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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sew a Simple Zipper Cosmetic Bag
I’m excited to walk you through creating your own simple zipper cosmetic bag! This DIY zipper pouch tutorial is perfect for beginners and a great way to use up fabric scraps.
Plus, it’s so satisfying to have a custom-made bag for your makeup or other small items. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Fuse interfacing to the outer fabric
First, I like to fuse interfacing to the wrong side of my outer fabric pieces. This gives the bag structure and helps it hold its shape.
It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final product. I usually use a lightweight fusible interfacing for this.
Step 2: Place the zipper right side down on the outer fabric
Now, grab one of your outer fabric pieces and lay it right side up on your work surface. Place your zipper right side down along the top edge of the fabric.
Make sure the zipper tape is aligned with the edge of the fabric. This is a key step in learning how to sew a makeup bag.
Step 3: Layer the lining fabric right side down
Next, take one of your lining fabric pieces and place it right side down on top of the zipper and outer fabric.
You’ve now created a fabric sandwich with the zipper in the middle. Pin or clip all the layers together to keep them from shifting while you sew.
Step 4: Stitch the zipper sandwich
Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, stitch along the top edge of the fabric sandwich, close to the zipper teeth.
A zipper foot will allow you to get nice and close to the zipper without sewing over the teeth. I usually use a 1/4 inch seam allowance here. This is a great project for sewing a zipper pouch.
Step 5: Repeat on the other side of the zipper
Now, repeat steps 2-4 on the other side of the zipper. Place the remaining outer fabric piece right side up, place the zipper right side down on the top edge, and then layer the remaining lining fabric right side down on top. Stitch along the edge with your zipper foot.
Step 6: Press the fabric away from the zipper
Once both sides of the zipper are attached, press the outer fabric and lining fabric away from the zipper.
This will create a nice, clean finish along the zipper edge. Use your iron on a medium setting and be careful not to melt the zipper!
Step 7: Topstitch along the zipper edge
Topstitching along the zipper edge helps to secure the fabric and gives the bag a professional look.
Switch back to your regular sewing foot and topstitch about 1/8 inch away from the zipper on both sides. This is also a good time to consider how to sew a vinyl makeup bag, if you’re using vinyl.
Step 8: Open the zipper halfway
This is a crucial step! Before sewing the bag together, make sure to open the zipper about halfway.
This will allow you to turn the bag right side out later. If you forget to do this, you’ll have a hard time finishing the bag.
Step 9: Sew around edges, leaving a hole in the lining
Now, fold the outer fabric pieces right sides together and the lining fabric pieces right sides together. Pin or clip all the way around the bag, leaving a 3-4 inch opening in the bottom of the lining.
Stitch around the entire bag with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, remembering to leave that hole in the lining.
Step 10: Clip corners, turn bag right side out
Clip the corners of the bag to reduce bulk. Then, carefully turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining. Use a point turner or a chopstick to push out the corners and create sharp edges.
Step 11: Sew the lining opening closed
Fold the edges of the opening in the lining to the inside and press. Then, either hand-stitch or machine-stitch the opening closed. I usually prefer to hand-stitch for a cleaner finish, but machine-stitching is faster.
Step 12: Press the bag for a crisp finish
Finally, give your bag a good press to create a crisp, professional finish. Pay attention to the seams and the zipper area. And there you have it – a simple zipper cosmetic bag that you made yourself!
How to Add Inner Pockets to a Cosmetic Bag
Adding pockets to the inside of your cosmetic bag is a great way to keep things organized! It’s not as hard as it looks, and it really elevates your cosmetic pouch DIY. I’ll walk you through how I do it.
Preparing the Pocket Pieces
Basically, you’ll create small fabric rectangles, finish the edges, and then sew them onto the lining before assembling the rest of the bag.
First, decide how many pockets you want and what size they should be. Cut out your pocket pieces, remembering to add extra for seam allowances and for folding over the top edge to create a clean finish.
Finishing Pocket Edges
I usually serge or zigzag stitch the top edge of each pocket piece, then fold it over twice and stitch it down to create a nice, finished edge. This prevents fraying and gives it a professional look.
Attaching the Pockets to the Lining
Next, position your pockets on the lining pieces where you want them. Pin them in place, and then stitch around the sides and bottom of each pocket, leaving the top open. I like to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to make sure the pockets are securely attached.
You can even add a dividing seam down the middle of a larger pocket to create two smaller compartments. This is especially useful for things like lipsticks or small brushes.
Assembling the Bag with Pockets
The key is to attach the pockets to the lining before you start assembling the rest of the bag. This makes it much easier to sew everything in place. Once the pockets are attached, you can proceed with the rest of the boxy pouch sewing tutorial, following the steps for attaching the zipper and sewing the bag together.
Don’t forget to leave that opening in the lining for turning! When you’re done, you’ll have a custom cosmetic bag with perfectly placed pockets to keep all your essentials organized. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference!
Why Lining Matters
I find that knowing how to sew a lining in a bag is essential for a professional finish. It really makes a difference in the overall look and durability of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this project good for someone new to sewing?
Absolutely! This project is great for beginners. If you’re new to sewing, just take your time with each step. You’ll be surprised how quickly you pick it up!
What kind of fabric should I use for my cosmetic bag?
You can use almost any fabric you like! Cotton is a popular choice because it’s easy to work with. If you want something that can handle spills, a waterproof fabric for the inside lining is a smart idea.
Do I really need to use fusible interfacing?
The interfacing helps make your bag a bit stiffer and helps it stand up on its own. Without it, your bag might feel a little floppy. It’s not strictly required, but I highly recommend it for a nicer-looking bag.
How do I pick the right size zipper?
A good rule of thumb is to pick a zipper that’s a few inches shorter than the width of your fabric pieces. This gives you enough room to sew the sides without the zipper getting in the way.
Can I make my cosmetic bag look different or add special touches?
You can totally make your bag unique! Try mixing and matching different fabrics for the outside and inside. You could also add a small loop on the side, or even some cute embroidery.
How do I clean my new cosmetic bag?
To keep your bag looking fresh, I suggest washing it by hand with a gentle soap and then letting it air dry. If you used a waterproof lining, you might just need to wipe the inside clean.
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