How to Line a Suitcase | Vintage Suitcase Makeover

Have you ever wanted to give an old vintage suitcase a new look? So, even if your suitcase is different, this tutorial will get you started.

PIN IT!

I got a great deal on this old suitcase over a year ago. It’s been hanging around all this time just waiting for it’s makeover. It was marked $20, but this booth was ½ off. Did you know my usual limit is $5?

Supplies and materials needed to re-line a vintage suitcase

• Suitcase
• Putty Knife
• Sanding Sponge
• Scissors (my favorite)
• Craft/Wrapping Paper
• Paint
• Homeright Finish Max (optional)
• Fabric (the fabric in this project was purchased at Wal-mart)
• Spray Adhesive
• Fabric Glue  (optional)
• Glue Stick
• Hot Glue Gun
• Hot Glue

Jump to: Part 1 How To Make A Vintage Suitcase Lining (video tutorial)

Jump to: How To Line A Vintage Suitcase (video tutorial)

Step 1 Carefully Remove Old Lining of Luggage

 

Carefully remove the lining one piece at a time, saving all pieces to make a pattern. Taking pictures along the way may help you to remember how to reassemble your lining. Of course you can go by memory, but not me!

Step 2 Scrape and Sand Cardboard

The smoother your surface, the nicer your new lining will look. Scrape away old glue and cardboard. Use a sanding sponge to get the smoothest surface. So, would you believe it? The keys to this suitcase were UNDER the lining!

Step 3 Prime Your Vintage Suitcase Inside and Out

Use primer on your suitcase inside and out to give it the best look. A Finish Max makes quick work of this.

Using scrap wood to hold the suitcase open will allow the metal painted edges to dry without sticking. But, if you prefer, you could tape off the metal hardware pieces to leave them in their natural state. Why didn't I leave the metal? Because I like the look of the white paint, and I wanted an easy makeover.

Step 4 Paint the old suitcase

However, if you're looking for something even easier? Spray paint is also a great option.

Step 5 Cut Paper Pattern

Make paper patterns using craft paper or thick wrapping paper by tracing the original pieces. These paper pieces will give added stiffness to your new fabric lining pieces. Make the paper pieces the same size as the original pieces-not counting the hems or seam allowances.

Step 6 Cut Fabric pieces

Cut fabric using paper patterns. But this time leaving room for a seam allowance.

Step 7 secure fabric pieces to paper pattern

Secure fabric to paper pattern pieces. Spray adhesive was used for this step (not shown). Fabri-Tac was used to fold over and “hem” this piece to test for fit. (seen below)

Step 8 Test fit pieces

Test each piece after you have secured the fabric and paper pattern using the spray adhesive. Use caution when using spray adhesive as it leaves a sticky residue wherever it lands.

Step 9 Form a plan for placement

By test fitting your pieces, you will see the order in which it will best work for permanent placement.

Step 10 Hem form fitted pieces with glue

Another option to Fabric-Tac is a kid’s school glue stick. It’s a little more forgiving if you need to reposition your fabric. After doing the dry fit you will clearly see that some of the form fitting pieces need to be hemmed, but other pieces are better left with “flaps” for better coverage. Of course, your vintage suitcase may be different.

 

Step 11 Secure pieces to the suitcase with hot glue

This image shows why some pieces work better if the edges are not turned under (hemmed). Hot Glue was used where the paper ends on the top and bottom of the suitcase securing only the FABRIC and not the paper so that the lid will close freely.

Work your way through all the pieces in the order you determine works best for the suitcase you’re working on.

Are you still with me?

Adding a small amount of hot glue at a time, and working your way across the piece will give the best adhesion. Adding too much glue will allow the glue to cool before you get the entire piece secured.

How to Make a Vintage Suitcase Lining

How to Line a Vintage Suitcase

Be sure to check out more great ideas from my Thrift Store Décor friends below:

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Anything Container Petticoat Junktion

Farmhouse Sign Refresh Restyle

Thrift Store Teacup Candle  Domestically Speaking

Vintage Suitcase Makeover  My Repurposed Life

Banded Basket Makeover Our Southern Home

See more Thrift Store Decor projects Here