How to Tie a Silk Scarf on a Handbag: 7 Ways and the Right Size
Angel LeQuick answer: To tie a silk scarf on a handbag, use a twilly or a 22 inch (55 cm) square folded into a narrow band. Tie a knot at the base of the handle, wrap the silk in a tight spiral along the handle, and knot it again at the other end. For a simpler look, tie a single bow at the base and let the tails hang.
A plain leather tote sits on a café chair, and a strip of pink silk wound around its handle catches the light each time someone walks past. It takes two minutes to tie, comes off just as fast, and gives a bag you already own a new season.
What size scarf for a purse?
The right size depends on the handle. A twilly is a long, narrow strip of silk made for handles, so it needs no folding; ours measures 2.6 x 59 inches (6.5 x 150 cm). A 22 inch square works once you fold it into a band about 1 inch wide, and it gives a fuller bow. Larger squares are too bulky for a handle but suit a knot on a big tote strap.
| Scarf | Suits | Look | Folk Form price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twilly | Top handles, short straps, a single handle wrap | Slim, neat, ribbon-like | $57 |
| 22 in (55 cm) square | Handle base bows, shoulder straps, charm knots | Fuller bow, more print showing | $75 |
| 26 in (65 cm) square | Wide tote straps, a loose knot | Soft, slouchy | $97 |
| 36 in (90 cm) square | Making a knotted scarf bag | A pouch, more than an accent | $153 |
To compare a twilly with a bandana square in more depth, see our guide on how to wear a silk bandana, or the silk scarf size guide for every square.
How to fold a square silk scarf for a bag
A twilly is ready to tie. A square needs a band.
- Lay the square flat and fold one corner to the opposite corner to make a triangle.
- From the long folded edge, fold over about 1 inch at a time until you reach the point.
- Smooth the band flat. On a 22 inch square it runs about 30 inches tip to tip.
Fold it narrower for a slim top handle and wider for a shoulder strap. A band that matches the handle width looks neat.
How to tie a silk scarf on a bag: 7 ways
1. The full handle wrap
This is the classic way to tie a twilly scarf on a bag. Tie a single knot at one end of the handle, close to the hardware, leaving a 2 inch tail. Wrap the silk around the handle in a tight spiral, each turn slightly overlapping the last. At the far end, tie a knot; widen or tighten the spiral so the tails come out even. The handle is covered and your hand holds silk.
2. The bow at the handle base
Tie the band around the base of one handle where it meets the bag and finish with a bow. Pull the loops even and let the tails fall to about the same length. On a 22 inch square, the bow is full and the print shows on both faces, since our squares are hand screen-printed through both faces.
3. The single knot with long tails
Fold the band in half to find the center, loop it around the handle, and tie one knot. The two tails swing as you walk. This is the quickest method and the easiest to undo.
4. The half wrap
Knot at the base, spiral halfway along the handle, then tie a bow at the midpoint. The leather shows on one half and silk on the other.
5. Two twillies, one on each handle
Wrap each handle with its own twilly in the same direction, so they mirror when the bag is closed. Matching colors look calm; two colorways from one print look playful. Our guide on how to wear a silk twilly covers more twilly knots for hair and neck as well.
6. The strap tie on a shoulder bag
On a long shoulder strap, tie a band around the strap near the top ring with a single knot, or wrap a short section where it rests on your shoulder. Keep the knot away from the buckle so the strap still adjusts.
7. The bag charm knot
Fold a 22 inch square into a narrow band, tie it through the ring or zipper pull on the side of the bag, and finish with a flat square knot. Leave tails of 4 to 6 inches so it hangs like a tassel.
How to make a silk scarf bag
A large square can become a small carry bag with a few knots. Use a 36 or 44 inch square, since a 22 inch one makes a pouch too small to carry much.
- Lay the square flat and fold it corner to corner into a triangle.
- Tie an overhand knot in each of the two side corners of the triangle, close to the tip.
- Turn the scarf inside out so the knots sit inside. You now have a pouch with two loose corners at the top.
- Tie the two top corners together with a square knot to make the handle.
It holds light things: a book, a sweater, a picnic napkin. Heavy or sharp contents can strain the fabric, so keep it for soft loads.
How to protect a silk scarf on a bag
A handle scarf takes more wear than a scarf at the neck, because your hand grips it and the bag rubs against your coat. A few habits keep it looking fresh.
- Rotate it. Move the scarf to the other handle, or untie it and refold so a different section takes the grip.
- Watch for rubbing. If a strap rubs against a zipper or a rough coat, tie the scarf where it rests clear of both.
- Take it off in the rain. Water can leave marks on printed silk, so slip the scarf into the bag when the weather turns.
- Check dye on new leather. Dark, unfinished leather can mark pale silk, so try light colors on lighter bags.
- Keep it out of long sun. Long exposure to light yellows and weakens silk, so do not leave the bag on a sunny windowsill.
When it needs a wash, use cold water with a little shampoo or body wash, do not wring, dry flat in the shade, and iron on the lowest silk setting while damp. Dry cleaning is the safest choice. More detail is in how to care for a silk scarf.
Choosing silk for your bag
A twilly suits a top handle and a structured bag. A 22 inch square suits a softer bag and anyone who wants the same scarf for the wrist or ponytail on another day. Our twillies come in Phoenix Dance colorways; the phoenix stands for grace, renewal and a new chapter. See the pink Phoenix Dance silk twilly, browse all silk twilly scarves for bags and hair, or pick a square from our 22 inch silk bandanas. Both are 100% mulberry silk, printed in Hanoi.
Frequently asked questions
What size scarf do you need for a purse handle?
A twilly fits most top handles with no folding. A 22 inch (55 cm) square folded into a narrow band works for bows, straps and charm knots.
How do you tie a twilly scarf on a bag?
Knot one end at the base of the handle, wrap the twilly in a tight spiral along the handle, and knot it again at the other end.
How do you tie a square silk scarf on a purse?
Fold the square into a triangle, then into a narrow band from the long edge, and tie it at the handle base with a bow or a single knot.
Will a scarf on my bag get damaged?
It takes more wear than a neck scarf. Rotate it between handles, keep it away from rough zippers, and remove it in the rain.
Can I make a bag from a silk scarf?
Yes. Fold a 36 or 44 inch square into a triangle, knot the two side corners, turn it inside out and tie the top corners as a handle.
Can I wear the same scarf on my bag and in my hair?
Yes. A twilly and a 22 inch square both work on a handle one day and around a ponytail the next.
Browse every guide in our silk scarf and tie guides.
