My own makeup bag was in need of some attention. I don't wear a lot of makeup, hardly ever and a quick look inside my bag reveals congealed mascara, eyeshadow colors that haven't changed since the early 90's and some supermarket brand lipsticks.
I do have a couple of nice mineral foundation powders that I love and do wonders for my skin, but the rest needed to be sorted out and updated. It seemed the perfect time to throw out the old cosmetics bag and make myself a nice smart new one. So here is the Easy Cosmetics Bag Pattern.
The one I designed and made is just a little bigger than the bag I already had so that it can accommodate all the new makeup goodies I am going to buy myself, as well as a few travel-sized bottles of shampoo and shower gel I can slip in when I go on vacation.
The bag is simple, uses very little fabric (about 2/3rds of a fat quarter), has no fussy inside pockets (although you can add your own if you like), and takes me well less than 30 minutes to print the pattern, cut out and sew. But quick and simple doesn't mean it's not awesome!
It's the sort of bag that is versatile enough to be used for lots of applications, not just cosmetics and toiletries. Keep all your pens and pencils in order, use it for a small first aid kit for the car, keep it in your desk at work for a few headache pills and other personal supplies.
Make some for yourself, for gifts or to sell.
Now my husband wants one too for his shaving supplies and toiletries. I'm not sure I have the right fabric in my stash for him, but maybe something plain and manly!
Skill level – beginner. If you've never sewn a bag before, this one is perfect for you! It comes with a full step-by-step video tutorial perfect for beginners.
Materials:
- Outer fabric – 14 x 18 inches.
- Lining fabric – the same
- 9-inch zipper
- Interfacing/fleece of your choice
Included in the PDF download:
- Simple to print pattern
- Basic instructions, fabric layout
- Full video tutorial to show you how to sew the bag
I hope you like the pattern and thank you for your ‘Likes, Pins and Shares' on this project that has made it so successful.
Full Video Tutorial
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You can download this pattern for free from my design account at Payhip. Add to your pattern library and it will be there ready for you to download and print whenever you are ready to sew.
Note – you can use this pattern to make bags to sell without restriction, no credit needed.
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Thank you for this tutorial which was so easy to follow. I love the floral fabric that you used. Can I buy this fabric?
[…] an Easy Cosmetics Bag pattern that would make a perfect first sewing […]
I just made one of these bags and it turned out so cute. I wrote a blog post about the ‘Handmade Beanbag Game’ that I made it for and included a link back to you for the free pattern. Thanks so much.
I want my bag to be stiffer, what interfacing should I use? I have 987F pollen. Is that firm enough?
No this will give you body without being stiff. How stiff you want it to be? You could use a double layer or combine fusible woven interfacing and the Pellon that would be stiffer.
At the risk of repeating someone else’s question, I’m in Australia and I’m trying to print the pattern for the bag from the US Letter paper size to A4. Are the pattern measurements the same for A4 as it is in Letter (as it seems to shrink when I try to print)? If not, then what are the proper measurements so I can draft the pattern – can they please be included in an updated version of the pattern?
PS: thank you so much, I can’t wait to make the bag (with brush holder flap)!
You need to print on actual size, do not scale at all.
Thank you, Mayra, for your reply; it’s a problem my end as for some reason I can’t print to actual size, otherwise I would!
That is strange, if you want sent me a screen shot of the printing setting before you press print. Perhaps there is an advance setting somewhere that you have enable without knowing it.
Hi..i’d like to download this pattern…but i can’t find it.
Not sure why, Alex this is the most downloaded pattern in the whole website.
i cant either, ive tried clicking all the various hyperlinks. May i ask where about on this ,page it is please?
Hi Abi, here’s a direct link to the pattern page on Craftsy: https://so-sew-easy.com/l/cosmeticbag
Hi Alex, here’s a direct link to the pattern page: https://so-sew-easy.com/l/cosmeticbag
thislink still doesnt work.
Hi.
I love the easy cosmetic bag and have made two thus far. I can’t seem to get the corners on the top of the bag (at each end of the zipper) to pop out and have a crisp corner. The top of my bag curves in on each side? Can you tell if you can think of what I did wrong? Maybe the interfacings are too heavy or thick?
