Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Lining for Your Garments

Adding a lining to your garment is one of the best ways to take your sewing from homemade to professional. A good lining not only makes your clothes look neater on the inside, but also helps them last longer, drape better, and feel more comfortable to wear. Whether you are sewing Shalwar Kameez, Trousers or Abayas, learning how to create a lining will give your garments a major lift and a high-quality finish. 

Here’s a simple step by step guide to get you started: 

Step 1: Choose the right fabric for your lining

The lining fabric should complement the outer garment. Lightweight cotton or polyester are popular lining choices depending on the look and feel you want. Ensure the weight of the outer fabric and weight of the lining fabric are similar as a heavy lining on a light outer will not work and will weigh your garment down. Cotton blends work beautifully because they are breathable and easy to sew. 

Step 2: Cut out the lining accurately 

I like to lay the outer and lining fabric together and lay my pattern pieces on so they are both accurately cut with each other. You can also make the lining fabric slightly shorter than the outer to avoid it peeking out from the hem. This will also stop any bubbling happening on your garment. 

Step 3: Attaching the lining to the garment

The most common way is to join the lining at the neckline, and sew all the way around, edge stitching all the way round. This keeps it secured on the inside while giving your garment a flawless, smooth finish. Always press as you sew to keep the lining flat. 

Step 5: Finish the sewing. 

Once your lining is joined to the outer then you just need to finish off your sewing as normal - you have now turned your garment into 1 full piece as the lining is all attached. 

Ready to learn properly?

If you are ready to master these skills step by step, my “How to add lining to your Shalwar Kameez and Trouser” course is perfect for you. You will learn how to cut, sew and attach lining in a clear simple way, so that your garments look professional inside and out.

 Click here to join the linings course today and start creating linings on your shalwar kameez that you will be proud to wear.