How to Create a Pattern for Lining a Knitted Tote Bag
Lining a knitted tote bag can provide durability and strength and allow you to include pockets, key fobs and other organizational features in a hand-knit tote bag. Most knitting patterns do not include lining patterns, but drafting your own knitted bag lining pattern is easier than you might expect. The same lining methods will work well for both a large and small knitted bag.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pattern tracing paper, newsprint or butcher paper
- Straight edge
Instructions
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Finish knitting, seaming and blocking your knitted tote bag. You cannot accurately measure to create a knitted bag lining until these steps are complete.
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Measure the height, width and depth of your knitted tote bag. Be sure to measure both the top depth and bottom depth if you have an A-line tote bag. Create a simple drawn schematic with each of these measurements.
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Draft your lining for a knitted tote bag in the simplest way possible. If your bag is flat, without a gusset or a bottom, you will only need a single pattern piece cut to the correct length and width plus 1/2 inch on each side for seam allowances. Note each of these measurements.
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Design a two-piece pattern for a bag with depth by adding 1/2 of the depth measurement to each side and the bottom. Draw out each line on your pattern paper using a straight edge. Add 1/2 inch to each side for seam allowances. Cut a square from each bottom bag corner on your paper pattern. The square should measure half the depth measurement plus the 1/2 inch seam allowance. A 4-inch deep bag will require a 2 1/2-inch square cut from the bottom corners of each lining piece.
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Using your pattern measurements, draft pockets as desired. One easy option is to trace your lining pattern piece, ending the piece 2 inches to 4 inches before the top of the bag. Allow 1/2 inch on your knitted bag lining pocket pattern for a hem allowance and sketch in seam lines. You will baste this pocket to the lining and stitch any dividing lines into place before you construct your knitted bag lining.
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Tips & Warnings
Use this lining pattern strategy to line a variety of knitted bags.
