A Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting a Custom Size Strap Pad Pattern

Hello, my crafty friend!

Are you tired of your bag strap digging into your shoulder, leaving you uncomfortable during your daily adventures? I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you there’s a solution – creating a custom-size fabric strap pad.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the process of drafting your own pattern. With a custom-sized strap pad, you can say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a more enjoyable carrying experience. Let’s dive into this creative journey step by step.

Make a Custom-size Strap Pad Pattern

Before we begin, gather the materials you’ll need for this pattern-drafting adventure:

Ruler: To take accurate measurements.
Paper: Printing paper or pattern paper.
Tracing paper (or Baking paper): To create individual pattern pieces.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpner: Essential for drawing and refining your pattern.
Paper scissors (or rotary cutter): For cutting your pattern.
Masking tape: To hold the tracing paper in place.
Strap: The one you want to create the pad for.

Step 1: Measure Your Bag Strap

Measure the width of your bag strap and add an additional 5 mm (1/4″) of ease, then decide how long you want your strap pad to be.

Note: The finished strap pad will be wider and longer than your initial measurements because the edges are finished with bias binding.

Step 2: Draw the shape of the strap pad on paper

Using your ruler and pencil, draw a rectangle (MAIN PANEL) based on the measurements you decided on in step 1. Next, draw vertical and horizontal lines in the centre. I prefer to have the corners curved. You can draw them by hand, use a random round object in your home or like me use a compass.

Now, draw a WING inside the rectangle. It should begin at the top edge and end below the horizontal centre line. Mark the placement of the snaps along the horizonal centre line (I marked them with an X).

Step 3: Trace individual pattern pieces

Using tracing or baking paper, trace seperate pattern pieces for the MAIN PANEL and WING and add 1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance to your templates.

Label your pattern pieces: project name, pattern name, cutting instruction (example: Strap pad, Main panel, Cut x2 external fabric) and add grainline (runs parallel to the vertical centre line), midpoints, snap placement markings etc.

Now, you can cut out your pattern pieces using scissors or a rotary cutter.

Congratulations on creating your very own pattern! With this pattern, you have the power to make a functional and stylish strap pad that’s tailored to your exact needs. The overlapping wings and snaps not only ensure a secure fit but also add a touch of elegance to your bag.

If you need help figuring out where to start, check out this video to learn how to draft your own pattern for a custom-size strap pad that’s just right for you.