Sewing a Chic Cosmetic Bag: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Want to organize your beauty products in style? Creating a custom cosmetic bag is an easy introductory sewing project that looks way more advanced than it is! In this tutorial, we'll walk through all the basics from choosing fabrics and cutting pieces to sewing professional finishes.

Even if you're just learning how to use a sewing machine, you can make a gorgeous cosmetic case to be proud of by following our beginner-friendly tips. So grab some cute fabrics and let's get started!

Fabric and Materials

You'll need about 1⁄3 yard each of:

Exterior fabric – Canvas, quilting cotton or medium-weight fabric

Lining fabric – Matching lightweight fabric so contents are visible

Fusible interfacing – Gives structure to exterior

9" zipper – All-purpose zipper with open end stops

Thread – Matching all-purpose thread

Cutting Out the Pieces

Start by cutting fabric rectangles:

2 pieces 11" x 15" exterior fabric

2 pieces 11" x 15" lining fabric

2 pieces 11" x 15" interfacing

Use interfacing to reinforce the exterior pieces. Then trim everything to 10.5" x 14.5" to account for 1⁄2 inch seam allowances.

Install the Zipper

Installing the zipper might seem tricky, but goes smooth with a zipper foot. Here's how:

Center closed zipper face-down on right side of exterior piece. Stitch close to teeth on both sides.

Press fabric away from zipper. Topstitch both sides of tape for a clean finish.

Repeat to install zipper on lining piece. Check zipper opens and closes with ease.

Assemble the Lining and Exterior

With right sides together, sew together the side and bottom seams of both lining and exterior pieces using 1⁄2 inch seam allowance. Press seams open.

Nestle exterior and lining pieces into each other with right sides facing and raw edges aligned. Pin then sew around the perimeter, leaving a 3-inch opening in the bottom of the lining.

Shape the Bag

Clip corners and turn the bag right-side out through the opening. Use a point turner to ensure corners are fully popped out.

Press the bag flat, pushing out the corners nicely. Edge stitch around the top opening.

Finish It Off

Tuck in the lining and stitch the opening closed either by hand or machine. Add any interior pockets as desired.

Topstitch all the way around the top edge for a professional finish. Fill with beauty essentials and enjoy your custom creation!