How to Make a Makeup Cosmetics Carrying Case Bag

Many store-bought bags are plain; be creative with your makeup bag.

Make your own stylish cosmetics bag to match your other luggage or to simply make you smile in the morning because of its bright colors or interesting patterns. Cosmetic bags should be waterproof in case any lotions spill or leak; because of this, they can also double as lunch bags or bags that can store wet swim gear or dirty cloth diapers. Choose fabric that appeals to you; the texture and color should represent your personal style and preference.

Things You'll Need

• 16-by-23-inch fabric, 2 pieces
• 16-inch zipper
• 16-by-23-inch fusible vinyl, 1 piece
• Scrap fabric, 1 1/2-by-3 inches
• Sewing pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Apply vinyl to one piece of the fabric by following the manufacturer's instructions. Most vinyl has peel-off backing; remove the backing, flatten the vinyl against the fabric and press out any air bubbles. Some vinyl has to be ironed on.

2. Pin the zipper right side down to one long side of the fabric that will serve as your outside piece; the fabric should be right side up. Place the inside fabric that has the vinyl backing right side down on top. Sew one seam one-quarter inch from the edge of the fabric across the top, and then turn the whole thing over so the outside fabric is right side down.

3. Line the edge of your zipper foot up with the zipper and again sew it in place. Open the pieces of fabric, fold along the edge of the zipper on the inside piece and create a crease.

4. Sew a top stitch along the zipper, and then fold the bottom of the outside fabric up so it is flush against the top of the zipper. Pin and sew, and then flip the whole thing over and repeat the process.

5. Unzip the zipper and turn the bag right-side-out. Fold the material along each edge of the zipper to create a crease, then top-stitch the zipper on this side.

6. Fold the zipper tab ( the small piece of scrap material) lengthwise with right sides together. Sew lengthwise one-quarter of an inch in from the open ends. Turn the tab right side out and iron it flat.

7. Turn the bag inside-out and arrange it so the zipper is in the middle. Pin the tab to the open end of the zipper, then sew across the zipper tabs and through the bag material, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew the side and bottom seams.

8. Mark 2 1/2 inches diagonally from each of the bag's four corners. Use pins to mark the spot. Make it the corner of a square, and cut the square out of each corner of the bag.

9. Open each corner, line up the seams and the open edges, and sew to create a free-standing bag with a rectangular bottom. Turn it right-side-out.

Tips & Warnings

• Add an iron- or sew-on applique to add extra design to your bag.

• This bag measures about 10 inches long by 6 inches tall. Use larger pieces of vinyl and fabric to create a bigger bag.

• Cover the vinyl with an extra piece of fabric if you must iron it.

Resources

• Crafty Daisies; Simple Makeup Bag; Jen Love; April 2007
• Ditzy Prints: Common Fabric Problems and Their Solutions - Adding Clear Vinyl
• Sew-Stitch-Learn: Sewing Zippers.