Sewing a Stylish Cosmetic Bag Purse

Tired of tiny makeup bags? With some basic sewing skills, you can create a roomy and elegant cosmetic bag purse perfect for holding all your daily essentials in style.

In this easy tutorial, we'll guide you through selecting fabrics, constructing the bag, adding neat finishes, and customizing the design to suit your needs. You'll have a fabulously functional handbag when you're done!

Pick Pretty Purse Fabrics

Start by gathering these sewing supplies:

Outer fabric - 1 yard of medium-weight cotton, canvas, upholstery fabric or quilting cotton

Lining fabric - Matching lightweight fabric so items are visible

Interfacing - 1 yard of medium-weight fusible for structure

Zipper - 9-inch all-purpose zipper with open end stops

Handles - Premade handles, leather straps, or ribbon

Choosing coordinating fabrics is key for a polished look. Play with patterns and textures that you adore!

Prepare the Exterior Fabric

Cut two 13" x 17" rectangles from outer fabric for the bag front and back. Interface each piece with a matching 13 x 17" rectangle of fusible interfacing to add body and durability.

Then, cut two 13" x 5" strips for the bag sides. Mark dots 5" from the top and bottom edges of the large rectangles for handle placement.

Sew the Exterior Shell

With right sides facing, stitch the 13" sides of the large pieces together along the 5" side strips using 1⁄2 inch seam allowance. Press seams open.

Attach zipper centered across the top 13" edge using a zipper foot. Press fabric away from zipper teeth. Topstitch both sides of zipper tape.

Create a Lining

From lining fabric, cut:

2 rectangles 13" x 17"

2 strips 13" x 5"

Sew together exactly as you did for the outer shell, but leave a 4-inch opening along one side seam for turning.

Shape the Bag and Finish

Slip lining inside exterior shell with right sides together, matching side seams and zipper tape. Sew all the way around the perimeter using 1⁄2 inch seam allowance.

Clip corners, turn through opening, and press. Sew lining opening closed. Topstitch along top edges of the lining and outer fabric for a clean look.

Add Handles or Straps

To complete your cosmetic bag purse, secure handles or straps to the dots marked earlier for placing. Consider adding extra pockets inside for organization.

Now enjoy your custom handbag creation! With pretty patterns and quality construction, no one has to know this roomy bag started out as a humble makeup pouch.