Once you’ve finished crocheting the African Flower Purse using the pattern we provided, it’s time to move on to the next step. In the second part, we will guide you through the process of how to sew a bag lining for this purse. We’ve prepared a free downloadable and printable PDF file and a tutorial that includes detailed instructions for adding a zipper pocket and handles to the lining. Let’s continue this creative journey of making your very own unique purse together!
Why Should We Line Our Bag or Purse?
Have you ever wondered why we should line our purses with an insert or lining? I would say that purse lining is like sexy underwear: no one might see it, but it sure makes you feel good wearing it. Can you relate to that? In short, a purse lining will firm up the purse and add more body to the structure. The lining can also provide pockets and dividers, increasing its usability and storage. This is especially important for a crochet purse, as a lining can prevent small items from getting through the gaps between the stitches and falling out of the purse.
How To Sew A Bag Lining
scroll ⬇️ to get the sewing pattern & tutorial
As previously mentioned, the insert or lining is essential for a crochet purse. It will make the crochet purse more stable and prevent it from sagging when you put heavy items such as coin purses and mobile phones inside. Additionally, the lining will help the African Flower grannies maintain their beautiful hexagonal shape. This tutorial is about creating a complete sewn-up purse with lining. All you have to do is insert the African Flower Purse lining into the crochet purse (as shown in part 1) and stitch it up.
However, if you are not into crochet, you can always adapt this pattern and tutorial to make a fabric Hexagon Flower Purse (click here to learn a quick way to machine sew hexagon flower block). In other words, instead of crocheting the African Flower hexagon grannies, you can join the fabric hexagon flower blocks to make the external piece.
(Note: In order to create a Fabric Hexagon Flower Purse, additional expertise is required for adaptation.)
Prepare some fabric, batting, zipper, purse handles, and your choice of purse closure (affiliate link). Head down to the pattern and tutorial section to get the link to download and print out the lining template. Then, follow the instructions on how to sew the African Flower Purse Lining to complete the piece. Insert the lining into the crochet piece, align and stitch up to complete this beautiful Flower purse that you are going to feel so proud to bring it out for a show.
Hope you enjoy making this beautiful African Flower Purse.
Happy Crochet and Sewing!
African Flower Purse - Part 2, Sew Insert Lining
We have done the first part of the African Flower Purse; now, let’s come to the 2nd part – the sewing of the insert or lining and handles for the purse.
The “insert” or the lining is essential to make the crochet purse more stable and won’t sag when you put your heavy belongings into it, coin purse, and mobile phone, for example. With it, the African Flower will maintain it’s beautiful shape of hexagons.
Enjoy sewing them!
Download and print the SEWING PATTERN TEMPLATE separately.
Materials
- Fabric – Polka dot, 18″ x 20″
- Fabric – beige, 18″ x 20″
- Fabric – white, 18″ x 20″
- Fabric – pocket (beige), 7 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
- Batting – 18″ x 20″
- Zipper – 6″, metal teeth
- Canvas handle – 1″ width, 16″ x 2 nos.
- Magnet closure
- Crochet purse with African Flower (link to the pattern and tutorial)
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Sewing kits
- Carbon and tracing wheel
- Erasable fabric marker
- Scissors
- Printer, letter size (8.5″ x 11″) paper 3 pcs. & glue
- Fabric glue
Instructions
- Prepare all the materials as per the above list.
Download and print out the sewing pattern for the purse. Glue pattern template on pages 1 and 2 side by side. Cut out the pattern from paper.
If your crochet flower motif’s dimension is different from the one stated in part 1, adjust the sewing pattern accordingly during the printing by reduction or enlargement.
It is ok if the sizes of the crochet piece and liners are slightly off. Don't worry if the crochet piece is slightly smaller, the liners will fit nicely and snugly in it.
- Trace the sewing pattern on the beige fabric with carbon paper and a tracing wheel. Mark handle positions.
Lay the white fabric on your table, then lay batting on top of it. Cover them with the traced beige fabric. Pin.
