Newbie: purse lining cut on cross grain?

First post   I just started sewing (as in, about a month!) and could use some guidance. Pardon me if I'm using certain terms incorrectly, as I'm still learning the lingo.

I've sewed a few purses so far...relatively simple ones (Buttercup, etc), but only a few "live and learn" errors. I was just getting ready to conquer one that involves a little bit more work, had everything washed and ironed, all excited...when I realized somehow I messed up the fabric I purchased. The purse requires just over a yard each of exterior and interior fabric. I purchased over 1.5 yard of the exterior print, but I somehow only purchased a yard of a solid colored fabric for lining. Both are 100% cotton, same weight (not heavy).

I laid it out and saw I have enough extra of the exterior to take care of the entire handle, front and back, but if I lay out the lining the same way, i.e. length-wise, I am about an inch shy of having enough fabric for the lining. I noticed, however, that if I laid it out crosswise, I would have enough fabric for the body pattern. BUT, I know this direction gives the fabric a little more stretch. It being a purse and not clothing, and not a purse that will carry something heavy like books or groceries, I wasn't sure if it mattered since it's only the lining. Or is this just asking for trouble?

Anyone have advice? Thanks!

Welcome.
I would go ahead and risk it and cut it on the bias (or crosswise) .  The other thing you might do is add a little fabric to the bottom just to make it longer.  It could be anything (cotton and similar weight) seeing as it will be on the inside.  You might use a the exterior fabric if there is enough.  You just attach a strip of fabric to the piece, iron the seam flat and cut out your pattern.  Hope this is helpful.

It should be fine to cut it on the cross grain.  Just make sure your interface the outer pieces of your bag to give it strength and shape.  And un-interfaced bag gets all saggy and sad looking over time.

Thanks so much!  So glad I can still use the fabric, as I'd hate to have wasted the purchase -- it's a particularly agressive shade of pink that looks great with the print, but not sure I'd find a use for it elsewhere

I'm certain that if you cut on the crosswise grain it will be just fine.  Have fun learning how to sew - it's a GREAT hobby and profession (I'm a prof. seamstress for 20 yrs.)
Come on over and check out my site if you like - I teach beginner sewing:

http://www.learnhowtosewnow.com

You are correct, the cross-grain will have slightly more give than the length-wise grain.  But if it is a woven and you are able to cut it on the straight cross-grain, you should be fine.  Just pin more than you might otherwise.

I would not recommend cutting the fabric on the bias (45 degree angle).  Bias cuts have a great deal of stretch in comparison.

If you feel like you might want to try purse pockets, zippers and even a zippered lining, please visit my website:  http://destashification.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/another-tutorial-destashification-make-up-bag/
I posted a three part tutorial on making a make-up bag to practice these skills before putting them in a purse.

Wishing you the best with your new found skills!  Enjoy them!