Abstract: A bag construction is disclosed of the type having handles and a patch for reinforcing the attachment between the handles and the walls of the bag. The exemplary reinforcement patch includes a fold-over to define a folded top edge of the patch. During construction, a patch having the folded top end is placed in registry with the two ends of the handle that are attached to the wall of the paper bag such that the top edge is generally perpendicular to the ends of the handle. The patch is then affixed over the handle and exterior surface of the bag using glue or other such permanent adhesives. According to a salient aspect, the reinforcing patches are configured to resist tearing, particularly when shear forces are applied that normally act to detach the handles away from the side of the bag.