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How to Sew a Liner Into a Handbag

Sewing a lining into a handbag is as simple as cutting another piece of fabric in the same shape as the outside of the bag. After sewing the fabrics to make the purse, slide the lining into the outer fabric and attach the two together. Use the same type of fabric in a contrasting color or pattern to make a purse's lining or use a lighter weight fabric, such as a polyester sateen.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Fabric for exterior of purse
Lining fabric
Straight pins
Matching thread
Sewing machine

Instructions

- 1
  Cut each piece of fabric into a 20-by-8-inch rectangle to make the most basic style of handbag. Also cut a 24-by-2-inch piece of the exterior fabric for a handle.
- 2
  Fold the fabrics in half widthwise, to make a rectangle that measures 10 inches by 8 inches. The right sides of the fabric will be on the inside and the wrong sides will face you. Pin the fabric together on the left and right side, leaving the top open.
- 3
  Fold the 24-by-2-inch strip of fabric in half lengthwise, right side facing in. Sew along the long side and turn the strip right side out.
- 4
  Sew the exterior fabric together on each side with a half-inch seam allowance.
- 5
  Place on short end of the strip on one side seam of the exterior fabric and pin. Pin the other end of the strip to the other side seam. The strip should be on the inside of the fabric, against the right side. Stitch the strip in place.
- 6
  Sew the lining fabric on the right side with a half-inch seam. Sew on the left side with the same seam, but leave a 2-inch gap open at the bottom of the left side.
- 7
  Turn the lining fabric so the right side faces out. Slide the lining inside the exterior fabric. The right sides of the fabric will be against each other. Line up the side seams of the exterior and lining fabrics so that they are even.
- 8
  Pin the fabrics together along the top edge. Sew together with a quarter-inch seam.
- 9
  Push the exterior fabric out through the gap you left in the side of the lining fabric. When finished, the right side of the exterior of the bag, including the straps, should face out and the right side of the lining of the bag should be visible inside the bag.

Sewing