How to Sew a Lined Cosmetic Bag

A lined cosmetic bag looks professional on the inside while allowing you to showcase fun outer fabric prints and patterns. Learning how to sew a bag with lining is a useful skill for creating all kinds of sturdy storage pouches and cases. With some easy construction steps, you'll have a finished makeup bag that's as neat and tidy on the inside as you look on the outside!

Pick Pretty Exterior Fabrics

Since a lined bag hides the insides, feel free to get creative with decorative fabrics for the outer shell. Quilting cottons, canvas, brocades and tapestries all make statement cosmetic bag exteriors. Just be sure your fabric choice is durable enough to withstand daily use. Purchase enough to cut two identical outer pieces with pattern allowances.

Choose Practical Lining Fabrics

The lining hides inside your bag, so focus on functionality over looks. Go for lightweight cottons, satins or even water-resistant fabrics to protect your makeup tools. Match your lining and outer fabric proportions. Lining pieces are usually cut identically to outer pieces.

Fuse Interfacing for Structure

Interfacing gives support between the outer and lining fabrics. Medium to heavy duty fusible interfacing works best for most cosmetic bag patterns. Before cutting lining and outer pieces, fuse interfacing to the wrong side of each fabric following manufacturer's instructions.

Sew Outer and Lining Pieces

With right fabric sides facing up, sew together outer pieces using a 1⁄2 inch seam allowance. Repeat for lining pieces, leaving an opening for turning later. Clip curves, trim corner seam allowances and press pieces.

Insert Lining Into Outer Shell

Place outer bag and lining wrong sides together, matching side seams and bottom raw edges. The outer fabric should fully enclose the lining. Pin carefully along the top edges, then stitch all around the opening perimeter to attach lining to outer shell.

Finish With Topstitching

Pull open bag through the hole left in the lining side. Push lining neatly into outer bag and press top edges. Topstitch around the top perimeter for a clean finish and to neatly secure the lining in place inside the outer bag.

Add Closures and Embellishments

With the structure complete, add any closures like zippers, buttons, Velcro or magnets. For a professional touch, sew on leather luggage labels or decorative embroidered patches.

As you can see, learning how to sew a lined bag is easy with some key steps. Turn the lining right side out through the side opening, then cleverly hide it away inside the stylish exterior shell for a neatly finished cosmetic case that's durable enough for everyday use.