Cosmetic Bag Tutorial
August 11, 2010
Well, there could only be one winner. But I wanted to share how I made the bag so everyone can make their own!
The finished size of this cosmetic bag is 9″ long, 5″ tall and 5″ wide.
You need:
-Fabric. I used 2 fat quarters and cut them to 14″ by 21″. You don’t have to use fat quarters, just cut 2 pieces of fabric to 14″ by 21″.
-One 14″ zipper
-One piece 14″ by 21″ fusible vinyl**
-One scrap piece of fabric 1.5″ by 3″ for zipper tab
**I found my fusible vinyl at Hancock Fabrics. It was only 17″ wide and was somewhere around $5/yard. Definitely using my 40% coupon next time! It was on the bolt with interfacings.
Apply vinyl according to manufacturer’s instructions. I was a little intimidated at first, but this was actually an easy process!
Take your zipper and lay it right side down on the right side of your outside fabric. Pin and sew. I prefer not to use my zipper foot when installing zippers. I know, I’m such a rebel.
Lay your inside fabric right side down, with the edge lined up on the zipper and sew. I usually do these 2 steps as 1, but the vinyl made the fabric slippery and it was easier to do them one at a time.
Open your fabrics to reveal the zipper. Turn the outside fabric back, fold along the edge of the zipper, and iron. **Make sure your iron doesn’t touch the lining fabric with the vinyl. It will melt the vinyl!!
Turn over and fold the lining down.
Iron with a piece of paper between the fabric and iron.
Top stitch along the zipper. You’ll need to go slow and help the fabric through because the vinyl will be a little sticky against your machine.
So now 1 side of the zipper is done!
Take the bottom of the outside fabric and fold it back up on itself, lining it up with the top of the zipper.
Pin and sew just like you did above. Then flip it over, take the bottom of the lining, and line it up with the edge of the zipper. Pin and sew.
Now open your zipper and turn the bag with the right sides out. **Leave zipper open for the remainder of construction!
Carefully iron down the outside along the edge of the fabric. the lining will be ironed at the same time, so make sure it’s not sticking out funny. You don’t want to melt your vinyl!
Then flip it over and iron the vinyl side. Don’t forget your paper!
Top stitch down this side, too.
Take your zipper tab, fold right sides together length-wise, and sew at 1/4″.
Use a safety pin to turn right side out. Iron flat with your seam in the middle of the inside. I then like to top stitch down either side.
Turn the bag inside out and lay flat with the zipper in the middle. Fold the tab in half, with the seam on the inside, and pin to the open end of the zipper.
Sew both ends shut using 1/4″ seam allowance.
Mark all 4 corners of the bag at 2.5″ from each edge. (Truthfully, if you understand bag construction, you should mark 2.5″ from one edge, and 2.25″ from the other to account for the seam allowance)
Cut out the corners.
Open each corner, and line the seam up in the middle of the flat edge. Sew across. Repeat on all 4 sides.
It will look something like this.
And for really nice results, when you sew the corners, make sure you sew your middle seam pointing down on both sides. I also like to clip my edges with pinking shears!
That’s it! Turn right side out, poke your corners so they’re nice and straight, and enjoy!
Posted in 
August 11th, 2010 at 6:42 PM
Awesome tutorial! This bag is super cute!
I’m so happy your blog was posted on One Pretty Thing the other week; it’s so fun! Your 50 followers giveaway has totally inspired me to host a little giveaway of my own! Of course, it won’t be as presh (or useful) as this little bag, but hopefully it will still be fun!
Thank you!
August 11th, 2010 at 6:44 PM
You rock! Now if I could just find some spare time…
I’m off to make calzones!
August 11th, 2010 at 7:37 PM
It’s beautiful!
August 11th, 2010 at 10:55 PM
I don’t know how you make such fantastic things while raising two adorable little girls – amazing!
August 12th, 2010 at 6:27 PM
This is great! I tried making one of these the other day and it did not turn out so well. Love the idea to use the fusible vinyl (I didn’t even know that existed) and also to cut the corners out ahead of time. Awesome. Yours looks great! Thanks for sharing!
August 24th, 2010 at 9:32 AM
What are the dimensions of the finished bag? Just trying to see how big it is. Love this bag though. Brilliant!
October 20th, 2010 at 6:13 PM
I am going to try this tutorial as one my christmas projects. What are the final dimensions of the bag?
October 20th, 2010 at 10:07 PM
I’ve been asked this before, so I went back and added the dimensions to the top of the post. It’s 9″ long, 5″ wide and 5″ tall.
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:53 PM
What a great tutorial! Would you consider posting it on Instructables.com as well? With such awesome pictures and text, it’s just a matter of copy + paste. And it’s a great way to drive traffic back to your blog! Let me know what you think
-Sarah
Lifestyle Editor, instructables.com
November 28th, 2010 at 9:38 PM
WOW! Great tutorial you save me live for put this tutoria.
December 18th, 2010 at 1:32 AM
I made this for my step-mom and stuffed it full of fun goodies for Christmas, and it turned out so beautifully! I had some trouble with the zipper, but eventually I got it to work. Thank you so much for this!
