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About This Thermal Stitch Crochet Bag Strap
The thermal stitch creates a bag strap with minimal stretch by working into both the back loop of the current row and the stitch below it simultaneously — essentially locking each row against the previous one. The resulting fabric has a beautiful woven appearance that looks gender-neutral and suits both structured handbags and casual totes. It also works beautifully as a crochet guitar strap.
This version is designed to attach to bag hardware — a D-ring, swivel clasp, or hinged hardware. If you need a strap that works directly into the top of your bag without hardware see the woven look no hardware strap instead.
Table of Contents
The thermal stitch is not only strong but also beautiful, making it a versatile choice for various projects. With its woven appearance, this stitch adds a classic touch to any design, making it suitable for different bag styles. However, its versatility doesn’t stop there. The thermal stitch can also be used as a guitar strap, because of its adaptability and durability. It is worked in single stitch form so you can customize the strap width without needing a starting stitch count.
One of the advantages of the thermal stitch is its gender-neutral appeal. It is a stitch that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their gender or personal style. Unlike some other stitches used in crochet straps, the thermal stitch is less ornate, making it a more understated option. This simplicity allows the stitch to complement a wide range of bag designs without overpowering them.
Whether you’re looking for a sturdy strap for your bag or a unique guitar strap, the thermal stitch is an excellent choice. Its woven appearance adds a touch of elegance to any project, while its strength ensures that it can withstand the demands of everyday use.
See all five no stretch bag strap options
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How to Work the Thermal Stitch Crochet Bag Strap
This version is for a strap that will be worked directly into handbag hardware. Use this if you are using a D- ring or a combination of a D or round ring combined with hinged hardware as shown.
If you like the hardware I used you can find it on amazon via the links below:
If you need a strap that can be worked directly into the bag with no hardware see this version.
What You Need for This Thermal Stitch Bag Strap
- Category 4 yarn
- 4mm and 6 mm crochet hooks (I am using this 4 mm crochet hook to sharply and smoothly work the corner stitches)
- Tapestry needle
- Embroidery scissors
Stitch Abbreviations and Key Notes
sc = single crochet blo = back loop only flo = front loop only ch = chain
Hook tip: Use a sharp pointed hook — very rounded tips make the thermal stitch significantly harder to work. A sharp 4mm hook is recommended for the stitch rows.
Hook note: Two hook sizes are used — 6mm to attach to hardware, 4mm for the stitch rows.
Stretch note: This is a low stretch strap — not zero stretch. It is the best choice when attaching to hardware. For zero stretch use the woven look strap worked directly into the bag.
How to crochet the thermal stitch bag strap
Step 1: Attach first row to hardware. Create a U shape with yarn leaving a 7″ tail. Using your 6 mm hook, pull U through hardware then work a sc that will result in two strands being pulled though the loop. This will secure the tail and work yarn to the hardware.
For convenience, use a piece of tape to attach tail to the opposite end of hardware. Working under both the tail and hardware, cast on as many stitches as completely fills the length of the hardware. Do not stitch tightly. Remove tape and release tail (weave in at end of project). See image.
Row 2: Ch 1 turn. Work another row of sc. ch 1 turn. Switch to 4 mm hook.
Row 3: Begin setup row for thermal stitch. Insert hook into back loop AND stitches shown below from row 1. Work across row. Ch 1 turn.
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Row 4: Work should look staggered like stadium seating now. See below. Work into back loop only on top row and front loop on bottom, then finish the sc stitch. Ch 1 turn. The corner last stitch will look bunchy but there is a stitch there. Don’t miss it. Keep count so each row has the same stitch count.
Using a well pointed crochet hook such as the one I have helps make that easier. Very rounded tips will be more challenging. My hook is linked in the materials section above.
Repeat row 4 until strap is the length you want.
How to Finish and Attach Your Thermal Stitch Strap to Hardware
Insert hook under entire stitch on top row and front loop of bottom . This will make the work flush (even).
Then: Attach to other end of hardware.
Once you’ve completed the final row, do not chain one. Bring hardware up to base of strap and attach loop on hook to hardware by drawing up a loop and slip stitch to secure. Remove hook, cut 12″ length tail and thread to a tapestry needle.
Loop yarn over hardware and insert needle into the corresponding stitch below, keeping yarn snug. After attaching to end of row, securely work long tail into strap body. This anchors the final stitch so don’t skimp on weaving this long end in well.
This style of finishing prevents bulk and keeps it closely matched to how the starting end looks.
Watch the Thermal Stitch Bag Strap Video Tutorial
Watch the full step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube: Thermal Stitch Crochet Bag Strap Tutorial
More No Stretch Crochet Bag Strap Tutorials
This is one of five no stretch strap styles covered in the Live Chill Life strap series. Compare all options and choose the right one for your project:
- All 5 no stretch strap styles compared — full comparison guide
- Woven look no hardware strap — sturdiest option, worked directly into bag
- Thin decorative no stretch strap — for fashion bags and wristlets
- Tunisian no stretch bag strap — woven look, no Tunisian hook needed
Bag patterns that use this thermal stitch strap:
