Get the printable PDF
Skip the on-screen scrolling and get the proper printable pattern from our shop. Pay What You Want, and yes, you can choose $0.
Get the Makeup Bag Pattern →
This free makeup bag pattern makes a flat bottomed zippered pouch that takes about half an hour, from printing the pattern to snipping the last thread. It uses roughly two thirds of a fat quarter, so it is the pattern to reach for when you want to use up one pretty scrap and end up with something you will actually carry.
It is a beginner project. There are no inside pockets to fiddle with, nothing to slipstitch closed by hand, and only one zipper. If you have never put a zipper in anything, this is a good first one, because the zipper goes in flat before the bag is assembled and there is nothing to fight with.
The PDF is free, there is a full video tutorial further down, and you can sew these to sell with no credit and no restrictions.
The finished bag is a little roomier than a shop bought makeup bag. It swallows a full set of brushes, or a couple of travel bottles of shampoo and shower gel, or all the pens that live loose in the bottom of a work bag. Plenty of people sew it as a toiletry bag, a first aid kit for the car, or a pencil case for a school bag, and the pattern does not change.
What You Need To Sew A Makeup Bag
- Outer fabric, 14 x 18 inches
- Lining fabric, the same 14 x 18 inches
- One 9 inch zipper
- Fusible fleece or interfacing of your choice, 14 x 18 inches
- Matching thread, and a zipper foot if your machine takes one
A fat quarter measures 18 x 22 inches, so one fat quarter covers the outer piece and still leaves you a useful offcut. Cutting from yardage, a quarter yard is plenty.
Fabric And Notions From Amazon.com
How To Sew The Makeup Bag, Step By Step
The printable PDF carries the pattern piece and the fabric layout. Here is the short version, so you can see exactly what you are in for before you download anything.
- Print the pattern at 100 percent and check the test square before you cut. Cut one outer, one lining and one piece of fusible fleece.
- Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of the outer piece and press it flat. Let it cool completely before you move it, or it will bubble.
- Lay the zipper face down along the top edge of the outer, right sides together. Put the lining on top, right side down, so the zipper is sandwiched between them. Clip through all three layers.
- Stitch that edge with a zipper foot. Fold both fabrics away from the zipper teeth, press, and topstitch close to the fold. That topstitching is what stops the lining catching in the zipper every time you open the bag.
- Repeat on the other side of the zipper with the opposite ends of the outer and the lining, so you finish with a tube that has the zipper running through the middle of it.
- Open the zipper at least halfway. This is the step everyone forgets, and you cannot turn the bag right side out without it.
- Lay the tube flat with outer against outer and lining against lining. Sew down both sides, leaving a gap of about four inches in the bottom of the lining.
- Box the corners. Flatten each corner into a triangle so the side seam sits directly on top of the bottom seam, measure in from the point and stitch straight across. That is what gives the bag its flat base so it stands up on a shelf instead of flopping over.
- Turn it all right side out through the gap in the lining, close the gap, push the lining down inside the bag and press.
Choosing Fabric For A Makeup Bag
Quilting cotton is the easy answer and the one most people reach for. It presses well, it is cheap enough that a mistake does not hurt, and there is a print out there for everyone.
If you want the bag to survive a foundation bottle leaking inside it, use a cotton canvas or duck for the outer and a laminated cotton or ripstop for the lining. A wipe clean lining is the single upgrade that makes the biggest difference to how long a makeup bag stays presentable.
Whatever you pick, prewash cotton before you cut. A bag that shrinks around its own zipper looks like a mistake rather than a design.
How To Make A Quilted Makeup Bag
Quilting the outer is the easiest way to make this pattern look like something you bought rather than something you ran up on a Sunday. Cut your outer fabric an inch bigger all round, layer it over cotton batting, quilt straight lines at an angle or a simple grid, then trim it back to 14 x 18 inches. Quilting draws the fabric in slightly, which is exactly why you cut big and trim afterwards.
Skip the fusible fleece if you quilt, because the batting is already doing that job. Two layers of loft makes the corners too thick to box neatly.
