Lining Your Purse: Plastic Protection For Your Bag

how to line a purse with plastic

Lining a purse with plastic can be a great way to make it more durable and water-resistant. While plastic linings are not as traditional as canvas linings, they can be easier to work with and offer more colour options. When lining a purse with plastic, it's important to consider the thickness of the plastic and choose a lining that is sturdy yet flexible. There are several methods for attaching a plastic lining, including sewing and using adhesives. Before attaching the lining, it's important to measure the purse and cut the plastic to size, adding a small allowance for seams. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can line a purse with plastic and enjoy the benefits of a more durable and personalised bag.

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Measure the purse and cut the plastic to size

Before cutting the plastic to size, you must first take the purse's measurements. Measure the width, height, and depth of the inside of your purse. You can use these measurements to calculate the dimensions of the plastic lining.

For example, if your purse measures 10 inches in width, 10 inches in height, and 3.5 inches in depth, you would cut the plastic lining to be 11 inches by 24.5 inches. This calculation considers a seam allowance, which is essential to ensure a snug fit for the lining.

It is important to remember that the plastic should be slightly larger than the purse's measurements to account for the seam allowance. A standard seam allowance is around 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch (0.32 to 0.95 cm). This extra fabric will be folded and ironed to create a neat edge that can be sewn in place.

When cutting the plastic, it is recommended to use a hot knife rather than shears. The hot knife will seal the edges of the plastic, preventing fraying. This step is crucial when working with plastic as it helps create a clean and durable finish for your purse lining.

Once you have measured and cut the plastic to size, you can move on to the next steps of creating a purse lining, such as folding, pinning, and sewing the plastic in place.

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Fold the plastic and iron it in place

When lining a purse with plastic, it is important to carefully fold the plastic and iron it in place. This process ensures that the plastic liner stays in place and maintains its shape. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

First, place the plastic liner inside the purse, ensuring it is aligned correctly. Take the top edge of the plastic liner and fold it inwards towards the middle of the purse. Make sure to create a neat, straight fold with a width of approximately 3/8 inch (0.95 cm). This fold will provide a seam allowance for attaching the liner to the purse.

Next, adjust your iron to the appropriate setting for the type of plastic you are using. Different plastics have varying melting points, so it is crucial to select the right temperature to avoid damaging the material. Once the iron is heated, carefully run it across the folded edge of the plastic liner. The heat will help set the fold in place, ensuring that it stays crisp and does not unfold.

At this point, you may want to use pins to hold the folded edge in place while you work on the rest of the liner. If you do use pins, make sure they are metal and do not have plastic parts that could melt. Place the pins along the folded edge, being careful not to poke them through the plastic.

Now, repeat the folding and ironing process for the remaining sides of the plastic liner. This will create a neat finish and ensure that the liner fits snugly inside the purse. Once all the edges are folded and ironed, remove any pins you may have used.

Finally, carefully insert the lined purse into the plastic liner, ensuring that the wrong sides of both the purse and the liner are facing each other. Match up the top edges of the purse and the liner, making sure the liner is positioned slightly lower to prevent it from peeking out after sewing. Now you are ready to sew the liner in place, creating a durable and stylish finish for your purse.

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Sew the plastic lining into the purse

Sewing a plastic lining into a purse is a simple process that can add stability, functionality, and style to your purse. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, select a plastic material that is suitable for your purse lining. Consider the size and shape of your purse, and choose a plastic material that is flexible, durable, and easy to work with. You can find plastic lining materials at craft stores or online. Cut the lining to size, making sure it fits the dimensions of your purse with a little extra allowance for seams.

Next, prepare the purse by keeping it right side out and folding the top edge towards the middle. Make a fold of about 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) to create a seam allowance. Use an iron to press the fold and keep the fabric in place. If your purse has handles, push them down between the purse and the lining so they stay out of the way while you sew.

