This little boxy bag is practical, pretty, and especially fun to make in fabrics you love! Combine florals, stripes, solids, or fabric left over from another project to create your own look.
The bag is constructed from a single continuous body piece that wraps around two rounded rectangular ends. A zipper across the top creates a wide opening, while small fabric tabs finish the ends of the zipper.
Add a coordinating lining for a pretty interior, then finish the exposed seams with bias tape for an extra-polished result.
Why You’ll Love Making This Bag
It’s incredibly satisfying to turn a few pieces of fabric and a zipper into a polished little bag you’ll use all the time! The finished cosmetic bag looks like something you might find in a lovely gift shop, but you get to make it completely your own.
Play with color and pattern, customize the size, and add pretty details that fit your style. Fill it with makeup, toiletries, or everyday essentials, or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift. Once you make one, you may find yourself planning several more! For another simple project, try this drawstring bag tutorial or this drawstring bag pattern for a polished version with French seams.
At-a-Glance
Skill level Adventurous Beginner
Time 1-2 hours
Closure Type Zipper, 3-4 inches longer than body piece
Finished Size 8½ × 5 × 5 inches
Notions 12-13 Inch Nylon Coil Zipper
Lining: Optional
Materials
Below are the things you’ll need for this project. Shoppable affiliate links are included.
Supply List
Free PDF pattern coming soon!
Exterior fabric ½ yard
Lining Fabric optional, ½ yard
Fusible Interfacing or foam stabilizer, optional
Nylon Coil Zipper 3 to 4 inches longer than the body piece
Bias Tape for finishing inside, optional
Coordinating Thread
Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Cutting mat
Ruler Omni brand
Sewing Clips or Pins
Sewing machine Janome
Iron and Ironing Board
Point Turner or another blunt tool
Choosing Fabric
Cotton canvas, quilting cotton, linen blends, and lightweight home décor fabrics are all good choices for this cosmetic bag. Use quilting cotton, such as fat quarters, with fusible fleece, foam stabilizer, or batting to add structure to the bag. Pre-quilted fabric is another convenient option.
For the lining, choose quilting cotton or another lightweight woven fabric. A light-colored lining can make small items easier to see inside the finished pouch.
Canvas, denim, or pre-quilted fabric can also be used without a lining. Finish any exposed raw edges with a serger, zigzag stitch, or bias tape.
Continue sewing small accessories with this coin purse pattern or a full-size DIY handbag, then add a pretty bag handle scarf.
Instructions
Follow the steps below to turn your prepared fabric pieces into a roomy, boxy cosmetic bag.
First, choose how you will add structure. I used pre-quilted fabric, but you can also quilt exterior fabric to batting or apply fusible fleece. Complete any quilting before cutting the pattern pieces, then cut the lining separately. You could also include the lining in the quilting.
The trick to using a single continuous body piece is to start with a zipper several inches longer than the bag. This allows you to sew both sides of the zipper while the fabric lies flat.
1 Prepare the Fabric
Cut Fabric Using the Printable Pattern
Exterior – 1 body and 2 rounded end panels
Lining, optional – 1 body and 2 rounded end panels
Coordinating fabric – 2 zipper binding strips and 1 zipper tab strip (cut in half in step 8)
Fusible interfacing or foam stabilizer, optional – 1 body and 2 rounded end panels
If using fusible interfacing, apply it to the wrong side of the exterior pieces according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For a lined bag, place each lining piece behind its matching exterior piece, wrong sides together. Baste or serge around the edges and treat the paired layers as one during construction. For an unlined bag, finish fraying edges with a serger or zigzag stitch.
Optional: You may quilt the exterior, batting, and lining together instead. Quilt the layers before cutting the pattern pieces, then treat the quilted fabric as one layer.
2 Press the Zipper Strips and Tabs
Fold each zipper binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. (The photo above shows this first pressing step only.) Open it, fold both raw edges toward the center crease, and press again. Open the strip flat before attaching it.
Prepare the zipper tabs in the same way, but leave them folded until needed in step 8.
3 Sew the Zipper Strips
Place one opened zipper strip along each long edge of the body, right sides together. Align one raw edge of the strip with the body edge, then sew along the first pressed crease.
4 Fold the Zipper Strips
Fold each zipper strip over the seam and toward the inside of the body. Tuck the raw edge under along the pressed crease, then press and clip it in place.
5 Topstitch
Stitch close to the folded edge. Repeat along the opposite side.
6 Add the Zipper
Use a zipper that is 3 to 4 inches longer than the body piece. Open it as far as possible and extend the joined end beyond the fabric. This gives you enough room to position and sew both sides while the continuous body lies flat. Attach a zipper foot to your sewing machine, if available.
Place one side of the zipper tape beneath one finished edge and stitch it in place. Position the other zipper tape beneath the opposite finished edge, checking that the zipper is not twisted, and sew it in place.
Close the zipper to check the alignment. The body will now form a tube.
7 Finish the Zipper
This is what the installed zipper should look like from the inside. Make sure the zipper slider is positioned between the two ends of the bag before continuing.
