A lining is a great way to make your handmade bag look more professional. The lining gives the bag’s interior a more finished look. It also keeps the outer fabric clean and provides a space where you can sew pockets and other features. Learning to sew a lining and attach it properly is an important skill for anyone making handmade bags that look finished.
Why do I need a Lining?
A lining isn’t just there for decoration. It can also protect the inside of your bag from everyday wear and tear. In addition, it can cover up the raw edges of your bag’s seams.
The benefits of a good lining
A good lining can:
- Make the inside of your bag look neater
- Help give your bag more shape and structure
- Protect your bag’s outer fabric
- Provide a space to sew in pockets
- Make your bag more comfortable to carry around
Choosing the right fabric for your lining
Your lining fabric should complement the fabric you’re using for the outside of your bag. If the lining is too thick, it can make the bag feel bulky. If it is too thin, it might not be durable enough for a bag that you use every day.
What will you use the bag for?
If you’re making a small purse to carry around just a few things, you may not need such a thick lining. On the other hand, a larger bag that you use every day might need a more sturdy lining. Pick a lining fabric that works best for the way you plan to use the bag once it’s made.
Take measurements carefully
A lining that is too big might cause the lining to bunch up inside the bag. A lining that is too small might pull the outer bag out of shape.
Follow the pattern instructions
If your pattern calls for separate lining pieces, follow the dimensions given for those pieces. Don’t forget to account for the seam allowance and the fact that the construction of your lining might be slightly different than the outside of the bag.
Add pockets before assembling the lining
If you’d like to have pockets in your bag, it’s usually best to attach them to the lining before you sew the lining together. Trying to add a pocket to your bag after it’s already put together can make the job a lot harder.
Decide what goes inside first
Decide where you want to place pockets, dividers, and other features in your bag before you sew the lining together. This way you can see if there is plenty of room for these items and if they are easy to reach.
Sew your lining neatly
Be sure to pay attention to your seam allowance and sew straight lines. If you sew your seams correctly, your lining will fit inside your bag better.
Press your seams as you go
Ironing your seams as you construct your lining makes a big difference in how it looks. Seam pressing is important because it helps you sew more easily and creates cleaner edges.
Attaching your lining to the bag
Now that your bag’s outer fabric and lining are ready, you can attach them together following the directions for how the bag was designed to be made. Pay special attention to the top of the bag because that is one of the parts people will see most often.
Make sure your seams line up
Before finishing sewing the lining to the bag, double-check that the side seams and top edges of your bag’s lining and outer fabric are lined up correctly. If you don’t line them up properly, the lining might not fit neatly when you turn the bag right side out.
Leave a hole big enough
Some types of lined bags require a hole in them so you can turn the bag right side out. Make sure the hole is big enough so the bag can turn without being forced.
Close the hole carefully
Once you turn the bag right side out, you need to sew the hole closed. Be patient here and use the right kind of stitch. The inside of your bag is just as important as the outside!
Using interfacing
If you want to give your bag more structure, you might want to add interfacing before you attach the lining. However, keep in mind that the amount of structure you want should depend on the style of the bag. For instance, a soft everyday tote bag requires a very different amount of structure than a structured handbag.
Inspecting the inside of your bag
Before finishing up your bag, take a careful look at the inside. Look at the seams and where the pockets are placed. Are there any loose threads or other imperfections? Is the top edge neat?
Look closely at the small things
Often, a bag looks finished because of the small details. Look for any loose threads or pockets that are crooked. Trim off any stray threads and adjust your lining so that it lays flat and smooth. Make sure the pockets are securely sewn.
Conclusion
Adding a neat lining to your bag can help make your bag look more complete and professional. Choose the right fabric, be careful with measurements, add pockets before putting the lining together, iron your seams, and be sure to line everything up properly. Once you know how to sew a lining, you’ll be ready to tackle more complex bag designs that have beautifully finished interiors.
