Sewing Techniques

Lining trousers

Add a lining to trousers and you provide a smooth line as well as help prevent bagging at the seat. Rosemary Simpson has some simple tips to follow.

Lining trousers is a good idea also if the main fabric is fine, transparent or has show-through (like white linen). Cut the same pattern pieces as for trouser front and back but as shorts (like a French knicker) or to knee length.

Also cut straight at the centre front without the extra fly facing. 

Cutting a trouser lining on the bias is a very good option, especially if the main cloth is wool or has some stretch in the weft. By cutting the lining fabric – which has very little ‘give’ on the bias, you will provide some stretch in the cut.

You can cut the lining along the straight of grain, just like the trousers,  but add a little extra in the width for ease, about 6 mm (1/4”) each side.

Attach at the front zip area by hand if necessary, do this before you make up the rest of the trousers. Process below.
 
* sew together front crutch seam on lining
* have prepared trouser fronts ready for zip
* when putting in zip baste lining to fronts wrong side so they are secure
* or hand sew in place
* now make up the rest of the lining before you sew side seams on trousers
* finish the rest of trousers, pull legs through lining shorts.

Further information

Thanks to Rosemary for this info. For further details contact her at: becclesrose@aol.com.