Now, take the plastic lining and place it inside the purse. Match the side seams of the purse and the lining, ensuring they are aligned properly. Use sewing pins or fabric clips to hold the lining in place, pinning through both the purse and the lining at the side seams.

Once the lining is secured, you can start sewing. Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing, stitch across the top of the lining and purse, following the original seam of the purse. Leave a seam allowance of about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) as you sew.

Finally, trim any excess threads and gently poke out the corners of your purse to ensure a neat finish. Your purse is now lined with plastic! This technique adds a unique touch to your purse and can be a great way to upcycle or personalise your accessories.

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Use glue to attach the lining

If you're attaching a plastic lining to your purse, you may want to use glue to attach the lining. One option is to use Mod Podge for fabric, which can be used to glue the lining in at the top. You can then cover the top edge with bias tape, glued on. Alternatively, you could use duct tape as a binding around the top edge, securing the purse and lining together.

If you're gluing a fabric lining to a leather purse, you'll want to ensure that the glue you use is suitable for the material. Some water-based glues don't stick well to synthetic fabrics, so PVA and solvent-free contact adhesives should be tested before use. If you're gluing a thin lining to your purse, you can glue it fully to the purse for added strength and durability.

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Add pockets to the lining

Adding pockets to the lining of your purse is a great way to increase its functionality and personalise it. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you add pockets to the lining of your purse:

Prepare the Pocket Pieces

First, decide on the number of pockets you want and cut out the pieces of lining fabric accordingly. For a rectangular bag, you will need to take three measurements of the inside of your purse: width (A), height (B), and depth (C). Cut two pieces of lining, each measuring (B + 1) by (C + 1). These will form the pockets.

Sew the Pockets

Fold one piece of the pocket lining in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Sew down one side and across the bottom using a 1/2" seam allowance. Turn the pocket right side out and fold the opening in half. Press the pocket with an iron to set the shape. Repeat this process for the second pocket.

Position the Pockets on the Main Lining

Place one pocket on the right side of the main lining section. Position it so that the folded side is 2" below one A edge and centred from left to right. Sew down the three other sides of the pocket, staying close to the edge (1/16" from the edge). Repeat this process to attach the second pocket to the other A end of the main lining section.

Create a Centre Divider (Optional)

If you want to create a centre divider between the two pockets, draw a line down the centre of the main lining section, making sure it is centred between the pockets. Mark spots 1/2 of C above and below the line on each edge. Seam one C side of the side lining to the main section between the two marks on one side, using a 1/2" seam allowance. This will leave 1/2" unseamed on each side of the side lining, creating a centre divider.

Attach the Lining to the Purse

Now that your pockets have been added to the lining, you can attach the lining to your purse. Place the purse (right side out) inside the lining (wrong side out), matching the side seams and pinning around the top raw edge. Stitch around the top of the purse, leaving a small section open for turning. For a structured purse, ensure the opening is large enough for any handles to fit through.

Finishing Touches

Turn the purse right side out through the opening. Tuck the lining down into the purse and press the opening closed. Topstitch around the top of the purse, through both the lining and the exterior, about 1/4" from the edge. Trim any excess thread and gently poke out the corners of your purse.

By following these steps, you can create a functional and personalised lined purse with plastic.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few ways to line a purse with plastic. One way is to cut out the plastic lining and interface as desired. Then, insert the lining into the bag and finish the raw edges with a binding. You can also use Mod Podge to glue the lining in at the top and then cover the top edge with bias tape.

PVA and solvent-free contact adhesives should be tested before use to prove suitability. As plastic is a synthetic fabric, it is generally repellent to anything water-based, including glue.

Lining a purse with plastic can add structure, body, and shape to the purse, as well as improve its durability. It can also add a stylish touch to the purse.

For a small clutch or purse, a rayon or polyester blend fabric is a good option as they are soft and shiny. Cotton and synthetic acrylic are also good options as they can add colour to the purse lining.

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