Hi Dee Ann without a picture is hard to know what went wrong, did you have a look at the video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW9t0HTK_7E
If you have an still have questions please send the photo at mayra@so-sew-easy.com
[…] mad with the lovely purse pattern which I found of So Sew Easy blog a few weeks ago. Here my newest purse I made yesterday. As I do not like to waste anything […]
[…] a bit of spare time I can make new, lovely things. Such as this cosmetic bag which I found over on So Sew Easy blog. You will find there a PDF with pattern to cut out and You Tube video where Debbie is showing […]
[…] – two at most! For bags, I’m hoping for no more than a weekend. This free pattern from Sew Easy Sew fit the bill. Definitely fast, definitely easy and what I really like is no exposed inside […]
I have been sewing quite awhile, making my clothes, but have never made a bag! Thank you for this pattern and for the easy beginner bag. You had pricked your finger. Thank you ever so much!
Thank you for the tutorial. It was very easy to follow and I was happy with the results. I usually sew apparel, but this was a fun and quick project.
Thank you for this pattern! I just made it and the size is just perfect!! I also used Pellon vinyl fuse for the lining, it is going to be so nice to be able to wipe the inside and keep it clean!!
I would love to see more tunic patterns to wear with leggings ??
Sorry Sorted, Chrome was not showing it but IE did
Thank you so much for this pattern, I have used it again and again to make zippy pouches for friends and family. I can easily resize it by taking an inch in or adding an inch or two, and it’s made me less afraid of sewing zippers! Thank you.
thank you for such an easy project
Wonderful bag Deby which can be used for all sorts of things. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate with a video on how to make it. I am one of those people who like visuals (lol) and thank you for the free pattern too.
HI…this is such a cute bag :). I printed the PDF off at 100% no scaling, cut my fabric only to see that my 9 inch zipper is too small. The top of the fabric measures 10inches. Should I scale this PDF to another percentage? thanks
That’s exactly as it should be Amy. The fabric is 10 inches wide, but 1/2 inch on each end is your seam allowance, leaving the 9 inch gap between the seams to exactly match the length of the zipper. This gives the nicest finish if the zipper teeth exactly matches the length of the gap. Hope it turns out nicely. If you have any question, do let me know.
Ahhhh…I’m such a newbie :). So I’m I right it thinking that you place the zipper 1/2 inch in then when you pin it….there will be 1/2 inch material on both ends then. Zippers are hard haha. Thank you so much for your speedy answer…I really appreciate it 🙂 Amy
Not a problem 🙂 Happy to help.
Deby, I can’t seem to find the how to video for the Easy Cosmetics Bag anymore? I followed the link and used it before, but now I can’t seem to find it? Please HELP! I have to finish my bag and can’t without the video! Thanks for your help! 🙂
~Jacqueline
Should still be in the same place on YouTube Jacqueline, you’ll find it here – https://youtu.be/TW9t0HTK_7E
Do let me know if that doesn’t work for some reason.
What kind of fabric would you use for the outside? Did you use just regular cotton or something stiffer to hold the shape? I’m looking forward to making these for bridesmaid gifts for my wedding. Thanks!
Yes the inner and outer fabrics and both just regular quilting cottons. The shape comes from adding on your choices of interfacing and/or fusible fleece for stability.
I’m disappointed I can’t download this because I use a Mac. I refuse to add on a browser I usually don’t need–I do have Opera that runs my Safari and that should be good enough. Feels like just another come on to me. You can unsubscibe me from the email list. Thanks.
I can assure you I have no interest whatsoever in making you use a particular computer or browser and am of course not rewarded in any way for you doing that, so this is in no way any kind of ‘come on’, whatever that means. My PDF patterns are just that, simple PDF documents and should work on any computer. I have unsubscribed you from the mailing list as you asked. Good luck in finding an alternative pattern you like.
I use a Mac computer and had NO PROBLEM at all. I don’t know what that woman is talking about. You download the pdf., goto your downloads once downloaded and you’re good to go. Silly. Thanks for all the great FREE!!!! patterns Deby! You’re awesome!
~Jacqueline Gisele
I have a Mac too, but was able to download the pattern without a problem! Wished I could help you, but I am not very technical! I have made about 10 bags now for friends. I still have to follow along with the video, but they always turn out darling! Good luck. I hope someone can help solve the Mac download problem!
