesome sauce!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

So good!

[@gabbybagsnmore6864]

This is a great video!!! you are super fantastic for sharing. I think this will help reduce the bulk at the top of the bag (when you are sewing and folding over....

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@nancy9478]

Great tutorial, I never considered doing this as I have never seen it before. I make fabric bags and looked for a fabric bag tutorial after watching yours. She made the slit like an inset for a zipper pocket. It looked easy, no raw edges. If its ok, I will mention the channel. I don't think my hands could manage stiff vinyl or leather, I do have hemostats and they are used often on so many projects when I am able to sew.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You can mention the channel! You can do this on fabric you just have to secure the cut with glue, something like E6000, is what I'd use.

[@nancy9478]

@@AmyLynneDesigns That sounds like a great idea, thanks!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

@@nancy9478 you're welcome!

[@pollynelson4138]

Amy, Amy, Amy, Thank you for your great new improved "Hidden Connector" . I am so happy that you are so creative to help solve this messy connector problem. I cannot thank you enough. You are outstanding!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome and thank you so much!!!

[@liselottetillberg8897]

Fantastic, thank you!!❤

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@marielaughsloud]

Wow! Thank you this is fantastic

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Glad you like it!

[@jeanninej224]

Thanks Amy!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re welcome!!

[@pumalibrarian]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just ruined a front piece of a bag trying to secure the strap connector with another method and had to rip it out. This is so elegant looking.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you like it!!

[@maryshaver129]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

My pleasure!

[@berthudson3172]

Excellent instructions. Thank you for doing this.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you for watching!

[@ladybridey8559]

You are a very talented Lady! Thanks for this.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank you!!

[@norakathleenbertoglio4414]

You’re a genius! I love this method!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you! 😊 I’m so glad you liked it!!!

[@georgiashelden9440]

So happy you’re posting new videos. You’re a great teacher. This is a great method.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me!

[@elsiebulva7872]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. It's been years since my last make of the hidden connectors and I love love the simplicity of your method. I will save this to use again. Again you made my day.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Glad it was helpful! I'm so happy you like the method!!

[@annkvittum4190]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching Ann!

[@vedadaggett2735]

I just used this method to do a hidden strap without the connector and I must say this is awesome!! Guess who'll be doing this more often 😊! Thank you for the well explained video tutorial ❤

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I'm going to guess and say YOU! Hahahah! I am so glad you liked this method! It really was born out of necessity!

[@vedadaggett2735]

@@AmyLynneDesigns Maybe so, but I'm glad 🙈

[@karenjordan3226]

Thank you Amy! This is such a great idea! Loved hearing your voice again 🥰

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome! Thanks! I didn’t realize how much I missed doing sewing tutorials!

[@LakeAvalon1]

I love this method. Great tutorial. I am so happy this new method avoids the unfolded edge from poking out AND... I am glad there is no stitching on the front. My hidden connector stitch line never looks good. Excellent!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

That is fantastic Lisa! I am so happy this worked so well for you!

[@suzanneainsworth6796]

You break this down so well that 'got it' the first view! Love this method! Excellent video, Amy!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Right on Suzanne!!

[@shelleysanterre8479]

Another amaaazzzing video tutorial by Amy!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much, cheers to you!!

[@dorothytackett9943]

Glad to see you posting again. Great solution to this problem. TY

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I'm so glad you think so Dorothy!

[@dsmith7ify]

I loved your demonstration! You're a very good teacher. Keep those wonderful videos coming.Can't wait to try this.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I’m so so glad you enjoyed it!! And thank you for such a wonderful compliment on my teaching ❤️

[@rubymcmahon-harvey752]

I love this video, thank you can't wait to try it.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@keleeshamarley7178]

Thank you thank you so much Amy! You always explain things so perfect. Again I thank you

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! You’re welcome!

[@CharBallenger]

I used your tutorial tonight for first time. Thank you! Turned out exactly at you shared!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Wonderful! I'm so glad!!

[@Lana.Created]

Love this! I'm always looking for ways to omit the Shrek ears on a lot of bags

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I love your reference to “Shrek Ears” because it totally looks like that, hahhahha!! And yep I am not a fan of those at all!!

