Messenger Bag Tutorial Part 5: Making Bag Lining ~ DIY Tutorial Ideas!

Part 5. Messenger Bag Tutorial: Making Bag Lining. (The beginning here)

Preparing lining fabrics:

   - Attach fusible interfacing to both lining pieces as per product directions.
   - Cut 2 1/2" squares from bottom corners of lining pieces and pocket panel.

Attach Pocket Panel to Lining:
Supplies needed for this step: Interior pocket panel with piping and one bag lining piece

    - Follow same process as for exterior pocket panels.
    - Aline pocket panel with lining piece and pin.
    - Stitch horizontal lines as follows: 3/4" from bottom, 2 3/4" from bottom, 3/4" from top
    - Stitch vertical seams as follows (remember to stitch from the bottom up): 3/4" from left edge, 2 3/4" from left edge, 3/4" from right edge, 2 3/4" from right edge.
    - Stitch additional divisions in the pocket as desired, but only stitch from bottom to the top of the pocket. Reinforce well at the top of pocket.

Installing Zipper Pocket in Lining:
Supplies needed for this step: 7" zipper, 8" x 15" rectangle, and lining piece with pocket panel attached (from previous step)

   - Install zipper pocket in lining piece with pocket panel attached.

Attach Small Pocket to Lining:
Supplies needed for this step: 10" square and remaining lining piece

    - Fold 10" square in half, right sides together.
    - Stitch 1/4" seam around edges, leaving 2.5" opening in bottom for turning.
    - Clip corners close to seams.
    - Turn right side out. Push out corners with chopstick. Turn in unfinished seams. Press flat.
    - Edgestitch along top edge.
    - Center finished pocket on lining piece. Top of pocket should be 3" from top of lining.
    - Stitch around sides and base of pocket, sealing opening at base of pocket.
    - Mark and stitch additional pocket divisions as desired. Reinforce well at top of pocket.

Putting lining together:
Supplies needed for this step: Both completed lining pieces, prepared zipper pouch, denim needle, walking foot

Arrange lining pieces right sides together. Sew along the bottom only with 1/2" seam allowance. Leave a 6" opening in center of base for turning bag. Press seam open.
Open lining and arrange one side of the zipper pouch along one side of the lining. It should be 1/2" above the open rectangle for boxed bottom.

Fold other lining piece on top and pin well. Stitch only this side with 1/2" seam allowance. Press seams open as much as possible.
Repeat with other side. Bag will bunch up. Pin well to keep from slipping while sewing final side. Press.