I just downloaded the pattern easily on my Mac. Are you sure you clicked the correct link?
I have a MacBook Pro from 2012 running Yosemite. I had absolutely no problem downloading this pattern using Safari.
wow lol
You ARE brilliant! I just discovered you! I have been noodling around with my mom’s old sewing machine (she was a genius tailor, but I was a horrible student), anyway, in my DIY projects with and without formal patterns, I am learning how not to be so intimidated by sewing and to learn from my mistakes, etc. I am excited to try this cosmetics bag (we have a local fabric shop with loads of $3 a yard remnants) and build my ‘zipper installation confidence’–who knows maybe even be able to eventually make gifts for girlfriends! Thanks for your generosity and easy to follow patterns/videos. I am also delighted because from your photos and descriptions, we are about the same age/body type so I’m excited about the pretty and fashionable clothes on this site, too! All the best! Thank you, thank you!!!
Deby I am such a great admirer of all your work and think you are one brilliant lady. However, I am a total novice and only want to download the easy cosmetics bag but, even after watching your explanatory video, I am confused. I have pressed LIKE on my mobile phone Facebook. On my desktop pc I’ve ended up on a USA website, got an unfamiliar tool bar etc. It’s so convoluted. It just does not do “what it says on the tin”. Any chance of simplifying things please?
Hi Brenda. It should be easy. Click where it says Go to the Easy Cosmetics Bag Pattern and click there. You’ll be taken over to the page where you can download the pattern. Add it to the cart and check out – its free. No need to go to Facebook.
Deby you are a STAR, no doubt about it, a born teacher. If it wasn’t for your friendly and lovely encouraging manner I could not have progressed to where I am. I’ve always been overwhelmed and intimidated by the simplest of patterns but watching you step by step has been an absolute treat. I’ve made 5 of these super bags so far and all turned out well. Only the one with the added cosmetic brush holder is a bit wonky but that’s because I was in a hurry and didn’t take enough care! Friends think I’m so clever but it’s all down to you. Thank you so much.
Thanks so much for the pattern and tutorial. I’m tired of all the little things getting lost in the bottom of my purse, so I decided to make this. I watched the tut, then went upstairs to make the bag. Only had one problem (which I easily fixed), and that was most likely a memory issue. Bag turned out great.
Wonderful Karen, glad to hear you had success with this. I’ve got so many of these now, they are ideal for so many things. Enjoy!
Loved making my first make-up bag! I used hawaiian print and they came out beautiful. I just have to work on getting zipper corners to match. Any tips. I’m new at sewing.
It can certainly be a challenge. In the sewing chat group we’ve been talking about this a lot recently and in the files section we now have a resources file with links to some good tutorials. Why not join us there and check it out. https://www.facebook.com/groups/soseweasychat/
What a fun project! I am obsessed. I have made three bags this week. I still have to watch your video as I sew along, but I have had great success so far! I haven’t sewn in a zipper for probably 40 years! Thank you so much for getting me back into sewing with no frustration!! I am going to make these to give as gifts for Birthdays and Christmas.
Makes me happy to know you’ve had success with this project Diane, and yes they can become addictive and so quick once you get the hang of it. They are ideal for making in advance and keeping in a drawer for unexpected birthdays.
I finally got the download to work! But what are the dimensions of your pattern? I bought a 14″ zipper, does that matter
No it doesn’t matter if the zip is too long. You can sew it in as normal and then trim off the ends you don’t need. In fact, having a longer zip makes it easier to install.
I have been trying to download this pattern and it is not working, I have subscribed and liked you on facebook and followed you on pinterest but the only thing it is acknowledging is the pinterest. What am I doing wrong??
Have you completed the actions through the box itself Stephanie? If you went to FB and visited there it doesn’t know that, same with the other items. You have to complete the action through the box on the page to get the check mark. And then it should work just fine. Sorry you are having trouble. Drop me an email if you are still stuck.
Thumbs up!! 3 Cheers! Excellent teacher! Thank you so much for sharing it all.
Hi Deby,
I’m not seeing link to download the pattern? Is it still on this page?
Thank you!
I’ll get my downloading and printing guru to write to you and talk you through it Tonja. You’ll hear from Frankie shortly.
well I shared you on my facebook page but have no pattern” what am I doing wrong?
