How to Make a DIY Makeup Bag with Handles

 

This DIY makeup bag with handles is the perfect little wide open makeup bag for all of your makeup.  This is a fun and functional sewing project that looks complicated but is not really if you follow the steps.  There is a zipper in this makeup bag but it is pretty simple too install.  In fact, this is the perfect project to try your zipper skills.  There is a little bit of piece work here too because of the different colors of fabric used on the outer portions of the bag.  You will get to try all kinds of different techniques in this little bag but none of them are difficult.  If you would like to learn how to make the plaster dipped rose jars in the photo check out my post here.  

I chose cotton fabric in two different colors for the outer shell of this bag and a solid color for the lining.  All of these fabrics were purchased at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores but you could head to Fabric.com, Hobby Lobby or onlinefabricstrore.net to get exactly what you need for your DIY makeup bag with handles.  This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

What you will Need: How to Make a DIY Makeup Bag with Handles

• Pattern you can get by clicking on this link
• 1/4 yd solid colored fabric for outer bag
• 1/4 yd patterned fabric for outer fabric
• 1/2 yd lining fabric
• 1/4 yd fusible fleece like Pellon TP 971F
• 14.5″ zipper I used a continuous zipper that I shortened

Step 1: Cut your Fabrics

Cut two pieces of outer patterned fabric to measure 8 5/8″ x  6″

Cut two solid outer fabric pieces that measure 4 3/4″ x 6″, 3 1/8″ x 2″, 2 3/8″ x 8 7/8″

Two lining pieces that measure 13″ x 6″

Using the Pattern Piece cut two Pieces of Fusible fleece on the fold.

Step 2: Stitch the Outer Pieces of the makeup bag

Place one outer patterned piece right sides together with one solid piece that measures 4 3/4″ x 6″ and stitch them together using a 3/8″ seam allowance.  Repeat with the other two outer pieces reversing the order.

Step 3: Fuse the Fleece Pieces

Fuse the fleece pieces on the wrong side of the outer pieces you just stitched.  Topstitch on both sides of the seam joining the two outer pieces.  

Step 4: Cut Around the Fleece

Place one of the outer pieces onto one of the lining pieces and trim around the fleece pattern piece leaving a 3/8″ seam allowance.  Repeat for the other outer and lining piece.  

Step 5: Create the Handles and Tabs of the Makeup Bag

Create the handles and tabs of the makeup bag by folding the long raw edges to the center and pressing.  Fold in half to enclose the raw edges and press.  Stitch along the long edges on each side.  

Step 6: Add the Handles

Find the center of the top rounded portions of the outer pieces and mark.  Measure 1 1/2″ on each side and make another mark.  Place the ends of the handles on those marks and stitch them to the outer pieces using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Step 7: Add the Zipper

Find the center of the zipper and mark on both sides by clipping a small notch.  Place one outer piece right sides up on your work surface.  Lay the zipper right sides down onto the outer piece matching the center notch with the center mark you previously made and pin.  Stitch the zipper to the outer piece near the teeth using a zipper foot.  Lay a lining piece right sides down onto the zipper.  Stitch the lining piece to the zipper and outer piece close to the zipper teeth.  Turn the piece right sides out and press.  Topstitch along the zipper.  Repeat this entire process for the other side of the zipper using the other outer piece and lining piece.  

Step 8: Stitch the Bottoms

Place the two outer pieces right sides together and the lining pieces right sides together and pin.  Stitch along the outer bottom using a 3/8″ seam allowance.  Sew along the lining bottom using a 3/8″ seam allowance but leave an opening in the bottom for turning.

 

Step 9: Box the Corners

You will see that there is an opening at each of the corners. Pinch the sides and the bottoms together to form a straight line.  Before stitching insert the tabs through the outer corners then line up the lining corners with the outer corners to make the line.  Stitch along the line through the outer corner, tab and lining corner using a 3/8″ seam allowance.  

Step 10: Turn and finish the DIY Makeup Bag with Handles

Reach inside the opening in the lining and pull the outer bag through until the whole makeup bag is right sides out.  Stitch the opening closed find ladder stitch or your machine and you have competed your DIY makeup bag with handles.  

I hope you enjoyed this makeup bag project. If you would like more sewing and crafting projects sign up for our newsletter and receive your free eBook of 15 handbag patterns and tutorials taken from the blog.  

 

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