Sew a small bag - free instructions

Hey there, have you ever thought about sewing a cute, personalized cosmetic bag? It's so much fun and the best thing about it: I have a free pattern and easy instructions for you! Whether you're a beginner or a long-time sewer, this project combines practicality and creativity perfectly.

 

Why should you sew your own cosmetic bag?

Let's face it: store-bought cosmetic bags are often overpriced and rarely truly unique. When you sew your own bag, you can:

• Choose your favorite fabrics (whether bright patterns or subtle colors).
• Adjust the size to your needs.
• Add personal touches, contrasting zippers or inside pockets.
  

It's also a great way to recycle fabric scraps and improve your sewing skills!

 

What you need to get started

Here is a short checklist of materials:

• Fabric: 
• - 2x 23 cm x 16 cm shell fabric und lining
• - 1x 80 cm x 5 cm shell fabric strips 
• - 2x 6 cm x 4 cm shell fabric
• Interlining: if you want the bag to be a little more stable, you can use an interlining (if you use a fleece interlining, you should iron it onto the back of the outer fabric)
• Zipper: 1x 23 cm long zipper 
• Extras: yarn, scissors or cutter, pins and your sewing machine

 

Step-by-step instructions

Draw your own pattern

Draw a rectangle measuring 23 cm x 16 cm and round off the two bottom corners. You can also draw the strip (80 cm x 5 cm) and the small rectangles (6 cm x 4 cm) directly onto the fabric

 

Sew the ruffle

• Take the long strip and fold it right sides together and sew down once narrowly at the short ends.

 

 

• Then you can turn the strip to the right side and sew along the open edge twice with a large stitch, do not front and back stitch at the beginning and end.

    

• Then you can pull on the yarn to create ruffles. You can then simply iron them briefly.

 

Sew in the zipper 

• Place the zipper on the outer fabric and sew over it at the top and bottom so that it is 1 cm shorter than the outer fabric on both sides.

• Take the two small rectangles and fold them in half and then in half again, then place the zipper in between at both ends and sew over it.

  

• Then place the inner fabric with the right side facing up, place the zipper on top and then the outer fabric with the right side facing down. Then sew as close as possible to the top edge of the zipper.

  

• Then fold both fabrics upwards and do the same on the other side. Now you've done the most complicated part 😊

  

• then you can sew next to the zipper from the outside so that nothing slips anymore

 

Sew on the ruffle 

Now take the ruffle and place it on one of the pattern pieces with the seam allowance facing outwards and sew it to the outer edge a foot wide.

 

Sew the bag together 

• Now place the outer fabric pieces right sides together

• Then be sure to open the zipper before sewing
• Then place the lining pieces right sides together and sew all the way around, BUT leave a small hole here so that you can turn your bag later.
• Now you can cut the seam allowance a little narrower at the curves so that you have nicer edges later.

• Then turn the bag inside out and sew the hole closed very narrowly

 

 

Already finished!!! How beautiful is this little bag please :)

 

Individual ideas 

Make your bag truly unique with these ideas:

• Carrying loop: Sew a small fabric loop and attach it to one side of the bag.
• Inside pockets: Use extra fabric to add small compartments
• Decorative accents: try out topstitching on the outside

 

Why you will love this project

This DIY cosmetic bag is easy to make, customizable and incredibly practical. It's perfect as a gift or as a personal everyday companion. And once you've mastered this pattern, you can experiment with different sizes and designs. So grab your fabric and get started - you'll love the result!