Torn handles are a common problem with thrifted bags; they're one of the most stressed parts, and any that are made of fabric often end up shredded as the bag ages. What I needed to do was strengthen and cover the frayed area. I picked out a fabric from my scrap bin that I thought would work well with the Vera Bradley print, and cut two strips from it.
Before I started the repair work I ironed the frayed area on both straps flat. That was when I discovered there is some kind of heat fuseable glue in the white interfacing under the frayed fabric, and had to clean glue residue off my iron. Just thought I'd mention it in case someone else tries ironing a Vera Bradley product.
It was then a matter of wrapping the new fabric over the damage, pinning it in place, and sewing it on with the machine. Before I did that I ironed my edges on the strips so that they had a 1/4" hem on all sides. If you don't do this then your raw edges will fray.
The fix came out great.
Here's the repaired bag. You can hardly notice that the handles have different fabric coverings in the centers. Very happy with how this turned out.
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