Lining a crocheted tote is not difficult, and it does not take long if you follow a few steps. The lining reduces the stretch of the crocheted fabric, which makes the bag considerably more durable. Both the bag and the handles can be lined.
Why it matters
Crocheted fabric has give, and a bag is asked to carry weight. Unlined, the bag stretches downward with every use and never recovers – a tote that starts as a neat square ends up as a long sagging pouch.
The lining takes the load instead. It also stops small items falling through the stitches, which is the other common complaint about crocheted bags.
Choosing fabric
Almost any fabric works, as long as it is not too stretchy. That is the only real constraint – a stretchy lining defeats the purpose.
Cotton is the usual choice: it is stable, easy to sew, and comes in every colour. A heavier cotton or a canvas gives more structure if you want the bag to stand up on its own.
A patterned lining showing at the top edge is a nice detail and costs nothing extra.
Measuring
Measure the tote and the handles first, then add your seam allowance all round.
Measure the bag while it is sitting in its natural shape, not stretched flat. A lining cut to a stretched measurement will be too big and will bag inside.
Cut the lining very slightly smaller than the bag rather than larger. It should hold the crochet in, not hang loose within it.
Assembling
Sew the lining into a bag shape – two rectangles seamed at the sides and base, or one folded piece.
Press the seams and fold the top edge over so the raw edge is hidden. Pressing at this stage is worth the few minutes; a pressed lining sits flat inside the bag and an unpressed one wrinkles.
Drop the lining into the tote with wrong sides together, pin it around the top edge, and hand-stitch it in place just below the top round of crochet.
Handles
The handles carry all the weight and are where a bag fails.
Line them by wrapping a strip of fabric around the crocheted handle and slip-stitching it closed, or crochet the handle around a length of cotton webbing so the webbing takes the load.
Reinforce where the handles meet the bag. A few extra stitches at that junction is the difference between a bag that lasts years and one that tears at the joins.
A useful addition
While the lining is still flat, sew a small patch pocket onto it. It costs a minute and makes the bag far more usable.
