Straw Handbags: How to Repair a Straw Purse

Posted by Designer Handbag and Purse Editor in Straw handbags

Straw handbags and purses come in many varieties. There are straw satchels, hobos, totes, beach bags, clutches, and backpacks for casual and dressy occasions.

But what if your straw purse is in need of repair? You can lift droopy straw handbag fibers and remove surface dirt in a few simple steps.

Follow these tips to restore the beauty of your straw purse and brighten its color without damaging the delicate straw material.

Prepare the straw bag for safe cleaning, without removing any of its color.Colored straw bags may be sprayed with dyes that are easily removed during cleaning and repair. Test for the handbag’s colorfastness on the inside edge or bottom of the purse, prior to wiping it entirely with a damp cloth. To maintain the bag’s shape stuff the straw bag with tissue paper before cleaning or repairing the purse.
Create a soapy mixture to remove surface dirt. Mix two to three drops of dish soap or baby shampoo into a basin filled with cold water.
Dip a white cotton rag or old T-shirt into the suds. Wring the water out of the cloth, until the soft material is damp to the touch. If the cloth is dripping wet, the straw purse will soak up the excess water and create a permanent stain.
Lay the handbag on its side or at a 45 degree angle. Wipe the entire straw purse down with the clean damp rag. Wipe gently and in the direction of the straw purse’s weave; do not attempt to wipe against the grain of the straw handbag. Doing so may cause damage to the straw fibers.
Let the straw purse dry completely away from heat. Place the purse on a table in a well ventilated area to dry overnight.
Repair torn straw with rubber cement and fabric. For straw bags without lining, repair a small tear with the cement. Smear the cement on the inside of the handbag on the back of the torn straw. Place the fabric on the inside of the tear. Press the fabric up against the ripped staw to seal for 15 seconds. Let the straw bag dry overnight. Remove excess glue with a pair of tweezers or your fingernail.
Brighten the color of your straw purse. Dilute alcohol with water. Blot this mixture lightly over the surface of the straw using a cloth baby diaper.

Additional straw handbag and straw purse repair tips:

Remove the tissue paper from the straw bag once the purse is completely dry.
Never submerge your straw purse in water. Clean the surface with cold water and an old rag only.
Lift stubborn dirt stains with a small-bristled brush.
Expensive straw bags may have a thin coat of shellac to protect the color from fading and rubbing onto your clothes.
For rips in your handbag that cannot be repaired at home, send the handbag to a professional. Recommended handbag restoration companies are Avelle and Artbag.