How to Make a Cosmetic Bag with a Zipper

Making your own cosmetic bag with a zipper is a fun and easy sewing project. With just some basic sewing supplies and materials, you can create a custom cosmetic bag to store all your toiletries and makeup.

Choose Your Fabric and Zipper

When making a cosmetic bag, it's important to select durable fabrics that will withstand regular use. Good fabric choices include cotton, canvas, polyester, or even upholstery-weight fabrics. Make sure to pick a fabric print or color that fits your personal style. You'll also need a zipper that is slightly longer than the width of your cosmetic bag. Metal zippers tend to be more durable than plastic ones.

Measure and Cut Out Fabric

First, determine the size you want your cosmetic bag to be. A good standard size is about 9 inches wide by 5 inches high, but you can adjust the dimensions as needed. Cut out two rectangles of fabric for the exterior and two pieces of lining fabric, all cut to the same dimensions. Be sure each piece is at least 1/2 inch longer and wider than the finished bag size to allow for seam allowances.

Sew the Exterior Pieces

With right sides facing, pin then sew the two exterior fabric pieces together along one 9-inch side, using a 1⁄2 inch seam allowance. Do the same for the lining pieces. Press seams open and turn exterior and lining pieces right side out.

Install the Zipper

Unzip the zipper and center it along the top raw edge of the exterior bag piece, right sides together. The zipper should extend just a bit beyond each side. Pin the zipper tape to the fabric, then sew into place using a zipper foot. Do the same to attach the lining piece to the other side of the zipper, so that lining and exterior bag are completely attached by the zipper.

Stitch Remaining Sides

With exterior and lining pieces still inside-out, sew the side and bottom seams with 1⁄2 inch allowance, leaving a 3-5 inch opening in the lining piece. Trim corners, turn bag right-side out through the lining opening, and push lining inside bag. Press seams flat and topstitch around completed bag close to edge.

There you have it – a custom cosmetic bag to store all your essentials! Adjust the size and fabrics to create bags for different needs.