8 Attach the Zipper Tabs
Stitch across each zipper end several times to create a new zipper stop. Trim off the excess zipper, leaving approximately ¼ to ½ inch beyond the stitching.
Cut the prepared zipper tab strip from Step 2 in half to create two tabs. Fold each, then place one tab over each zipper end with the folded edge pointing inward toward the bag and the raw edges aligned with the edge of the zipper binding.
Stitch through all layers to secure the tab. Repeat at the opposite end of the zipper.
9 Attach the End Panels
Leave the zipper partially open. With right sides together, match the center marks on one rounded end panel with the zipper, bottom, and two sides of the body. Clip the four matching points first, then continue clipping around the panel.
Sew around the end panel with a ¼-inch seam allowance. Repeat with the second end panel. Finish the exposed seams with a serger, zigzag stitch, or bias tape.
10 Finish the Bag
Turn the bag right side out through the open zipper and gently shape the rounded corners.
For more fun sewing projects, try this hobo bag pattern, apron sewing pattern, or printable headband pattern.
Variations
Add an Interior Pocket
Add a small slip pocket to the lining for organizing lipstick, jewelry, hair ties, or other little items. Sew the pocket to the lining before assembling the bag, keeping it away from the zipper and end-panel seam allowances.
Add a Carrying Loop
Make one zipper tab longer to create a convenient loop for carrying or hanging the bag. You could also add a swivel clasp or small D-ring for attaching a removable wrist strap.
Create a Patchwork Exterior
Piece together coordinating fabric scraps before cutting the body and end panels. Florals, stripes, checks, and solids can create a charming patchwork design that makes every bag unique.
Personalize the Bag
Add a monogram, embroidered name, decorative label, or small fabric tag before assembling the bag. A personalized cosmetic bag makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, bridesmaids, teachers, or travelers.
Highlight the Zipper
Choose a contrasting zipper and coordinating binding to make the top of the bag stand out. A colorful zipper can become a fun design detail instead of simply blending into the fabric.
Add Decorative Quilting
Try diagonal lines, a diamond grid, gentle curves, or another quilting design before cutting the pattern pieces. Contrasting thread can highlight the quilting, while matching thread creates a softer look.
Make It Water-Resistant
Use waterproof canvas, laminated cotton, or another wipeable fabric for the lining. Sewing clips are helpful with coated fabrics because pins may leave permanent holes.
Change the Length
Make the bag longer or shorter by adjusting the length of the continuous body piece. Keep the body width and rounded end panels unchanged to preserve the original height and depth.
A longer version could hold brushes, hair tools, or sewing supplies. A shorter version would make a cute everyday pouch.
Add a Removable Bottom Insert
Cut a piece of plastic canvas or firm stabilizer slightly smaller than the bottom of the finished bag. Cover it with coordinating fabric and place it inside to help the bag hold its shape.
Make a Coordinating Set
Use the same fabric combination to create cosmetic bags in several sizes. Make one for makeup, another for toiletries, and a smaller version for jewelry, medications, or charging cords. A coordinating set would also make a lovely handmade gift.
For pet-friendly projects, try a free sewing pattern! Sew a poop bag holder for daily walks or make a dog bandana pattern in your favorite fabric.
Helpful Tips
Open the Zipper
Leave the zipper at least halfway open before attaching the final end panel.
Use Plenty of Clips
Place clips at short intervals around each rounded end to keep the layers aligned.
Sew Slowly
Use a shorter stitch length and pause frequently to adjust the fabric around the curves.
Test the Fit
Clip the entire end panel to the body before sewing. The markings should match without stretching or gathering the fabric.
Reduce Bulk
Trim excess batting from the seam allowances if the layers become too thick. Be careful not to cut through the stitching.
FAQs
Yes. A beginner can sew this cosmetic bag with basic sewing skills and some experience with zippers. Sewing the rounded end panels takes a little patience, so clip them carefully and stitch slowly around the curves.
Cotton canvas, quilting cotton with stabilizer, pre-quilted cotton, and lightweight home décor fabric are all great choices. Use lighter fabric with fusible fleece, foam stabilizer, or batting for added structure.
A lining is optional, but it adds a pretty interior finish and can provide additional structure. Cover the exposed seams with bias tape for the neatest result.
A nylon coil zipper works well because it is flexible and easy to shorten. Choose one 3 to 4 inches longer than the bag so you can sew both sides while the continuous body lies flat, then trim it before adding the zipper tabs.
This pretty and free makeup bag sewing pattern is a fun way to combine your favorite fabrics while creating something useful. Make one for yourself, then make another in a special fabric combination for a thoughtful handmade gift.
If you make a DIY cosmetic bag, let me know in the comments below! I love seeing your creations. Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and subscribe to my newsletter for more sewing inspiration.
xo,
Cindy
Did you try this project?
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Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
This pattern creates such a lovely, cushy bag that’s perfect for gifting! It would be so pretty in florals, stripes, patchwork, or even repurposed fabric. Please leave any sewing questions below. I’m always happy to help!