Quilt the hexagons and purse outlines, you may quilt the top lines too if you wish.
- Fold the quilted piece into halve with the right side together.
Align side seamlines and sew.
Trim to 1/2″ seam allowance.
- Fold the base, align and sew. Trim to 1/2″ seam allowance.
- Turn, with the right side facing out. You may check the dimension with the crochet purse to see if you need any adjustment. Usually, you won’t need it if your flower size is correct.
Again, the crochet piece might look a little smaller but since it can be stretched a little, don’t worry too much.
- Trace the sewing pattern on the wrong side of the polka dots fabric. Trace only the seam lines.
Mark zipper, magnet closure, and side opening (for turning) positions.
- Sew zipper pocket on the polka dot fabric. Refer to this tutorial for zipper pocket making.
- Sew side seams, and don’t forget to reserve an opening for the purse to turn right side out in the later stage. Remember to make a few back stitches so that the seam line is strong for the turning.
Sew base seams as well.
- I am using ordinary 1/2″ magnets (small but strong magnets) as the magnet closure snap. If you are using the magnet specially meant for bag and purse, install it as per its instruction.
- Put a small amount of fabric glue on both sides of the magnet and attach it to the marking. Cover it with a small piece of fabric.
- Repeat the same to the other side.
- Slot the beige quilted piece into the polka dot, with the right side facing each other.
- Sew and trim the top edges. Clip the seam allowance on the zig-zag points.
- Turn the purse right side out from the 4″ opening. Do it slowly as the purse is quite thick to go through the small opening.
Align all corners and seamlines. Press it with a warm iron if required.
- Mark the magnet outlines with an erasable fabric marker. Stitch around it with a zipper foot. Sew it slowly so the circle is even and neat.
Topstitch the top zig-zag edge.
- Sew canvas handles on the marking with matching thread.
If your canvas handle becomes ravel terribly on the raw/cut end, lightly burn it with a flame to melt the fibers and thus stop it from raveling.
- Match the hexagons of the crochet piece and sewing piece.
Sew the hexagon corners from the wrong side of the crochet piece to the right side of the sewing piece. Workaround from bottom to top.
Sew more stitches on the top edge so that it covers up nicely.
~~ Done ~~
Enjoy your day with this beautiful African Flower Purse.
Caroline
Monday 6th of May 2019
I have a problem with the lining ..it isn't the right shape I have tried 2 different ways simply put the crochet part of the purse has 3 African flowers on either side plus one at each end my crochet flowers are exactly the same size as yours"..but when I put the lining together there is no room real accommodation for the flat flower at either end!? Please help it is driving me nuts
Craft Passion
Tuesday 7th of May 2019
Looks like something must have gone wrong somewhere. Caroline, please show me your photo by email to joanne @ craftpassion.com in order for me to have a real look on it. Thank you.
Sabiha
Saturday 24th of March 2018
This purse is really wonderful! I wanted to know which kind of fabric can be best for such crocheted purses as lining. Thank you!
Craft Passion
Wednesday 28th of March 2018
I used cotton with added batting for firmness. You may use upholstery fabric too with or without batting.
Tina
Thursday 10th of August 2017
Me and my friend just finished this project. A little larger. Thank you very much for the pattern. I tried to paste the photo, but I couldn`t.
Craft Passion
Monday 14th of August 2017
Sorry that the comment area is unable to attach photo. But you can save the picture in your cloud storage and put the link here. Or, share it in social media and tag @craftpassion.
Nateese
Wednesday 5th of July 2017
I have a question for you. Is there a way to make the lining without a sewing machine?
Craft Passion
Saturday 8th of July 2017
Nateesa, you can always hand sew it.
Tania
Monday 23rd of March 2015
I have been unable to open the link to the sewing pattern. I really want to make this for my sister. Could you please help?
Craft Passion
Wednesday 25th of March 2015
Hi Tania, Sorry to know this but I have no problem in opening the pdf file. If you open the website via the social media, please reopen it in web browser. The social media supported browser won't let you open any page that need to be open in new tab or window.