Bag handle cords: twisted vs plain rope, how to choose and where to buy in Baku
Bag handle cords (also called bag ropes or bag handles) are the handles of paper, cardboard and gift bags. The gold twisted cord on an elegant boutique bag or the plain black cord on a café bag defines both how comfortable the bag is to carry and how the brand looks. In this article we explain the difference between twisted and plain bag cords, where they are used, how to attach them and where to buy bag cords in Baku.
What is a bag cord?
A bag cord is the handle threaded through holes at the top of a paper or board bag and secured on the inside. Ready-made bag cords usually end in plastic tips (aglets): the tip stops the cord from fraying, makes it easy to thread through the hole and acts as a stopper inside so the cord does not pull out.
Types of bag cords
Twisted rope
A cord made of several strands twisted together in a spiral. Made from glossy synthetic fibres, twisted rope shines in the light and gives the bag a premium look.
- Used for: boutique and brand bags, jewellery, perfume and cosmetics packaging, gift bags, wedding and holiday bags
- Advantage: rich, decorative look; especially striking in gold, silver and champagne
Plain (braided) cord
A cord with a smooth surface and a calm look. It keeps attention on the bag design and is ideal for a minimalist style.
- Used for: corporate bags, shop and café bags, exhibition and conference bags, kraft bags
- Advantage: simple, neat look; black, white and dark colours suit any design
Other handle types
Bags also use cotton cord, satin ribbon, twisted paper handles and flat paper handles. Satin ribbon is mostly used for elegant gift packaging, while paper handles are common on high-volume eco kraft bags.
Where are bag cords used?
- Paper gift bags – birthday, wedding, Novruz and New Year bags
- Brand bags – clothing, shoe, jewellery and cosmetics stores
- Corporate bags – exhibitions, conferences, presentations and event gifts
- Cardboard boxes and packs – sweets, chocolate, tea and souvenir packaging
- Crafts – custom gift packaging and event decor
How to choose a bag cord
- Length: 30 cm – for small and medium bags; 35 cm – for medium and large bags, more comfortable to carry by hand or on the arm
- Thickness: 4 mm plain cord – light and medium bags; 5 mm twisted cord – fuller look and a comfortable grip
- Colour: match the cord to the bag paper or logo colour. Classic combinations: black bag + gold cord, white bag + silver cord, kraft bag + black or brown cord
- Style: twisted cord for luxury and festive bags, plain cord for minimalist and corporate design
How to attach a bag cord
- Glue a board strip along the inside of the bag's top edge – it reinforces the holes and stops the cord from tearing the paper
- Punch two holes on each side, spacing them according to the bag width. Metal eyelets make the bag stronger and neater
- Thread the cord ends from the outside in and tie a knot inside or let the plastic tip act as a stopper; for extra security, fix the ends with glue
- For heavy products, choose a thick paper or board bag and a strong cord
Where to buy bag cords in Baku?
Printshop has ready-made bag cords with plastic tips in stock:
- Twisted bag cord, 5 mm × 35 cm – gold, light and dark gold, champagne, silver, black, red, orange, pink, dark pink, purple, dark purple, blue, green, light green, brown
- Plain bag cord, 4 mm × 30 cm – black, white, red, dark blue
We also stock designer paper, kraft and board for bags – so you can choose the bag material and the cord in one place.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between twisted and plain cord?
Twisted cord is made of strands twisted into a spiral and looks glossy and decorative. Plain cord is smooth and calm-looking. One suits a luxury style, the other a minimalist one.
What is the plastic tip on a bag cord for?
The plastic tip prevents fraying, makes threading through the hole easier and stops the cord from pulling back out.
How many cords does one bag need?
A standard bag has two handles, so one bag needs 2 cords.
Which length is more comfortable?
30 cm is enough for small bags. For medium and large bags, a 35 cm cord makes carrying by hand more comfortable.
Summary
- Twisted cord – a decorative choice for luxury, festive and brand bags
- Plain cord – a neat choice for corporate and minimalist bags
- Choose length, thickness and colour to suit the bag size and design
- Reinforce the holes with a board strip so the cord does not tear the paper
Printshop offers twisted and plain bag cords in many colours, as well as designer paper and board for bags. For details and prices, call us or write on WhatsApp: 050 890 11 44. Address: A. Salamzade street, Baku.