For those of you who would like to add a fabric lining to your Buckle Bag, I am trying my hand at a tutorial. I took these photos during construction and tried to capture every step that needed clarification. I apologize for the quality of the photos – I was working on this at night after the little ones were asleep so the lighting is not the best.
Here are all my crocheted pieces ready for construction.
Create backing for panels by cutting backing fabric (craft stabilizer or other stiff interfacing) same dimensions as crocheted pieces and hand stitching to backs. I like to use a whip stitch or back stitch to attach mine.
The backing fabric to help it hold its shape is optional. I have found it holds up really well – even with the bag full. This is two layers of crinoline, but I was originally looking for a very stiff canvas. Any stiff fabric should do fine. **Update: I found that my favorite backing is craft stabilizer, which can be found with the interfacing at any craft store.)
Fold ribbon around and sew ribbon in place around pocket,
placing slide buckle through ribbon before stitching. (I didn’t take a picture of just the pocket
with the ribbon folded, but this is how I laid it out before I tucked the ends
under and sewed in place.)
placing slide buckle through ribbon before stitching. (I didn’t take a picture of just the pocket
with the ribbon folded, but this is how I laid it out before I tucked the ends
under and sewed in place.)
Center pocket on front and stitch in place on three sides,
leaving top open.
leaving top open.
Create lining for bag by cutting lining fabric 1” wider and taller than crocheted pieces and sewing together by hand or machine with ½” seam allowances on all sides. I did not take a picture of just the lining after it was sewn.
Sew front and back to side/bottom strip. If you did not want a lining, this is the
next step after finishing the crochet and fixing the pocket. I love having a lining as it really makes the bag look professional. I get so many compliments on this bag!
next step after finishing the crochet and fixing the pocket. I love having a lining as it really makes the bag look professional. I get so many compliments on this bag!
To attach lining, fold down ½” on top, press with iron if desired, and pin to top of crocheted bag with right side of fabric showing inside bag. Here it is ready to be sewn with pins in place. Fits nicely!
To attach handles, I used this bias tape to secure them in
place.
place.
First, cut 3” strips, then sew the sides shut. Next, press them in half with an iron.
Place the bias tape through the handle rings. These rings did not have an opening.
Stitch the bottom of the bias tape closed.
Place bias tape between lining and bag and stitch in place (I even went through the crocheted bag with my machine stitching – you can’t even really tell.) I wish I had taken a picture of this step! You can see how the bias tape is positioned in the photo below. Hand sew the rest of the lining with a whip stitch, or machine stitch around the top of the bag.
You’re done!
You’re done!
I have to admit, I created this bag as a free pattern and for my CGOA conference, not thinking that I would carry it much (especially with it being white), but I have found that I love this bag!! It is roomy and easy to carry and I’ve even managed to keep it clean after carrying it for weeks! I did add a very stiff piece of cardboard to the bottom to help the bottom stay flat and next time I make one I will add interior pockets, but for a basic tote it is amazing. I can’t wait to try my hand at another bag design! Hope you enjoy!
The crochet instructions for the bag can be found here.
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