How to Sew a Zipper Makeup Bag with Straps
Sew a zippered makeup bag with straps using this sewing tutorial and keep all your cosmetics and toiletries ready to go for your next trip.
This zipper makeup bag sewing pattern is the perfect bag for your cosmetics, toiletries, and all your needs while traveling. I added elastic to one side of the lining to help keep those travel bottles upright and two short straps for easy carrying. This makeup bag is similar to my lined zipper pouch sewing patten but with straps and a wider bottom.
The finished zipper makeup bag measures approximately 12″W (at its widest part) x 8″H x 4″D.
Let’s get started with the zipper makeup bag sewing tutorial!
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***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 16 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Makeup bag sewing supplies needed:
- Two outer fabric pieces 13.5″W x 11″L – my favorite fabric shop
- Two lining fabric pieces 13.5″W x 11″L
- Two outer fabric pieces – each measuring 4″W x 10″L for the straps
- 12-inch zipper
- Elastic – I used fold over elastic 3/4″
- Fusible interfacing – Pellon P44F Fusible Interfacing
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Clear ruler
- Marking pencil
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine
Measure and cut your fabric
Using your cutting mat, clear ruler, and rotary cutter, cut two pieces of outer fabric and two pieces of lining fabric, each measuring 13.5″ x 11″L.
Cut two pieces of outer fabric measuring 4″W x 10″L for the two makeup bag straps.
Attach the fusible interfacing
I used Pellon P44F Fusible Interfacing but any lightweight fusible interfacing will work for this makeup bag.
Cut four pieces of the interfacing measuring 13.5″W x 11″L (two pieces for the outer fabric and two pieces for the lining fabric).
Cut two pieces of the interfacing measuring 4″W x 10″L for the fabric straps.
Follow the package instructions and attach the interfacing to the wrong side of all fabric pieces.
Add elastic to lining
You are going to attach the elastic to one of the lining pieces of your makeup bag. If you want to add elastic to both lining fabric pieces, cut two pieces.
Cut one strip of fold over elastic (or elastic of your choice) 13.5-inches. Place the elastic strip on top of one of the lining fabric pieces, 5 inches from the bottom edge. Pin in place.
Next determine how many elastic “pockets” you would like. I decided on 4. If you have travel bottles or items you want the elastic to hold in place, think about how many slots you would need. Make a mark or pin the elastic where you want to sew (they do not need to be exact).
Sew the elastic in place. I started with the one in the middle and worked my way out to eliminate any gaps.
Make the makeup bag straps
The finished straps will be 1-inch wide.
RULE OF THUMB: decide how wide you would like your finished strap to be, then multiply that number by four and that will be how wide to cut your fabric. For this makeup bag, I wanted the straps to be 1-inch, therefore, I need to cut the fabric 4-inches wide before folding.
Fold each strap in half lengthwise and press along the fold.
Open back up and fold the outside edge to the center and press.
Turn the strap around and fold the other outside edge to the center and press.
Fold in half again and press.
Sew the strap along both folded edges using a 1/8″-1/4″ seam allowance.
The above picture shows what your makeup bag straps should look like.
Baste the straps to the makeup bag
First you are going to baste the straps to the outer fabric pieces then you will add the zipper.
Place each strap end 4.25-inches from each side of the outer fabric pieces. Pin to hold in place.
Baste the strap to the fabric.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 16 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Add the zipper
The zipper is 12-inches and is measured from the top metal stop to the bottom metal stop (see above picture).
RULE OF THUMB: your fabric pieces are 1.5-inches wider than the length of your zipper. If you wanted to use a 7-inch zipper, for example, you would need to cut the fabric 8.5-inches wide.
Place your zipper face down on one of the outer fabric pieces, right side up. Pin to hold in place.
Then place one of the lining fabric pieces on top of the zipper. Pin to hold in place. The zipper should be sandwiched in between the outer fabric piece and lining fabric piece, right sides together.
Sew the zipper
Before sewing the zipper, open the zipper about 1-inch – this will help with a smooth line of sewing. Be sure your upper thread matches the outer fabric and the bobbin thread matches the lining fabric.
Use your zipper foot for sewing the zipper. Begin sewing the zipper, then when you get to the place almost to the zipper pull, with the needle down, lift the zipper foot and move the zipper pull back to the top. Then lower the foot and continue sewing.
The above pictures show what the first side of the sewn zipper looks like.
Top stitch along the zipper – be sure the corners and edges are lined up. The gives the makeup bag a finished look and keeps the fabric from getting caught in the zipper.
You now have one side of your makeup bag finished.
Repeat with the other fabric pieces
Now you are going to repeat the same process to sew the other side of the zipper.
Place the zipper on top of the other lining fabric piece, lining fabrics right sides together. Pin to hold in place. I pinned the strap down so it doesn’t get in the way.
Place the other outer fabric piece on top of the zipper, outer fabric pieces right sides together. Be sure the straps are lined up, then pin to hold in place.
Sew the zipper, repeating the same process of opening and closing the zipper to sew a smooth line.
Top stitch along the zipper.
The above picture shows what your makeup bag should look like at this point.
Sew the zipper makeup bag together
Use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Open the zipper to about halfway – you will need the zipper opened for turning.
Fold the bag so the outer fabric pieces are right sides together and the lining pieces are right sides together.
Pinch the zipper so the teeth are facing towards the lining fabric and pin in place.
Sew around the perimeter of the bag, leaving an opening at the bottom of the lining fabric for turning.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 16 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Measure and cut the bottom squares
You are going to cut squares from each bottom corner to square the bottom of the makeup bag. The size of the square depends on how wide you want the bottom of the bag to be.
RULE OF THUMB: The bottom width of the bag is going to be two times the width of the squares you cut. For this makeup bag, I am going to cut 2-inch squares which makes the bottom width of the bag 4 inches. If you want the bottom to be 6-inches, you’ll need to cut 3-inch squares. (If you decide to make the bottom of this bag more than 2-inches, you might want to move up your elastic to account for the difference).
Use your clear ruler and marking pencil to make a 2-inch square at each bottom corner.
Cut out the squares along the marked lines using your sewing scissors.
Square the bottom
Take one of the corners and pinch together, lining up the seams. Pin in place.
Sew along the edge using a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Repeat with the other three corners.
The above picture shows what the zipper makeup bag looks like at this point.
Turn right side out
Through the opening, reach in and open the zipper all the way and turn the bag right side out.
Press the opening. Straight stitch to close the opening using a 1/8″-1/4″ seam allowance.
Push the lining down inside the makeup bag. Press the bag for a nice finished look.
Pin for later!
You are finished!
I hope you enjoyed this sewing tutorial on how to make a zipper makeup bag. Load the bag with all your travel toiletries and cosmetics and it will be ready for your next trip! Happy sewing!
Other bag sewing tutorials you might like:
- Simple Tote Bag Sewing Project
- How to Sew a Belt Bag / Fanny Pack
- Wristlet Purse Sewing Tutorial
- Curved Top Shoulder Bag Sewing Pattern
