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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Drop into the new sewing chat group anytime and ask a question, share a project you are working on or just chat with the other sewers. See you there.
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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I would love to explore more of this site and take advantage of the free patterns and tutorials to improve my sewing skills, however I do not have a facebook account nor do I want to get one. Is there any other way to be to view these free patterns? I tried to check out the pattern for the cosmetics bag.
I’ll send you the cosmetics bag Patty, but that’s the only one that’s on Facebook. None of the others need you to go to Facebook so feel free to check them out.
I asked the very same question about a month ago about getting the pattern cause I don’t have a Facebook account nor do I want one and no one ever replied back to me. I’ve looked everywhere for a pattern like this and have never been able to find one. Is there any way I might be able to get the pattern? Thanks so much
I can see from my email history that I did send it to you the same day that you asked for it. But often emails with attachments that come from people who are not in your address book are either sent to your spam folder or even stopped by your ISP and never delivered. I’m sending it again today and hope second time lucky. I do reply to every single email from my readers, everyone is important to me.
That would be so appreciated. And good to know that this is the only pattern you need facebook for. I am anxiously awaiting the pattern. =)
Hello Deby, I want to thank you for this excellent tutorial. I finished s two cosmetics bags and uploaded photos on my blog. I leave the link to my post if you want to see the result. Very nice tutorial, great video, I just want to say thank you!!!!!
I can’t add the link…but I think you know where to find me 🙂
Marisa from passion et couture
Just popped over to say hi and pin your awesome bags to Pinterest. Thanks for sharing, they look really nice. I like the way you split the pattern to use different fabrics. Very nice.
Thanks for the great pattern and the video tutorial was just what I needed.
Like others I am a very visual person so the video was great. It took me almost 2 hours to make this bag : ). It will be a Christmas gift for my niece who just started wearing makeup and I added a monogram to the front of the bag for her which is what added the extra time. Would send you a picture if I knew how lol.
That is such a nice idea. I’m glad you found the video useful too. I actually prefer it over photos, both as a reader and a publisher. My photography skills are terrible so its easier to show things in 3d on a video I think. Now you know how to sew the bag, your next one will be much quicker.
Deby, In have just returned to sewing after a long break of years! spent my teens working as an interior design apprentice and have made all soft furnishings, this pattern has been brilliant, really got my groove back! its so easy to use and your video is brilliant too. Thanks so so much
Nikki
Wow, you must have some great sewing and upholstery skills Nikki. Glad you’re back into sewing.
OK been trying to download now for half an hour..followed all instructions and it will download to the computer ok, but will not show up as pdf…or print. Please help.
Hi Jean, sorry you’ve been having trouble. So you managed to download the pattern to your computer OK from Google Drive but can’t open or print it. re you trying to open it in Adobe Reader or a different software. Can you send me an email to deby@so-sew-easy.com with what you are doing, what software you are using and what happens or what error messages you get and I’ll try to help out.
Hi Deby, I noticed when you’re making this comestic bag that you used both interfacing and fusible Fleece. Now I have medium weight interfacing, firstly will that do to make this bag? Do I need to use the fleece or can I use two sheets of interfacing? If I need the fleece what weight should I buy? Sorry about all the questions but I’m an absolute noivce. Miriam
I understand Miriam. Being on a small island I only have access to a very limited range of materials, especially for interfacing and fleece etc so that’s why I’m always using the same type over and over again in all my projects. I have a Decor Bond interfacing which is actually pretty stiff and a bit ‘paper-like’. That works out just great on all of my bags. I also have a Pellon fusible fleece for when I want to add some padding or make a bag hold its shape more than just the interfacing alone. You can certainly work with what you have available. Try the one layer of interfacing and see how the fabric feels. You can certainly double up if it needs it. Or interface both the outer and the lining too. When the pattern testing team were working on the Carry All Bag, there were a huge variety of fabric stabilisers used because people all have access to different things. Just a case of giving it a try and seeing how it works out for you. I hope you are happy with the result.
It is both pathetic and disturbing that Google Drive does NOT grant immediate access to the file – instead one is prompted to “sign in”…. so one gets a (wrong) impression it is not available unless one has a Google account… I realize the fault is with Google, but, really, can’t you find a more friendly way for distribution (like maybe Dropbox)? (Written by Gigi’s husband, who had to rescue her attempt to get the pattern)…..
Hi Gigi – over the last 12 months, I’ve tried all sorts of ways to make patterns and downloads easily available to everyone and reliable to download and it seems there is no one way that works well for everyone and on all browsers and devices. I did try Dropbox for a while, but people kept getting problems with their virus software with this one and kept writing to me thinking the file was infected with a virus when it wasn’t. Seeing everyone is familiar with Google and usually has a login, knows Google is safe etc, this seems to be the best way right now. But even with this one, people get confused and see the preview of the front page, and can’t find the rest, don’t realise they have to download it etc, plus the problem you had yourself. With more than 11,000 downloads of my patterns every month, I can assure you its a headache! I’m sorry that there doesn’t seem to be a perfect solution that works for everyone.
