How to Make a Travel Cosmetic Bag

A custom travel cosmetic bag is a must-have for keeping your toiletries organized while on trips. With some basic sewing skills, you can create a quilted cosmetic bag perfect for all your upcoming vacations and weekend getaways. We'll share an easy tutorial for sewing a durable and stylish travel bag you'll love.

Choose Durable Fabrics

Since this bag will see some miles in its lifetime, be sure to start with fabrics that can withstand wear and tear. Some great options include:

Canvas: Classic canvas is affordable and comes in endless colors/prints. It resists stains well too.

Quilted cotton: Pre-quilted cotton offers thickness and padding to protect delicate items inside.

Oilcloth: The vinyl coating makes it water-resistant and a cinch to wipe clean.

Denim: Recycle old jeans into a roomy bag! Denim wears beautifully over time.

Consider a coordinating cotton fabric for the lining to keep things light. Also, pick up some batting to give your bag that essential quilted look.

Cut Out All Your Pieces

Once you've got your fabrics selected, it's time to cut out:

1 outer bag piece

1 lining piece

2 batting pieces (1 for bag, 1 for flap)

Tip: Cut batting pieces an inch smaller all around so batting won't peek out when sewing.

Use fabric chalk or pencil to mark any pattern markings for darts, pleats or pockets.

Sew Outer Bag and Flap

Sew outer bag piece to one batting piece with right sides facing, leaving an opening for turning right side out later. Clip corners, turn and press.

Repeat to make the flap, leaving an opening for turning as well. Sew flap to back of outer bag piece with raw edges aligned.

Attach Lining

With right sides together, slide outer bag inside lining piece, matching side seams and raw edges at the top. Sew around top edge and turn bag right side out.

Add Finishing Touches

Consider adding a luggage tag and carrying strap, zippered inner pockets or an appliqué with the traveler's initials.

Get ready to jet set with your custom quilted travel cosmetic bag! The options for fabrics and embellishments are endless.