January 19th, 2011 at 11:10 PM
Fabulous tutorial – thanks for posting. Just made one up for a gift and it is brilliant – I now have to make on for myself!! Can I suggest an amendment though – I think you meant that the the zipper tab should be 3″ x 3″ cut so it measures 1.25″ in width when sewn? The pics look as though this is the dimension you actually used. Thx again for the very clear instructions – i am off to see if i can get some pinking shears to finish the bag off properly.
January 21st, 2011 at 2:21 PM
[...] some adorable stuff (40% off) and here’s what 2 pieces of that fabric made. Tutorial from Sew Like My Mom. I can never figure out which side the zipper tab is supposed to be on (I think it's the [...]
February 1st, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Thank you so much for this great tut and awesome pics!! I was wanting to make a little knitting project bag, and this is perfect. Thank you!!!
February 26th, 2011 at 8:48 PM
I just found your blog through stumbleupon. I LOVE it! I am going to make this cosmetic bag as soon as possible! I want to make one big enough to keep my shampoo and conditioner bottles when I travel. You do a really great job explaining how to make things. Great job!
March 8th, 2011 at 10:31 AM
[...] From Sew Like My Mom I want to make this Cosmetic Bag with the help of this great tutorial! [...]
March 13th, 2011 at 9:28 PM
[...] The Boxy Cosmetic Bag Tutorial from Skip to my Lou which was done by Jaime of Prudent Baby and the Cosmetic Bag Tutorial from Sew Like My [...]
March 14th, 2011 at 1:00 PM
[...] so perfectly measured fabric and crazy sewing. To be able to make this cosmetic bag I followed this tutorial on Sew Like My [...]
March 27th, 2011 at 10:18 PM
thanks for the great tutorial! Instructions and photos were very clearly laid out. meg
May 20th, 2011 at 10:48 AM
qreat pictsss.im takinq sewinq classess myself.!
May 21st, 2011 at 4:48 PM
[...] any problems at all. I won’t post the steps on here because she did an amazing job of the How To. But I will share what I went through to make [...]
June 19th, 2011 at 4:14 PM
[...] 2- Clothes hanger cover by Between the lines 3- Market cart coupon pouch by Blue Cricket Design 4- Cosmetic bag by Sew like my [...]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:16 PM
So i am right in the middle of making this bag and i just sewed on the zipper. I followed your instructions but the zipper part wasn’t very clear to me. I ended up sewing the inside fabric on one side of the zipper and the outside fabric on the other. I didn’t realize they were supposed to be on the same side of the zipper until i looked at your next picture and realized that mine didn’t look like that. Maybe you should fix that and make it more clear about sewing both pieces to the same side of the zipper! Hope this helps! Other than that its a great tutorial and I’m having fun making this cute bag!
August 5th, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Great directions, it was super clear. I made mine with oilcloth instead of vinyl on fabric because I had it, it worked the same. To make the vinyl not stick to the machine, you can use tissue paper on the bottom and top as you sew. Then tear it off.
Thanks!
August 6th, 2011 at 7:23 PM
This was a great project! I used a fabric with a weird pattern though (it had people on it) , so some of my strategically cut people had their heads cut off, or were only feet.
But otherwise, it was great. I accidentally got a chunky zipper, which didn;t work at all, but with a thinner zipper, it was great. My stupid ruler had a 1/2 inch edge which I completely missed, so I had to make my corners 3 by 3. My bag is a little less square and more rectangular and tall. I can’t wait to use it next week on vacation. Thanks for the easy pattern!
August 13th, 2011 at 3:53 PM
très belle trousse de toilette.
j’adore les tissus
August 18th, 2011 at 10:43 AM
[...] Scrappy Make-up Pouch, 2. Untitled, 3. Make-up Brush Holder, 4. Cosmetic Bag, 5. Cosmetic bag – blue and orange 1, 6. cosmetic bag , 7. Pretty Little Pouch Full View [...]
August 19th, 2011 at 7:06 PM
Hello,
I’m new to this thing..lol…If I had a 12″ zipper how big should my fabric pieces be? I would love to try and make this!
Thanks,
Tiffany
August 20th, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Your tutorial was really helpful! I wanted to make a pencil pouch by using your way on making a cosmetic bag. So what measurements should I make for the fabric if I wanted the finished dimensions to be 9″ long, 2″ tall, and 2″ wide?
Thanks!
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 AM
[...] using the same technique from my cosmetic bag tutorial, sew the zipper to one short [...]
September 1st, 2011 at 5:20 AM
Hi if I wanted to make the bag smaller i.e. 7 inches long x 3 inches wide what would my measurements for fabric and zip be please?
September 1st, 2011 at 9:50 PM
[...] Oh, I saw the pattern for the cosmetic bag here: http://sewlikemymom.com/cosmetic-bag-tutorial/ [...]
September 6th, 2011 at 8:56 AM
[...] Cosmetic Bag Tutorial | Sew Like My MomCosmetic Bag Tutorial. August 11, 2010. Well, there could only be one winner. But I wanted to share how I made the bag so everyone can make their own! … Comments Off [...]
