DIY Colorful Beaded Straps: The Must-Have Bag Accessory

The Popularity of Beaded Crossbody Straps

Beaded crossbody straps have become an increasingly popular accessory in recent years. Often seen at concerts and festivals, these flashy straps allow you to customize handbags, purses, and backpacks with eye-catching details. The craze around beaded and decorated straps took off in 2022 with Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, as fans created their own "unofficial merch" to show Swiftie pride. Let's take a closer look at what makes these straps so popular.

Swifties Spark a Trend

The beaded crossbody strap trend arguably traces back to Taylor Swift superfans, known as "Swifties." When Swift announced her 2022 Eras Tour spanning her entire music career, fans got creative with accessories to pay homage to each era. Sparkly, rainbow-colored beaded straps were a popular DIY project, letting Swifties display their fandom on purses and backpacks while complementing the bright, retro aesthetics of the tour's merch.

Photos of Eras Tour concertgoers rocking colorful beaded straps flooded social media. What started as a trend within the Swiftie community quickly took off with bohemian fashion lovers and festival-goers looking to add an eye-catching detail to their accessories.

Customization and Self-Expression

One of the key reasons beaded crossbody straps have become so popular is creative customization and self-expression. With endless color combinations, charm additions like rainbows or butterflies, and sparkly glass beads or glowing neon options, every strap can be completely unique.

DIYers and small businesses have capitalized on this customizable appeal. On sites like Etsy, you can choose predetermined color combinations or request full custom straps to match specific outfits or aesthetics. Adding your name, initials, or phrases in beaded lettering is also popular for a personalized statement piece.

Complementing Bohemian Festival Fashion

Beaded bag straps perfectly complement bohemian fashion trends like those seen at music festivals. Flowy dresses and tops in earthy tones and vibrant prints pair beautifully with brightly colored beaded straps. In the age of Instagram and TikTok, these eye-catching straps lend themselves perfectly to social media-ready festival outfits.

Sparkly straps also work for more casual, everyday boho-chic looks. You can elevate basic T-shirts and jeans with a colorful beaded strap on your purse or backpack. This versatility adds to the widespread appeal of the beaded strap trend beyond music festivals alone.

How to Make Your Own Beaded Strap

Want to hop on the beaded strap trend yourself? Making your own is a fun craft project and cheaper than buying a custom strap online. Here are some tips for DIYing a show-stopping beaded bag strap at home:

Pick Your Materials

First, gather your beadworking supplies:

• Beading thread or jewelry wire
• Beading needle
• Assorted beads in colors/styles you like
• Clasps or hardware to attach the strap to bags
• Scissors
• A pair of pliers (optional)

Consider glass beads, plastic beads, gems, and charms like letter beads or emoji beads to customize your strap. Collect beads in coordinating colors or a fun rainbow mix - the options are endless!

Measure and Plan Your Design

Measure the length you want your strap, adding several extra inches for attaching hardware. Sketch out a pattern with where each colored bead section will go and any charm additions.

Most beaded straps range from 18 to 24 inches, with longer options works well for crossbody bags. Make your strap 1-2 inches wide for the best comfort and structure.

String and Secure the Beads

Cut your beading thread or wire to your planned length. Attach your first beads, knots between sections as needed, then attach your strap clasps when finished. For extra security, you can glue knots or use jewelry pliers to crimp bead tips.

Check YouTube for visual step-by-step tutorials on basic bead stitching techniques. Advanced beaders may enjoy learning peyote stitch or right angle weave too!

Where to Buy Beaded Bag Straps

Don't have time to DIY? You can buy fantastic beaded straps from independent artists online. Here are some top places to shop premade beaded crossbody straps:

Etsy

On Etsy, thousands of sellers offer handmade beaded straps in every color and style imaginable. Many sellers take custom orders as well so you can request specific details. Etsy straps make wonderful gifts too!

Music Festivals

Music festivals and craft fairs are fantastic places to buy handmade beaded bag straps in person. Support independent artists while finding unique festival fashion accessories.

Instagram and TikTok Boutiques

Many small business owners selling beaded items operate "microbusinesses" through Instagram or TikTok only. Search through hashtags like #beadedstraps or #bagstraps to discover beautiful designs.

Message the sellers through the app to ask about prices, custom orders, and payment options. Purchasing through social media is an easy way to buy from up-and-coming designers.

With the endless style possibilities, it's no wonder beaded crossbody straps are having a major fashion moment. Whether you want to pay homage to your favorite singer or just add some colorful flair to your wardrobe accessories, beaded straps are the perfect DIY project or gift purchase.

FAQs

Where did the trend of beaded bag straps come from?

The trend started within the Taylor Swift fan community (called "Swifties") in 2022 leading up to her Eras Tour. Fans created colorful beaded straps as unofficial tour merch and accessories to complement each era of Swift's career.

What's the best place to buy beaded straps?

We recommend checking out sellers on Etsy, Instagram, and TikTok for the largest selection of handmade straps. You can also find straps from independent designers at music festivals and craft fairs.

How do you make a beaded crossbody strap?

Making your own strap is easy and fun! All you need are beading supplies like thread, beads, needles, pliers, and hardware pieces to attach the straps to bags. String beads in your preferred colors and patterns, secure knotted sections, and attach clasps at the ends.

What width should a beaded strap be?

For ideal comfort and structure, aim for a strap width of 1-2 inches. Skinny spaghetti straps tend to dig into shoulders, while wider straps distribute weight better for heavier bags and accessories.

What outfits pair well with beaded straps?

Beaded straps complement boho-chic styles perfectly. Flowy floral dresses, graphic tees with relaxed jeans, and crochet tops are all great basics to accent with an eye-catching beaded strap in any color scheme.