How to tie a scarf on a purse?
Élise Moreau
A scarf on a handbag is the smallest styling trick with the biggest payoff. A twilly wrapped around the handle or a silk square tied into a bow turns a plain bag into something personal, and it protects the handle while it is at it. Here is how to tie a scarf on a purse, with twillys from our bag scarf collection.
Key takeaways
- A long, thin twilly wraps neatly around a bag handle.
- A folded square ties into a pretty bow or bandana knot.
- Looping through the hardware makes a quick bag charm.
- Silk twillys protect the handle from wear and marks.
The short answer
To tie a scarf on a purse, wrap a long twilly scarf in a tight spiral around the handle and knot it underneath, or fold a small square into a strip and tie it in a bow at the base of the handle. For a bag charm, thread the scarf through the hardware and let the ends hang. A twilly around 85cm long is ideal for handles, while a small square suits bows and charms.
Wrap the handle with a twilly
The classic handbag look is the twilly-wrapped handle. Take a long, thin twilly scarf, secure one end at the top of the handle, then wind it around in a neat, slightly overlapping spiral all the way down. Tie the ends underneath or finish with a small bow. It looks beautifully French and shields the handle from skin oils and scratches. For folding a square into a twilly shape, see our guide on how to fold a scarf.
| Style | Scarf | The look |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapped handle | Long twilly | Classic, French |
| Handle bow | Small square | Soft, romantic |
| Bag charm | Small scarf | Playful, easy |
| Tote knot | Square triangle | Relaxed, casual |
Tie a bow on the handle
For something softer, fold a small square into a slim band and tie it in a single bow at the base of one handle. Let the loops sit full and the ends trail a little for a romantic finish, or keep it tight and neat for a tailored look. This style suits structured bags especially well and takes only seconds to redo whenever you fancy a change.
Make a bag charm
To create a quick bag charm, fold a small scarf into a strip, loop it through the ring or hardware on your bag, and pull the ends through to knot it in place. The ends can hang loose like a tassel or be tied into a bow. It is the easiest way to add a pop of colour and move the same scarf between bags in moments. A printed silk square from our silk scarf collection makes a lovely charm.
Dress up a tote
Larger totes love a bandana-style knot. Fold a square into a triangle, loop it around the base of the handle where it meets the bag, and tie a relaxed knot with the point hanging down. It softens a structured tote and ties your bag into the colours of your outfit. Keep the fabric light so the knot stays neat and does not weigh the handle down.
Choosing the right scarf for your bag
Twillys, those long, narrow scarves around 5 by 85cm, are made for wrapping handles. Small squares are better for bows, charms and tote knots. Silk is the favourite here because it is thin enough to knot tightly, holds colour well and feels luxurious against leather. The same little scarf can also dress your wrist or your hair, as our guide on how to wear a square scarf shows.
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Frequently asked questions
A scarf on your purse is a tiny detail that makes a bag feel like yours, and it keeps the handle looking new for longer. Start with a simple twilly spiral, then try a bow and a bag charm as the mood takes you.