Do you see the social box at the bottom of the article? It asks that you complete any 2 of the follow, visit or tweet actions and then a big download button appears in the box. There isn’t any need to share on your personal facebook page, but thanks for doing so.
How can I download PDF free patterns?
Can you be more specific Diane? Do you mean my patterns? Any patterns? One pattern in particular? You might find this article useful – https://so-sew-easy.com/download-print-pdf-sewing-patterns/
These make-up bags are wonderful, thank you very much for this lovely tutorial. It was one of the first things I learned to sew and I made quite a few of those last autumn – loved it! Now most of them are gone (perfect gifts for friends, etc.), but I have posted some photos on my blog under the label “sew-so-easy” 🙂 You are welcome to have a look: http://rigoleta-at-home.blogspot.com/search/label/so-sew-easy (every post contains more photos under “Read more”)
Have a happy and creative spring, dear Deby. All the best!
Wow Rigoleta, you’ve sewn a LOT of these bags and each of them beautiful and useful. I particularly like the giraffe print one and how you’ve added the contrast fabric. Thanks for sharing what you made.
Thank you for sharing this pattern! I made this bag last night!
Yay, well done Elaine. Any pictures?
How I wish I could agree on how simple the bag was to make. It may have been for someone not as silly as my self! It was my first attempt at putting in a zip or a zipper as you call it. Have had a few false starts I think I have mastered it now, no way was I going to let it beat me. My problem I have to confess to, is not taking my time and not watching the video more carefully. Will be much more careful in the future but did enjoy the finished bag, have not worked out how to take a photo of it yet to send, so this could be my next project!! Kate
Now you have those skills mastered, you can only get better and better and faster at this going forward. Soon it will be second nature. I’d love to see what you made. Maybe upload a photo to the forum here – http://soseweasy.ning.com. There is a Show and Tell section for your projects.
Thanks! Sure! I posted pictures on my blog. http://bouquetofcrafts.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-new-blog-first-post-and-few-projects.html
Your bag is 100% adorable. That fabric is delicious!
I do not seem to be able to find the video of how to make the cosmetic bag. I have the pattern but I would like to see as well as read how to put it together.
The link to the video is on page 4 of the instructions you have. Where is says in bold red ” This sewing tutorial is in video format. Click the image below to be taken to
YouTube.” Click on the image to go through to the video.
I made two of these bags for Christmas gifts (one for a church circle Christmas gift exchange and one for my aunt for her gift). They were quick and easy to make and turned out wonderfully.
I honestly never thought that I would be able to follow along with a video tutorial; however, I found that I really enjoyed yours. It actually made it a lot easier than reading the instructions. Especially loved the cat visit at the end (love black cats…well, all cats really).
Thanks for a great tutorial and gift idea! Happy New Year!
what are the seam allowances?
thank you
The seam allowance is set out under Directions on page 4. It should be 0.5 inches, in case you missed it.
This is my first cosmetic bag. What stabilizer do you recommend?
I only have access to a very limited range here, so I just have to go with what I can get. For mine, I used a Decor Bond which is a quite crisp and stiff interfacing then doubled up with a fusible fleece for softness and padding. Good luck with the sewing – send a photo when you are done.
I’ve been looking for some easy Christmas projects…this looks perfect! Thanks for the download!
I made one today! Thanks for the great video and directions. I love how it turned out. This was the first time I put in a zipper, so I had to youtube directions on that. Thanks so much!
Hi deby would you be able to make a pattern for a knitting/crochet project bag. They’re the big crave at the minute and theyd go like hot cakes. Zippered or drawstring would be awesome. This bag is perfect but I haven’t made it yet so I don’t know if knitting would fit or not. Them 2 coloured drawstring bags, like printed fabric on the bottom with a solid colour brim are really nice. Anyways thanks for the amazing pattern and your other ones look great can’t wait to see the rest
Do you have any links you can add for examples of the sort of bag you are looking for? What features should it have?
I don’t wear make up and never have much but I so want to make this bag today to hold all of my meds when I go to the dr. Yes, I have that many, sad I know. But thank you for the pattern and easy instructions. Love coming to your page just to gander. Thanks
I’ve made this one so many times now because it’s always the perfect size whatever I want to store or carry in it. But yes, sorry about all the meds.