Thank you for the free pattern – I’m newly retired and this is just what I need to get myself back at my sewing machine!
While it’s obvious you and others like your ideas to be liked on Facebook, I’m not liking Facebook, so I’m not going to bribe you to get a pattern I don’t need. In fact, I don’t want anything to do with Facebook and you cannot bribe me to have any contact with Facebook to get a pattern I can figure out how to make virtually any type of cosmetic bag myself. Forcing interaction with Facebook has proved to be a strategy of alienation, Unless your motive is to support Facebook unconditionally, you might want to rethink your strategies. I’ll probably delete my email address from your independent site instead of interact with Facebook. Good luck with your gimmicks and bribery.
Sorry to see you go Sourpuss and sorry that you didn’t see the fun in this idea. Sounds like you really hate Facebook! I would have happily sent you the pattern if you had just asked.
I can see why this person chooses sourpuss for their name… Sorry you had to read that. Your reply was superb though. Very polite…Don’t worry yourself over people like this, most of us are good peeps lol. Thank you not only for the free patterns, but also showing us how to do it. I’m a visual learner for some things and it really helps me a lot. After I’ve made one of your projects I’d love to show you.
Ah yes, I remember this one. I thought it was a bit of an over-reaction. I do work quite hard to bring interesting and useful free content and wasn’t exactly asking for a lot in return, or so I thought. But a ‘like’ on Facebook is apparently akin to selling your soul in return for a free pattern she didn’t even want anyway. Makes me chuckle to look back on it now. Thanks for your positive comment. I’d love to see what you make.
Can you put me on your mailing list??
I just added you to the weekly mailing list Jerri. Thanks for getting in touch. The newsletter comes out every Sunday morning.
This is such a cute bag. Thank you for the free pattern!
Hi Deby –
Thanks so much for letting me become an evil henchman. I love my new bag and it holds ALL THE PRETTY THINGS. Here’s my project page on Craftsy:
http://www.craftsy.com/project/view/first-zipper-first-bag-first-lining/171345
With your video tutorial, the actual project (not withstanding sewing machine tension issues, small children underfoot issues, large husband underfoot issues, and homework galore) took maybe an hour and a half. And I love it! It’s not a perfect job, but considering how many firsts it took on, it is absolutely perfect to me.
Thank you again,
Your loyal hench(wo)man
Yay, Suzanne. Congratulations on your new bag, and on sewing so many firsts. It looks great and thank you so much for sharing. I love to see what’s been made and although its your first try, it looks like you made a great job. Now you know how to do it, the next one will take minutes and you’ll find it so easy you’ll be looking for excuses to sew another!
thanks can’t wait to try it!
Oh, I’d much rather be in the Caymans!! I’m a water baby stuck in snow land *sigh* Enjoy your sun and water for me. 🙂 I’ll live vicariously by your photos
Congratulations, Deby! This was most clicked on project this week, everyone loved it! Thanks for sharing it!
I love this pattern & have just made the bag in 2 hours flat – including choosing the fabrics!
You and your evil plan! You are so funny! 🙂
hugs x, Crystelle
you crack me up. why wouldn’t we help you in your evil plan. love this little bags. i hate zippers but think i may give it another try. thanks for linking up to the all things pretty party.
Your bag is so cute and your video a big help in understanding the construction. Can’t wait to make one or two or three!!!! Do you think enlarging the pattern a bit would work as I want to make one for my daughter who carries everything imaginable in her handbag? Thanks for sharing all your great ideas and projects!
Yes you could certainly make it larger or smaller easily. Just cut through the middle, open up the pieces and tape some paper in the gap. You could do this in either direction to make it wider and taller. Or increase in size overall by increasing on a photocopier. Thanks for leaving a comment Karen.
Thank you for the bag pattern! It’s an adorable bag, I really want to make some for my sisters and nieces, oh! and my daughters!!!
Hi, Deby – I’m a lurker and have downloaded some of your patterns (halfway through the gathered shirt right now) from Craftsy. Can I please be an evil henchman instead of using Facebook? I think I’d be very good at it…
Desperately needing a new cosmetics bag,
Suzanne
I’m sending you details of my evil plan now Suzanne. Only the most evil henchmen will succeed.
Hello Deby,
thank you very much for the pattern and for the video too.
Cristina.
You are very welcome Cristina. When you finish your bag, would you post it to the Facebook page? There are so many downloads, I’m hoping to see some of the finished projects. Thanks for downloading, and taking the time to leave a comment.
