Abbreviations
List of AbbreviationsMatters of Gauge
Gauge Does Matter The Importance of Checking Errata and the Power of GaugeSome Basics & Specifics on Felting
Basic Blocking and Felting Blocking & Felting Tube Baguettes Finishing Tube Baguettes Felting the Lattice Bag and Other Fair Isle BagsPurses with Frames
Framing Lipstick and Change (As Well as Other Tiny Bags) Sewing Purses into a Frame Using Beads as AnchorsDecorating Bags
Hand-Beading on Bags Cabochons as Ornaments on BagsClosures
Zippers 101: Cutting Down a Zipper to Fit Zippers 102: Putting Zippers in Bag and Pillow Openings Turnlocks 101: Applying Turnlocks to Bag FlapsAttending to the Bottom of the Bag
Bag Feet and StiffenerLining Advice
Handles 101 Pockets 102 Lining a Rectangular Bag Lining a Triangular BagLining a Rectangular Bag
Instructions for Nonibags
By Nora J. Bellows
NOTE 1: Please look over all of the instructions before getting started.
NOTE 2: Handles can be installed either before beginning the lining process or at the end before actually sewing the lining into the bag.
NOTE 3: All embellishments should be attached to the bag before sewing in the lining.
Our lining adventure begins by measuring the bag, Figure 1. If inside dimensions are easy to obtain, use them. Otherwise, measure the outside dimensions.
Now use the dimensions of your Nonibag to determine the size of the lining, Figure 2. Here the bag (blue) has been disected along its edges and laid flat. The lining is shown in green. Err on the side of abundance here, since cutting off a little extra is much easier than adding even a tiny bit.
When using brokades or other fabrics with a directional design, two pieces need to be cut. Otherwise, the design will be upside down on one side of the bag. In this case, just add another inch to the vertical dimension in Figure 2 for another seam allowance, Figure 3. Two pieces of our example Elephant brokade are shown in Figure 4.
Now is a great time to sew in a pocket, Figure 5.
If using a single piece, just fold over in the middle and pin along the two outside edges. With two pieces, place one on top of the other and pin on three sides, Figure 6. Either way, the "wrong" side of the fabric should be facing out.
Top stitch 1/2 in from the pinned edges, Figure 7.
Press open all of the seams, Figure 8.
Now comes the tricky part... Simply set the lining down on its bottom end and let the corners get pushed out, Figure 9.
Shape the corners to obtain the desired depth and press with a hot iron, Figure 10. Fold over and press again as shown in Figure 11. You have now established the rectangular shape of your lining. This may also be a good time to test fit it into the bag.
Next, fold over, Figure 12, and press, Figure 13, the two bottom edges between the corners.
Your lining should now look like Figures 14 and 15.
This is our last chance to test fit the lining into the bag, Figure 16. If it does not fit quite right, adjust the pressed edges to make the lining longer or wider. If it fits well, top stitch along the two edges pressed in Figure 11. If this is not done, the folded corners will become an unintended hiding place for small things like lipstick etc...
The lining should be about 1/2 too tall. Fold it over so that it fits just right inside the bag and press, Figure 17.
The lining is now basically done, Figure 18.
Most Nonibags, especially ones with flowers, bobbles, and other decorations, will keep their shape much better and look much sharper if lined with a stiffener. Don't worry, the stiffener is a snap compared to the lining.
For rectangular bags, I like to add structure to the front and back while allowing the sides to fold and the bag to close. As a result, I use three pieces of stiffener, sewn together along two bottom edges as shown in Figure 19. Try them inside the bag and trim as necessary before sewing. Don't try to make these perfect -- they add structure but are never seen.
Place inside and sew to the felt in a haphazard pattern of your choosing, Figure 20. Don't sew along the top -- you still need to put in a closure.
Almost done now... Put the lining inside the bag, Figure 21. In the center, cut two little slits in the lining and the backing for the snap. Push the tabs through the lining and the stiffener and fold them out, Figure 22.
If you have not yet installed the handles, do it now (see Handles 102). Then pin the lining in place and sew it to the bag, Figure 23.
Congratulations -- your Nonibag is finished inside and out!