How to Make Adjustable Straps for Any Outfit

If you have ever had a top or dress that just didn't sit right, maybe the straps were too short or too long, then you know how frustrating it can be.

The good news? Adjustable straps are an easy fix, and you can make them yourself at home, even if you're a beginner!

In this blog post, I will walk you through two simple methods for making your own adjustable straps, plus show you how to attach them using rings and sliders. Let’s get started!

 

What You’ll Need:

• Fabric strips or strap tape
• 2 rings
• 2 sliders
• Sewing machine
• Iron & ironing board
• Safety pin or turning tool
• Pins or clips

 

How to Make the Straps

Method 1: The Fold & Stitch Method (My Favorite!)

Cut your fabric into a long strip. The longer it is, the more room you'll have for adjustability.

Fold the strap in half wrong sides together and press to create a center crease.

Open it back up, then fold each long edge inwards to meet the center crease. Press again.

Now fold it in half again, enclosing the raw edges inside.

Topstitch along the edge where the folded sides meet—about 1/8" from the edge.

Tip: Set your stitch length to 3 for a cleaner look.

Method 2: The Sew & Turn Method

Fold your fabric strip in half, right sides together, and pin or clip along the long edge.

Sew the long edge using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Trim the seam allowance if your fabric feels bulky—but don’t get too close to the stitches!

Turn the strap right-side out using a safety pin (attach the pin to one end and push it through the tube).

Press the strap flat, and if desired, topstitch down one or both sides for a polished finish.

 

How to Attach the Ring and Slider

 

You’ll need two strap pieces. One short and one long, for each adjustable strap.

Step 1: Attach the Rin

Take the shorter strap piece and thread it through the ring.

Fold it in half and align the raw edges.

Pin in place for now.

Step 2: Attach the Slider

Take one end of the longer strap and thread it through one side of the slider.

Loop it over the center bar and pull it through the other side.

Fold that end back about 1 inch and stitch it in place (use a straight stitch or a narrow zigzag for stretch fabrics).

 

Putting It All Together

 

Lay out both strap pieces so that the ring and slider face the same direction.

Take the raw end of the long strap (the one without the stitched slider) and thread it through the ring on the short piece.

Then thread that same end through the slider:

First up through one side;

Then back through the other side, looping over the center bar;

 

Adjust and you’re done! 🎉

Now you have a fully adjustable strap that you can use for summer tops, dresses, or even handmade lingerie.

 

Thanks for reading and happy sewing! 
Bye for now, B! xx