Thank you so much for the lovely bag pattern
Thanks so much for the free pattern, I love how you did the corners. I downloaded it and am going to sew this! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Marti
I love it! You did a great job with the video, too. I’m going to make these for my bunko prizes!! Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
yes the bag is really adorable.I like you and your bag ..please give the link
You can pick up the link on the Facebook page. You can go direct to the download page at https://www.facebook.com/SoSewEasy/app_137541772984354
Hi deby I am another who does not do the Facebook think. I do craft gossip instead (haha) happy to go to your web site though
Catherine
Ah ha, another recruit for my evil team of henchmen. I’ll be sending you the initiation details now Catherine.
A great shaped bag, Deby. 30 minutes sounds perfect.
Deb – all I get is the pattern.. no instructions
The pattern piece and the instructions are all in one document, so if you have the pattern, you must have the instructions too. The document is 7 pages long and the pattern is on page one. So scroll through and the instructions will follow. Download from Google Drive to your computer and open with Adobe Reader and it will all be there. Let me know if you find it ok, or if you don’t!
What fun- these would be easy to personalize for gifts!
Hi Deby, I have tried several ways to get your cosmetic bag pattern, but the link keeps sending me to another link, which keeps sending me back to the same link..ugh. I did like your facebook page, but still no pattern to download. Can you help me out?
BTW..your bag is too cute to pass up!
Thanks,
Rose
If you go to this page Rose – https://www.facebook.com/SoSewEasy/app_137541772984354, once you have LIKED, you will see a picture which says “The Easy Cosmetics Bag Pattern is ready for you. Click here to go to the free download.” Once you click on the picture, the link takes you to the document in my Google Drive account and you can download it to your own computer from there. Some people have reported problems doing this on mobile devices as Facebook doesn’t always work well on phones etc. Let me know more if you still have problems and I’ll try to sort it out. I don’t have a smart phone etc so can’t test.
Hi Deby, finally got it to work. For some reason the picture didn’t show up, but I clicked on the empty space it took me to the Google drive. I was finally able to print it…I was unsuccessful in downloading, but I was at least able to print it. Now, I’ll be able to make this adorable bag!
Keep up the great work!
Rose
Glad you got there in the end. Oh the trouble with all these mobile devices an different browsers etc. Makes it so hard to see how your site and page will work in all of these many options. Enjoy sewing the pattern.
Have liked your page, downloaded the pattern but how do I get the sewing instructions?
The pattern and sewing instructions are all one document Marty. The pattern piece is only the first page. Just scroll on down through to find the rest.
Thank you,
You are very welcome Debra.
I’m another one who gets your emails but I don’t do facebook. I would love to make this bag. Pretty please!
Don’t worry Donna, you can still be an evil henchman. I’ll send you an email of how you can be initiated into the dastardly team.
Hi Deby, I also don’t subscribe to Facebook but love the cosmetics bag pattern as I desperately need a new bag and have already purchased some pretty fabric to sew a new bag. Are you able to send me the link to the pattern.
I’ll email you Margaret and see how you can participate in my evil plan!
Hi Deby – I too am a part of the non-facebook team.
Can you send me a direct link to the cosmetic bag pattern? I’m planning to use it for my morning water aerobics class at the Y.
Thanks!
Debbie
On its way to you at the email you left Debbie.
[…] Deby from So Sew Easy shows how to make a flat bottomed cosmetics bag. The zippered pouch is fully lined, with boxed bottoms so it stands up on its own and can hold bulkier cosmetics. She also suggest using it as a pencil pouch or first aid kit. Go to So Sew Easy for the tutorial. […]
What a great quick to sew project!
You really are evil! I love that bag, and that fabric is gorgeous! 😀
Ha ha, world domination will be mine!
Hi Deby, I don’t have a Facebook page, however; I can subscribe to your website. Will that work?
Hi Rita, I’ll drop you an email now….
Like you bribe idea, but I love your patterns I have downloaded from Crafsty. The blouse patterns have been great…. I will find a job for the the cosmetics bag, because I do not wear makeup,, ha ha most of the women I meet her in MT do not…..
I have one sitting next to the computer with all my bits of stationary, rubber bands, my flash drive, a roll of sellotape. All that kind of stuff. Stops it making a big mess all over the desk. Thanks for the kind words about my patterns – glad they are turning out well for you.
I’m in Montana and ALL the women I know wear make-up. I do not leave the house without it, even taking out the trash. On a lighter note, I cannot wait to make this bag. Thanks for the terrific pattern!
I don’t think I could stand the pressure to look good all the time. Here in Cayman everything is so relaxed. If you pop out looking a mess and see someone you know at the shop, just say, excuse the hair/clothes/other etc, I’ve just been snorkeling. Works every time!