Make It A Toiletry Bag Or A Wash Bag
The same construction scales up and down. For a wash bag, cut the outer and the lining at 16 x 22 inches and use a 12 inch zipper. For a slim pencil case, cut 9 x 12 inches and use a 7 inch zipper. The rule is simple: the zipper wants to be about an inch shorter than the finished top edge, and the boxed corner can grow or shrink with the bag.
The printable pattern piece itself stays at its original size. Those are cut sizes for plain rectangles, for when you want a matching set in three sizes.
Zipper Tips For Beginners
- Use a zipper foot. A standard foot cannot get close enough to the teeth, and the fabric ends up standing away from the zipper in a way you will notice every time you look at it.
- A nylon coil zipper is far easier than a metal one on this bag, and you can shorten one by stitching a new stop across the teeth and cutting the tail off.
- If your stitching drifts, move the needle position rather than shoving the fabric.
- Open the zipper before you sew the sides shut. Always.
Full Video Tutorial
Sew Them As Gifts
This is the pattern that gets sewn in batches in November. It costs almost nothing in fabric, it finishes in half an hour, and it suits the people on the list who are hardest to buy for. Put something small inside it and it stops looking like a homemade bag and starts looking like wrapping.
You can use this pattern to make bags to sell without restriction and without credit. Plenty of people run a market stall on this one.
Questions People Ask
What size is the finished makeup bag?
It finishes at roughly 9 inches along the zipper with a boxed base, which is a little larger than a typical shop bought makeup bag.
Do I need a serger or overlocker?
No. Every raw edge is enclosed by the lining, so nothing is ever on show.
Can I sew it without interfacing?
You can, but the bag will slump. The fusible fleece is what makes it hold its shape and stand up on its own base.
How much fabric does it take?
About two thirds of a fat quarter for the outer, and the same again for the lining.
Is the pattern really free?
Yes. It is Pay What You Want, and $0 is a valid choice. Pay something only if you want to.
Drop into the sewing chat group any time and ask a question, share a project you are working on, or just chat with the other sewers.
You can get this pattern free from So Sew Easy. Choose whatever you would like to pay, including free.
Go to the Makeup Bag patternIf You’d Like To Support Our Site
If you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of free sewing patterns and projects, please consider buying us a coffee. We’d really, really appreciate it.
Want more bags to sew?
Check out some of these other projects, patterns, and ideas below.
Subscribe to the So Sew Easy YouTube Channel
Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, So Sew Easy earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
I have been trying to download the free pattern but it isn’t working. Can you send it to my email.sllara79@yahoo.com
I love your site and would love to support your business but for the life of me I do not see a way to download this file. All i see are links to install an extension for a pdf reader? Any advice?
There is a large orange button inside an even larger yellow rectangle, in white letters it says, “get the easy cosmetics bag pattern” please press it. To print you need the free Adobe readers software that is all.
Hi, Just wanted to let you know I got this pattern a couple of years ago and make Christmas gifts for so many that year! I forgot to post pics of the ones I made! I did make some variations for different people and reasons! For my little granddaughters and my great nieces, I made little pocketbooks from your Cosmetic bags, I put little straps on them all, smaller the child I put flaps and light Velcro, others I just used the zippers some I did flaps and zippers Put pockets inside and some on outside. Everyone enjoyed their gifts! Thank you for having a great place for me to find a great pattern when I need to make gifts! Now I want to sell some of my lil pocketbooks and other bags, but I have to make them again I still have the pattern but as I mess up trying to do things by memory, I am so glad that I can come back, and you still have video tutorial for it! Thank You so much! I am not great at sewing but if I kept it up, I might be better! I don’t always have time to sew! I am going to add some pics of the bags I made even my mistakes I made, on Instagram! Would Love to know what you think of what I did! I would attach pics here but this pc doesn’t have any pics in it and it’s late need to work tomorrow so I will get that done asap! Thank you again.
Sincerely, Linda E.
