How to Make a Casket Lining
The process of casket lining is relatively simple, making it one of the easiest jobs associated with personalizing a commercially produced casket or even creating a unique lining for a simple wooden coffin. Using a few basic materials, it’s possible to make a casket lining that will be attractive and not cost a lot of money.
Things You Need:
- Measuring Tape
- Scissors
- Stiff Cardboard Sheets
- Magic Marker
- Batting
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Fabric for the lining cover
- Lace, rickrack or other trim
- Obtain the measurements for the interior of the casket chamber. Begin by measuring length and width of the two long sides of the compartment, up to the lip on each side that fits flush against the lid when the casket is closed. Also take the measurements of each end as well as the bottom of the chamber, following the same basic pattern. Record all the measurements on a piece of paper.
- Make cardboard templates using the measurements. Utilize the tape measure and the marker to draw the templates onto cardboard sheets. Cut out a template for each of the four sides plus the bottom, using the exact measurements taken. Slide the templates into position within the casket chamber to make sure the fit is even and that the ends of the pieces are flush.
- Focus attention on the lid. Measure the interior section of the lid, allowing for any curves or other contours of the lid proper. Using those measurements, outline a template in another cardboard sheet and cut out with the scissors.
- Cover the templates with batting. You may use cotton or foam batting for this function. Cut the batting to fit easily over each template, allowing roughly an inch overlap that can be folded around the cardboard. Lay the batting on a flat surface, then place the template on the batting. Apply a line of hot glue around the edges of the template, then fold the batting over the sides of the template, creating a firm hold.
- Cover the batting with the fabric. Using the same basic process, cut a section of fabric for each batted template and lay it on a flat surface. Make sure the fabric is finished side down. Position the template on the fabric and use the hot glue to secure the edges.
- Install the covered panels. Use the hot glue gun to position each of the sections in the casket chamber, making sure all the edges meet evenly and that none of the batted sections stick over the lip of the coffin or the casket lid.
- Hide the seams with the trim. Using the lace, rickrack or other trim materials, apply a thin bead of hot glue along each seam, then apply the trim for cover. Make sure the trim remains below the lip on the lid and the chamber proper so the casket can be closed and locked properly.