How to Make a Lined Jean Purse

Lining a jean purse gives a frugal idea a professional and finished look. A lining also allows for adding the much-needed pockets that will keep the inside of a purse organized. The pockets on the outside of a jean purse are nice, but the bulk of your necessities are stored inside. Frugal or not, if you have to dig through your purse for a tube of lipstick or a cell phone, it's not worth the trouble.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric of your choice
• Matching thread (lining and denim colors)
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Pins
• Iron
• Ruler
• Newspaper
• Pencil
• Newspaper

1. Measure from the top edge of the waistband down to the seam at the bottom of the purse. Add 1" to this measurement.

2. Lay the purse flat and measure the top edge of the purse from one side to the other. Add 1" to this measurement. Measure the bottom edge of the jean purse from one side to the other side and add 1".

3. Center and draw out these measurements on newspaper. Connect a line from the ends of the top measurement to the ends of the bottom measurement. Cut out the newspaper pattern.

4. Use the pattern to cut out two pieces of lining.

5. Determine the size and amount of pockets needed for your jean purse. Cut out two pieces of fabric for every pocket desired, 1/2" longer and wider than the size of the finished pocket.

6. With right sides facing and using a 1/4" seam, sew around the pocket shape, leaving 1" open on the bottom edge.

7. Turn the lining pockets right-side out and press.

8. Determine placement of the pockets, at least 1-1/2" below the top edge of the jean purse lining and no closer than 1/2" to the sides of the lining piece. Pin to the right sides of the lining.

9. Top-stitch the sides and the bottom of each pocket.

10. Pin the two lining pieces together with their right sides facing. Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew the sides and the bottom of the lining. If your purse has a boxed bottom, sew a boxed bottom on your lining.

11. Fold and iron the top edge of the lining down 1/2" to the wrong side of the lining.

12. Set the lining into the jean purse and pin the folded edge to the top edge of the waistband.

13. Using thread that matches the color of the denim, top-stitch the lining to the jean purse.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a belt out of matching lining fabric and tie it around the waist of the jean purse.
• Save yourself aggravation by using a denim needle in your sewing machine.
• If your purse has a boxed bottom, cut a piece of heavy cardboard the dimensions of the boxed bottom and cover with the lining fabric. Insert into the bottom of the purse.