How to Sew a Roll Up Cosmetic Travel Bag

A roll up cosmetic bag makes packing for trips super easy. When laid flat, it takes up hardly any space. Then when you reach your destination, simply unroll it to reveal organized storage for all your toiletries! Sewing your own roll up beauty case ensures it's the perfect size for your needs. With some straightforward sewing, you can create a custom cosmetics carrier suited to your style.

Pick Durable Base Fabric

Since your makeup case will see a lot of use, select a sturdy fabric for the base layer that will withstand wear and tear:

Canvas - Hardwearing and flexible

Denim - Strong with nice texture

Quilted Fabric - Offers built-in padding

Purchase enough yardage to cut your pattern pieces with extra for handles and customizable pockets.

Choose Coordinating Accent Fabrics

The wonderful thing about roll up bags is all the visible surfaces when unfurled! Have fun picking accent fabrics to showcase in the inner pockets and flaps. Quilting cottons offer lots of colorful and graphic prints to show off your personal style.

Consider Interfacing Reinforcements

Fusible interfacing adds structure and support to your bag. Consider adding it to the main base piece that gets rolled, as well as pocket and flap areas that will hold heavier makeup items to prevent stretching over time.

Mark Roll Lines Clearly

Once your pattern is cut out, carefully mark guidelines for sewing, folding and rolling. Transfer any markings by tracing wheel, tailor's chalk or fabric pen. Clear lines are key for assembly.

Sew Outer Shell Pieces

With right sides facing, sew together outer fabric pieces starting at the base. Reinforce stitches over roll lines for added strength. Leave top open for turning and lining later. Make handy pockets, dividers and see-through mesh compartments.

Create Matching Lining

Sew together coordinating lining pieces the same way, leaving an opening for turning right side out. Tip - add extra interior pockets for hidden storage!

Attach Straps or Hardware

If adding a carrying handle or shoulder strap, attach to outer shell now using reinforcement stitching to support heavier loads. Rivet on metal feet, D-rings or clips too.

Insert Lining and Whipstitch Edges

Slip stitched lining inside outer shell, matching side seams and raw edges. Ladder stitch the opening closed then whipstitch along top edges to seamlessly combine lining and shell.

Add Fasteners to Keep Rolled

Sew on snaps, buttons, Velcro or toggles to fasten the rolled up bag closed. Decorative brooches or leather ties also work nicely.

With the right fabrics and fasteners, you can customize a roll up makeup bag to keep your beauty routine organized yet compact for travel convenience.