When it comes to lining a purse, there are various methods, some are easy and others a little complicated. You are probably wondering why you need to learn how to line a purse, right? A lining gives the purse structure and a uniform shape. It makes the purse sturdy and long-lasting. You can attach just about any kind of cloth as a lining. Since it will be hidden inside the purse, you can go plain and simple with a single-colored cloth or a printed one.
While a standard purse doesn’t exactly require a lining, it does give it a more professional and “finished” look. In this guide, we will share with you the two most common methods of sewing a lining. If you are handy with a needle and sewing machine, you can even add buttons or conceal a zipper on the inside. One of the best things about adding a custom lining is that you get to make a fashion statement with your purse.
What to Line a Purse With
Whether you are planning to line a purse, a stiff handbag, or a tote, both methods will work on all of them. You can even use the same method to line a DIY purse. If you plan to attach any pockets to the lining then we suggest you do it now. You won’t be able to do this once the lining is attached because the stitches will show and the entire process will be impossible.
There isn’t exactly a specific cloth that’s used to line a purse. If you want something simple and cheap, then cotton will do. If you want a luxurious feel, materials such as Mulberry silk, linen, Shahtoosh, and baby cashmere are best.
Below are the two methods of how to line a purse explained step by step:
Materials Required
- ½ Yard Fabric
- A Plain Purse
- Matching Thread
*Before lining your actual purse, try the following steps on a tote bag to see how the results turn out to be.
Method 1 – Lining Inside Out
Step 1 – Measure Your Purse’s Size
Whatever measurements you come up with for your purse, add another ½ inch for seam allowance, both at the bottom and sides. The lining’s top edge will be sewn onto the purse’s lower part. Now, cut the lining and iron it to remove any creases for a clean fit.
Step 2 – Sew the Lining Cloth
Fold the lining’s edges and right sides together, and stitch both sides. Turn the cloth upside down and then stitch the bottom. Make sure to leave a 4-inch opening at the bottom so that the purse can be pulled out. Depending on the width and hardness of your purse, you might have to make the opening bigger.
Step 3 – Attach the Lining
If the purse has clean seams then rip out the stitches and open the folds. Place the purse in the lining and make sure that the fabric’s right sides are facing each other. Align the seams, open the top edge of the purse, and put together the lining with it.
To ensure that your stitch will bring everything together in a line, pin the purse and clip. Now, start stitching the crease and then trim the edges, leaving ½ inches on the outside again.
Step 4 – Pull Out the Purse
Remember that opening you left in the lining? Reach your hand through it and pull out the purse so it is right side out. You will see the lining sticking out so gently tuck it in and iron the edges.
Step 5 – Add the Topstitch
This is the trickiest part of how to line a purse. Your topstitch needs to be neat, because if you are adding other details, such as extra straps, then the stitching will show on the outside.
Step 6 – Close the Lining
Hand-stitch the lining’s bottom and push in the cloth. Your purse is now lined!
Method 2 – Lining Right Side Out
The “right side out” lining method is also known as the “drop-in” method. Simply place the lining in the bag and then sew it around the edges. As mentioned earlier, if a sewing machine can’t be used, you hand-stitch the purse and lining close.
Step 1 – Measure Your Purse’s Size
Follow “Step 1” of the first method word to word.
Step 2 – Stitch the Lining
Fold your lining right sides together and stitch along the three sides, leaving ½ inch for seam allowance. Press the edge that raw under ½ inch.
Step 3 – Insert the Lining
Place the lining in the purse and make sure all the edges are in line. Pin the materials together and topstitch along the line. If you want to add some aesthetic details, place another stitch underneath the topstitch. That’s it!
Wasn’t that easy?
Once you get the hang of a topstitch and can do it in a straight line, you will be easily able to make different patterns. Try both these methods on different bags and you will be able to tell, which one offers easy and a finer stitch.
Our Final Thoughts on How to Line a Purse
If you are in a hurry, you can try the second method as it’s less time-consuming. In our opinion, both methods have their pros and cons. The inside-out method offers you a finer stitch and cleaner look. However, it is a bit complicated and cannot be applied to all purses. As for the right side out method, you are doing nothing but placing the lining inside the pursuing and sewing along the edges.
You can even get ready-made liners so if you have a standard purse, you can buy them from your nearest accessory store. For a little something extra, don’t forget to add those hidden pockets. They will prove to be great at hiding your important things.
Let us know in the comments if this method worked out for you or if you have simpler techniques on how to line a purse.