Do you deliver to Canada
Hi Heaven, I do not sell anything physical; all the patterns are online at the moment.
Thank you for this pattern and the instructions. I made a couple but then wanted one a little smaller that would more easily fit into a purse, so I printed the pattern at 80% and used a 7” zipper, it came out great.
I’m a beginner and wanted to learn how to make a cosmetic bag for my daughter. She’s just asked me yesterday. Nov 18th so I went on Pinterest and scrolled and found your page. So I downloaded the pattern. My hubby and I went to Hobby Lobby grabbed a zipper and lining. So happy instructions were easy especially for me. We made the cosmetic bag. So excited. Thank you for sharing. Where can I post a picture of my bag. I want to with every beginner like me.
Hi Rebecca, you can send it to me at mayra@so-sew-easy.com and I will post on Instagram with your credits, or you can post it on your Insta and use #soseweasyoffical as a tag.
could you specify exactly what interfacing and fleece you used? Thank you!
This pattern is great tutorial is super easy and it enabled me to sew my first zip! I have made about 6 for the young cancer patients on our ward to be given with amenities inside when they are admitted unexpectedly thank you so much for sharing!!
A Picture on Instagram would be greatly appreciated from our side! Kind Regards,
I don’t know if these comments are still monitored as it is an old post but if it is I wanted to know what the finished dimensions are for the bag? I cannot find it anywhere on any descriptions. Thanks.
Hi thank you for this tutorial I’m planning to make this for my uncle who has just graduated from medical school to carry his stethoscope and other equipment.
I’m only 11 years old and new to seeing but really want to give it a go, But I’m unsure about the order of the fleece and interfacing fabrics.
Do I iron on the interfacing first to the wrong side of my outer fabric then iron on my fleece interfacing on top? Then the lining gets sewn in eventually?
Is this the correct order to make his bag stiff but cushioned? Please help thanks!
I’ve been looking for the right simple zippered pouch pattern, and this one looks good, but can you tell me what the dimensions of the finished pouch are? Thank you!
trying to find the pattern where do you get the free pdf download
I love your feline. They are the best beings. Oh! and the cosmetic bag: I love the last step pulling the lining and stitching!!! Voila! Thank you for another spectacular pattern.
Thankyou so much for the pattern and the video. Mavis
I’ve made this a few times and it’s such an easy pattern to do. Uses very little material but resulting finished item is great such a good size for make up or other items…Thank you so much
I am Sew So very Excited……I Made this bag and it came out pretty good…I have such bad luck trying to make things but I can’t get over it….If it wasn’t for the video tutoring me I could not have done this! Thank you so much for all you do! I want to make another one for my sewing notions to go into! Can’t wait to do that!
I love this pattern, it’s super quick and easy, one of my favorites! I usually add a loop on one side so it’s easy to carry. I’ve made several and have also enlarged the pattern to make a lunchbag and even a weekend duffel!
Such a Great Pattern and Sew So Easy to follow 🙂 Thanks so much for giving us this pattern. I made this bag in an afternoon (I’m a newbie sewist and slow) and it turned out so cute. I used Micky Mouse Fabric with a red and white polka dot lining. It really gave me the confidence I needed to learn and sew more.
So happy to read your comment, welcome to the wonderful world of sewing!
I love this easy cosmetic bag pattern. You are so clear with the instructions, great tutorial. Thank you so much.
Why cant i acces the free pattern
I would love to sew this cosmetic bag, but it’s no where to be found. Can someone tell me where the pdf is. I have been looking and looking and I can’t find it.
It is hosted on BLuprint, you need to open an account with them.
Thank you for this tutorial which was so easy to follow. I love the floral fabric that you used. Can I buy this fabric?
Pingback: Makeup Organizer Sewing Patterns Roundup: 85+ FREE Patterns - So Sew Easy
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
Pingback: Wool & Paisley Purse | craftabuloso
Pingback: Cosmetic Bag! | craftabuloso
Pingback: Easy Cosmetic Bag in Fall Leaves Canvas from Birch Fabric |
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/