October 22nd, 2011 at 5:20 AM
Hiya, fab bag thank you soooo much.
Just a question really.
Can you tell me some more about the point you mentioned about 2.5 and 2.25 for the seam allowances on the corners. I’ve make the bag, just about to start the corners and my lining seems too big for the bag, even though it’s the same size as the bag, just wanted to pick your brains really????
Any tips greatly appreciated.
Love
Claire
October 24th, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Hi Claire! I’m not sure what to say about the different size in the lining, I hope you got that figured out.
When I said 2.5″ and 2.25″ it’s because when you measure to do the seam, one side already has a seam in it, so you need to take that seam allowance into consideration. I used .25″ seam allowance, so to make it square you do 2.5″ from that side and 2.25″ from the folded side to make it even. The side that has the seam in it is .25″ smaller than the other side so you have to measure from your stitching in. To compensate for that, I just add the extra quarter inch to my math when I cut. When I made this one, I didn’t do it that way and it worked out just fine, so I wouldn’t hesitate to just cut the same from each side. I hope that made sense and didn’t confuse you more. If it did, just do 2.5″ from each side and you’ll be good.
Good luck!!
November 5th, 2011 at 8:48 AM
Thanks chick, you’re a star. Been busy with making celebration cakes for the holidays and birthdays, so I’m itching to get back to my sewing machine.
thanks again,
Claire
xx
November 21st, 2011 at 6:11 AM
Love this bag, can’t wait to try it out. However, I am confused about the function/purpose of the zipper tab! It just end up being a little loop that sits at the end of the zip?
December 12th, 2011 at 1:02 AM
Thank you so much for the detailed tutorial! I made this for my daughter for a Christmas gift. It turned out perfect! I bought the Heat and bond vinyl at Joann’s in the sewing notions aisle. A package with two yards was 9.99 but I used my 50% off coupon so now I can make some more bags!
December 17th, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Thanks so much! It’s perfect! The bag, the instructions, … I blogged, I linked! I whipped out 3 of them today. (I was ready with materials, just needed the pattern.)
December 23rd, 2011 at 1:10 AM
wow that’s so pretty! what happens if we want to make it smaller? ohh and does it have a crinkly sould because of the vinyl?
December 23rd, 2011 at 4:42 PM
Uhm, I have 6 sisters-in-law, a sister and two female cousins I give presents to. This tutorial saved Chistmas.
December 26th, 2011 at 10:39 PM
If you want to make it smaller, just adjust the size down. It does have a slight crinkle sound, but nothing that’s loud or offensive.
December 30th, 2011 at 8:21 PM
I just made my own make up bag and I couldnt be happier! Thank you so much for a step by step guide, easy to follow, clear, and the end result is awesome!!! I cant wait to make one for all my friends!!! I am zipper fearful and this was a piece of cake!
January 6th, 2012 at 10:38 PM
[...] easier tutorial to follow is HERE, but the one that shows how to make it multi fabric on the top is HERE. If you are going to make one [...]
January 8th, 2012 at 12:04 AM
Love this pattern! Thanks so much for sharing! If I wanted to make one smaller, how do I calculate the size of the cuts to make in the corners? Is there a formula to follow? Again, thanks for posting!
January 11th, 2012 at 7:13 AM
[...] right? The patterns I used is copyrighted but if you are interested in making a similar bag, check out this tutorial I found [...]
January 12th, 2012 at 7:20 AM
great step by step instructions and ideal pictures too, have just made one and will be making a lot more for birthday presents and gifts, a huge thank you
January 17th, 2012 at 3:32 PM
That is a fantastic tutorial. Love it. Easy and beautiful.
I will make another one in smaller. Do I see that correctly that the corners to cut are basically half the desired width plus seam allowance?
January 19th, 2012 at 9:40 PM
[...] and found all these tutorials on the web. Here’s one of them, and here’s another, and another!. They’re all sort of similar (lots of boxy pouch tutorials out there), but the dimensions of [...]
January 22nd, 2012 at 6:42 PM
So easy! Thanks for the great tutorial. I made one change after I couldn’t get the fusible vinyl. I used a flannel backed vinyl (like table cover) and it worked really well. I can wait to make a slightly bigger one for ‘wet stuff’.
January 23rd, 2012 at 11:34 AM
I loved this bag. I have now made about 7 or 8 and each one is better than the one before it. I found my fusible vinyl is either Amazon or Joann’s Fabric. Sometimes one of them have a sale going on.
Thanks for sharing for pattern.
January 24th, 2012 at 12:11 AM
Hi Melissa,
I love the bag, and am itching to make one for myself asap! Your tutorial makes it seem less intimidating as I thought! I might play with the dimensions and make it bigger for my sister (who doesn’t know the meaning of tossing old makeup!) LOL!
Just a thought, when you are ready to sew the bag, pin some tissue paper on top of the vinyl. When you are finished stitching, the paper will pull right off, and you won’t have the problem with the vinyl sticking to your machine.
Thanks again!
Kathy