Tutorial: Adding A Lining to Crocheted Handbags

This is  a first (let me remind you first written) crochet tutorial of how I add linings to my crocheted handbags. I believe it is simple enough but always welcome questions and comments.

Laying out for measuring:

                The materials pictured below  are old (well let's say well used). After my son starting walking I got back into my sewing. I have a hem gauge I use because it is flat and has every measurement marking (1/4 inch and 1/2 inch) that I use for cutting out my material. I use the marking pen (which washes away) or the tailor's chalk to make my markings. The scissors I use are (I believe the best) Gingher pinking shears. (Yes they are older than my 21 yr old son. Pinking shears because it keeps the cotton (and other materials edges neat and from unraveling (unless you want to sew extra seams) and I don't. I also use a yardstick.


  

 

Marking:

Just in the picture above, you see my cutting board (plastic), a yard of Pellon interfacing (or your brand choice) and a yard of your choice of lining material. For this particular crocheted handbag I used the satin material instead of cotton. Both this material and cotton are great to use.   

I used my marking items (pen or chalk ) and make little markings all around the handbag. I use my yardstick to connect the dots. Then I use the pinking shears to cut out both materials. I need to say that the interfacing keeps the material from sliding around while you are cutting and sewing the material.

I use interfacing for most of my linings now to give it more body so I bought the medium weight interfacing. I laid the handbag on top of the  material and the material top of the interfacing. Then I made my markings of 2 sets: From the top,sides and bottom of the handbag mark 1/4" and then 1/2 inch on both sides and the bottom. The 1/4 inch will be an extra sew (safeguard if you will) while the 1/2 inch is the sew for the lining and to fit the bag.

Machine Settings:

Now to sew on the 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch markings on both
sides of course and the bottom.














I tuck the material right up to 1 inch below the material. There is minimal bulk. You can even press the material down with a low setting iron for a crisper edge. I generally don't have to.
 














    I then use the blind sewing stitch to attach the lining to the handbag.   This site gives a good blind stitch hand sewing tutorial.

Using the blind sewing stitch to attach the lining to the crocheted handbag

 

How the blind stitch looks just under the lining attached to the handbag

        TIP
  I hand stitch the bottom seam to the bottom of the bag. Right in the seam. Makes it very nice to pull something from your handbag and not have the whole lining be pulled up and   out of  the bag as well.

 

Tip for sewing the lining to my crocheted shell stitch cotton handbag.

Crocheted shell-stitch handbag with wooden handles

Until the next time ~ Keep the Faith and Plenty of Yarn!

~Cheryl