7 Easy Ways to Upgrade Any Bag with Hardware

Today, we’re diving into seven simple ways to upgrade any bag using Sallie Tomato hardware. These are approachable, budget-friendly hardware changes you can add to almost any pattern, whether you’re sewing a tote, wallet, backpack, or clutch!

Each section below features:

• A practical hardware upgrade suggestion

• A video tutorial

• Plus, a few Sallie Tomato patterns that showcase hardware beautifully!

Let’s get started…!

Decorative zipper pulls are a quick, simple upgrade that gives your bag more character and a more intentional finished look. They take seconds to add during construction, cost very little, and instantly give your bag more personality and polish—without altering the pattern!

Why it works:

• Decorative pulls are easy to grip and open

• They add a focal point without altering the pattern

• They help your bag look cohesive when matched with other hardware finishes and printed fabrics

Strap connectors make a big difference in the overall presentation of your bag. Instead of fabric tabs sewn into seams, metal connectors offer a clean, structured look!

Why it works:

• Metal connectors distribute weight evenly

• This hardware reduces stress on fabric straps, helping straps last longer

• They give your bag a professional finish

Metal feet are a simple hardware upgrade that help keep the base of your bag looking cleaner by lifting it slightly off surfaces. They also add benefits from added protection to the base, a professional finish without extra weight or bulk, making them a go-to detail for both function and style.

But feet aren’t limited to the bottom of a bag—they’re incredibly versatile! You can use them as decorative studs on straps, along flap edges, or spaced across exterior panels for a bold, modern look. In our Mean Girls Bag Hacks series, we shared creative ways to use feet as embellishments, showing how small hardware pieces can completely change the personality of a project.

Why it works:

• Feet protect your bag from dirt, moisture, and abrasion

• This hardware helps the bag bottom stay crisp and clean over time

• They instantly make handmade bags look like store-bought professional bags

Sallie Tomato offers feet in all classic finishes—gold, silver, antique, rose gold, gunmetal, and even Tula Pink—so they coordinate perfectly with the rest of your hardware.

Swivel hooks, sliders, D-rings, and O-rings aren’t just functional—they contribute significantly to your bag’s overall look. Choosing quality hardware in a coordinated finish helps everything look streamlined and intentional.

Why it works:

• Strong hardware increases longevity, especially on crossbodies and travel bags

• Matching finishes make your bag look cohesive

• Adjustable strap hardware adds versatility and comfort

Sallie Tomato’s Core Hardware Components and Box Bundles are specifically designed for bag makers and come in all major finishes for easy mixing and matching.

If you want to give your bag a fashion-forward look, a chain or metal handle can completely transform it. This small swap gives your project the appearance of a designer piece—effortlessly.

Why it works:

• Chain straps elevate everyday bags

• They pair beautifully with faux leather, vinyl, and cork

• They’re easy to attach either with a swivel clip or screwed in place

Sallie Tomato offers metal chain straps, resin chains, and metal handles that can attach with swivel hooks or screws.

Closures affect both the look and the function of your bag. A well-placed magnetic snap or turn lock creates a crisp, secure finish that feels smooth to open and close. These hardware pieces help flaps sit neatly and reduce gaping or shifting—especially on bags that get regular use.

Why it works:

• Snaps and locks add structure to flaps

• They provide a confident, professional closure

• They work well with cork, faux leather, cotton, and vinyl

Sallie Tomato’s closure options—magnetic snaps, snap fasteners, flip locks, and turn locks—come in consistent finishes that pair perfectly with your other components.

These small, optional add-ons such as charms, tassels, labels, rivets, or Chicago screws, add a lot to your final look! They add personality, give your bag a curated finish, and make great gifts or add-on accessories.

Why it works:

• Charms add movement and shine

• Key fobs and tassels give your bag a custom feel

• Accent hardware helps your creation stand out without altering the pattern

Sallie Tomato offers tassel caps, key fobs, charms, rivets, Chicago Screws, labels and other hardware accents that coordinate with the rest of your hardware set.