[@lilliamschaad2338]

Truly amazing method, you are a star Amy, thank you for sharing this!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank you!!

[@cyn4rest]

Absolutely and definitely a fabulous technique. TFS.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@palmastewart2389]

You are one smart cookie! Thx for sharing!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

My pleasure!

[@ruthdrews496]

Love watching your videos. You take your time to explain and you don’t rush through. This method seems so much cleaner. What is the rivet press you use?

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Hi Ruth! I have a couple presses. The red one in some of my videos is the Tandy Leather press. It is great and very heavy which I like. I also use a green one and that is the Kam press. It is not as heavy as the Tandy, but it has a ton more dies, which would be my suggestion for someone making bags and such. kamsnaps.com/pages/kamsnaps-presses

[@onanann]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, Amy. I have learned so much from your tutorials! I’ve been nervous about doing hidden connectors and after following you and finally doing it I love it!!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I'm so glad you liked the tutorial, Nancy!!

[@jackieremis6533]

WOW!!! Thanks for another excellent tutorial. You are an excellent teacher. Please consider doing more tutorials on basic bag making.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tut! And thank you so much for the compliment! I really do enjoy teaching! If there is anything you’d like to see let me know!

[@justinearrasatelloyd2904]

I have yet to sit and make your bag. I have the vinyls, I just purchased my Kam press, I am NOT new to sewing.....but, for some reason I have not started one! After seeing this video I am very excited to get started this weekend. Thank you Amy!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're welcome! I hope you had a wonderful time sewing!

[@laurakammarmeyer1871]

Brilliant

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You 😊

[@thesparrowsnest8343]

Great invention! Thanks for sharing.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome! And thank you for watching!

[@sherribarras6465]

I love it! I've had a love/hate with so many other methods, This is wonderful. And your nail color is magnificent.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You so much!! Rosa my nail tech is amazing!

[@virgigodoy]

Genius! Thank you. I always struggle with hidden connectors.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

This should make them a breeze!

[@kayleenleone1186]

Your tutorials are fantastic! Such great explanation of how and why you do things. Thanks for sharing all your ideas, shortcuts and skills.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoy the tutorials I post!! I’m always happy to share what I know!

[@Sewlady718]

Awesome!!! I'm like you, I love hidden connectors but always hate it when that one side pokes out!!! I don't know how you came up with this method, but it is genius!!! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're welcome! Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you liked it, it was born out of necessity and a night spent watching Marvel movies hahhahah!

[@eileend7481]

Great addition to my bag making, will be using the method, been avoiding hidden connectors, Thankyou for sharing

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I’m so glad you think so!! It does go together very smoothly!

[@MelissaH05]

Gahhh this is amazing with no front stitching. I really appreciate the clean look of this hidden connector!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your tips with us!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re very welcome! I hadn’t intended on making it a separate video because it was designed for a new pattern, but I’m really glad I did. It’s a very universal technique!

[@kudlbug]

Amazing

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you!

[@midwaypitt]

Great video, and thank you for sharing.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome! And Thank You so much for watching!

[@lilitharutyunyan4938]

Amazing. Thank you. I absolutely love your tutorials!!! Please keep on making such tutorials, they are super helpful 😍Love and hugs from Armenia❤️

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome! I am so glad you like them!

[@lilitharutyunyan4938]

@@AmyLynneDesigns ❤️

[@quiltnutt]

Thank you

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're welcome

[@judybartel2170]

Fabulous! I've needed a way to get the thickness of the connectors out of the seams and this is brilliant!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I'm so glad you liked it!!!

[@Psalm139v13]

Thank you, I always like to learn something new! This is excellent!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@esteladelacruz8825]

I’m glad I found your video! Thanks a lot!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re welcomee! I’m glad you found it too!

[@frankiehorstman6519]

Thank you for this Amy. I normally get frustrated doing these connectors. Your way was easy! 😄

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I’m so glad it was not a chore for you! My goal was easy!

[@jenniferfarsh675]

Genius! You are a gem for sharing ❤️

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much!! Happy to share!

[@pameladangelo9571]

That was a great tutorial. I like how nice and neat it looks. That is a great idea and I am going to try it. Thank you.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@sforrest1107]

Amy,you are simply amazing !!!!! Love that method 👍👍👍

[@mshayplay1]

Really brilliant as alway!! Love your calm demeanor and you always make things clear and precise. Any chance you know where your vinyl is from and what the name of the color is?? I’m looking to make a bag for fall.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much, both of you!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Michelle the yellow vinyl was from Joann. They no longer carry it. But I do know that Emmaline has a beautiful Mustard Yellow Mora Vinyl that is to die for!

[@mshayplay1]

@@AmyLynneDesigns Awesome than you!

[@pamelaglossop2734]

Thanks Amy, you are appreciated.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome! Thank you Pam, that means a lot ❤️

[@monadecaro1944]

Great tutorial, Amy! Thank you once again for sharing your bag making tips. This is such an attractive way to connect the D rings. I look forward to use this method.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thanks so much! 😊 I can't wait to see!

[@roxannericchio3556]

Thank you so much Amy for this tutorial! I am definitely trying this on my tote I am working on now.

[@henriettajones395]

This is great, thanks so much for this tutorial Amy

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You are so welcome, Henrietta!

[@denashortt9405]

LOVE LOVE. Thank you again for sharing

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thanks for watching!

[@jenniferknox8451]

That is brilliant! And.l. It’s so neat and clean. Thanks so much!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!

[@catherinebiggs4052]

Thank you for this tutorial. I have always wanted to try this.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@GloriaHasberry]

Amy, it is ingenious! Thanks so much!!!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I’m so glad you dig it!!!! Thanks!!

[@jaimesparkman5071]

As always - you are amazing! Thank you Amy!!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome! Thank you! You are too kind!

[@nickytetlaw2298]

Love the look of this concealed connector. I’m going to try it out today as I think it will look amazing with the connectors I’m adding to a gusset. Thank you for sharing your techniques, I love watching your tutorials 😍

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much!! I hope it went well!

[@robinstowers9391]

Amazing! Looks so professional too!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you!

[@carolfuller2941]

🤩 Awesome as always, love your video 😊

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thanks Carol, I’m so glad you enjoy them!

[@carolhiller1112]

Wow! Magic! Thank you 😍😍😍

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I’m so glad you liked it!

[@StitchesByRamona]

OUTSTANDING!!!!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You Ramona!!

[@MikeysgalDeb]

Great tip! Thank you Amy!!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome!

[@elonanamor6420]

Welcome back.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You Elona❤️

[@deuscaritas1]

Excellent instruction! Thank you so much. Just found your channel. Can you link us to the thin split hinge foot that you use?

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you so much! I sure can! Here you go www.wawak.com/sewing/sewing-machine-accessories/feet/zipper-split-hinged-sewing-machine-foot-40322shp363/#sku=prt5002

[@deuscaritas1]

@@AmyLynneDesigns You're amazing. Thank you!

[@dagmarl8061]

Thank you so much to share this 👍😍

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re welcome Dagmar! Thanks for watching!

[@PegCoombes]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank you Peg ❤️

[@patriot8938]

Thank you so much. It really brings an elegance to a bag.

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome! I’m so glad you think so!

[@SBL1932]

This was extremely well done and very useful. Thank you very much for showing us

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You so much! I’m glad you liked it!

[@v.r.sumner9693]

Thanks so much! Great idea and instructions!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re welcome Vivian! I’m glad you liked it!

[@jillgoldsmith8896]

Thanks Amy, loved the details!! And.. your hands look wonderful!!! 🤩

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

you’re welcome! I’m so glad you loved it! And thank you :)

[@dianeearnest4285]

Wow what a amazing idea

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thanks!!

[@gigiandrews5327]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

I’m so glad you liked it!

[@QueenBThreads]

Love this method! Also, I’m over here shocked that you ripped the DST lol I was like 😲 lol I have to try that!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Tandy DST tears like a dream! Wawak is more rubbery so it is a bit tougher to tear but I make it happen with a little force hahahah!

[@robinpyers787]

Amazing tip Amy! Thank you!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

You’re Welcome Robin! Thanks!

[@sewkelley]

Love this SEW much!

[@AmyLynneDesigns]

Thank You friend!!