amberblissthis I love crocheted totes. They are fun and quick to make, and they are OH SO PRETTY. The only thing I can’t stand is the STRETCH. For some totes this works great because you want to hold a lot of items, so stretching is no problem. However, if I’m using my tote as a project bag, the last thing I want is stretch. I don’t want to risk losing my crochet hook or stitch markers because they slipped out between the stitches. If you’re anything like me, you have been thinking about making a lined crochet tote bag for YEARS!
It’s true, I’ve long wanted to add a lining to a crocheted bag. But I’ve always put it off. Sewing is another of my passions, but I am NOT a skilled sewist. In fact, a straight seam is a challenge for me (My mom, a skilled quilter, will agree with me! ). I won’t show you examples of my quilting! HA!
This time around, I decided to just go for it. What’s the worst that could happen? Maybe a few scraps of fabric (My fabric stash is only SLIGHTLY smaller than my yarn stash!) end up in the bin. To my delight, my lining worked GREAT and looked GREAT too!
Not only is the bag lined, but the straps are too!
I documented my experience with photos, and I’m sharing it with you in case you’d like to make a lining for your tote as well. While this is meant to accompany one of the totes from my series, you could certainly apply your own measurements to the steps and line any tote!
Materials Needed
- Completed crochet tote bag (before sewing on handles)
- Main fabric for lining 11.5″ by 30″
- Contrasting fabric for pocket and straps 6.5″ by 7″ and 2 strips 22.5″ by 2.25″
- Sewing machine (You can sew your lining by hand if you don’t have a machine.)
- Thread
- Needle (if sewing by hand)
- Iron and ironing board
- Sharp Fabric Scissors
- Rotary Cutter (Fabric scissors will do if you don’t have a rotary cutter.)
- Self-healing rotary cutting mat (if using a rotary cutter)
- Quilting ruler (also optional)
- Pins
- Fabric Pencil or Pen (I prefer Frixion Fabric Pens!)
Directions
1. Measure the length and width of your bag. Your measurements may be slightly different than those listed in the pattern, so be sure to measure. My width is 11″ across.
Measure the length as well. Laid flat, my bag measures 14.5″.
2. Choose and cut your fabric. For your main lining fabric, you will need (your measured length times 2) + 1 inch. For the width you will need to add just .5″ to your measurement.
I cut my main fabric to 11.5″ by 30″. If you don’t have a rotary cutter and mat, you can measure and cut with scissors.
It’ll take a bit longer, but you can make the lining without quilting tools and a sewing machine.
Next, cut your pocket. I cut the pocket to 6 1/2″ wide by 7″ tall.
3. Using your iron, press a 1/4″ seam around the entire pocket. I folded the top of the pocket an additional time. Sew across the top of the pocket to give it a finished edge.
4. Sew pocket in place. Once you’ve sewn the top of the pocket (to give it a finished edge), position it where you want it on the bag lining. I placed my pocket in the center of the lining panel, and approximately 4″ down from the top edge. Place the pocket wrong side down on the lining right side. You want to be able to see the right side of both fabrics.
Pin in place and sew around the sides and bottom edges of the pocket. Don’t accidentally sew the top of your pocket closed! HA! 😉 I’d never do that!
I also measured and marked a line 1.5″ from the edge of my pocket and 1.5″ from that line. I sewed those lines to create pouches in my pocket for ease in carrying my hooks/pens/tools.
You have a pocket!
5. Sew the lining sides together. Finally, you can sew the sides of the lining together! Place right sides together and seam 1/4″ from the edge.
6. Now, you need to fold down, iron, and sew the top edge. I folded down almost 1/2″ twice to give it a clean seam. However, this is hidden when you sew it to the bag, so you can probably get away with only folding it over once. Just remember to trim 1/2″ from your original measurement if you don’t fold it over twice.
7. Create a flat bottom to the lining. First, measure the crocheted bag’s bottom. My bottom panel was 3″ wide. Next, fold the bag lining so that your seams are in the center, and the bottom looks like a square shape. You’ll want to measure and mark a triangle with a 3″ base across each corner. Then sew on that 3″ line. The photos below should help you figure out how to position, mark, and sew to create the flat bottom to your bag.
8. Pin the lining in place. Now, it’s getting exciting! Pin the lining into your crochet tote. Make sure that you’ve got wrong sides together and that the pocket is showing on the inside of your bag. The right side of your lining fabric should be facing you. I pinned just below the final round of my crochet tote.
9. Sew the lining in place. I changed my stitch length to 3.5 on my sewing machine for this part. My machine is set at 2.5 normally. I simply sewed, with the lining facing me, all around the edge. You may have to adjust and fiddle with it a little as you go, so sew slowly.
You have lined a crochet tote, and you’re almost done!
The only thing missing is the straps!
10. Measure your straps. My straps measured 21.5″ long and 1.25″ wide. I didn’t measure to the edge of my straps. I measured inside the edging round because I didn’t want my fabric to go all the way to the edges.
11. Cut your fabric. I cut 2 strips of fabric using the same material as the pocket, 22.5″ X 2.25″.
12. Fold and iron the straps. You want the fabric to match the original measurement of 21.5″ x 1.25″. I folded all my edges twice and pressed them. Alternatively, you could sew the long edges of your straps together to form a tube and turn them inside out, and press.
13. Next, pin the fabric to your crocheted straps. Sew these together.
You now have tote handles that won’t stretch either.
15. Finally, you just need to position your straps onto the lined crochet tote and sew in place. I did this part by machine as well. I pinned the straps to the exterior of the bag, centered, approximately 11-12 stitches apart, and 4-5 rows down. Then, I sewed them in place.
Sewing through all these layers was a bit tough, but it’s definitely sturdy, and I feel confident in the strength of my bag handles. I sewed in a rectangle shape, two times around. Then I sewed an X shape in that to ensure that the straps wouldn’t tear off even if I put something really heavy in my bag!
I can’t wait to see your finished and lined crochet totes! Be sure to post about them on Facebook and Instagram and tag me so I can admire them! Link your project in Ravelry as well!
If you like this lined crochet tote tutorial, you may also enjoy my crocheted reusable produce bag patterns. They’re nearly weightless and help prevent waste!
Interested in trying out one of my free crochet patterns? How about the All Heart Home Décor Coaster? So many uses packed into one little pattern.
