DIY Makeup Bags You Can Sew in an Afternoon

 

Simple, Stylish, and Perfect for Gifts

Keeping makeup organized is easier when you sew your own bags. They’re customizable, beginner-friendly, and ideal for using fabric scraps or leftover quilt cotton. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew a lined makeup bag with a zipper—perfect for travel, purses, or daily essentials.

Why Sew Your Own Makeup Bags?

Sewing your makeup bags lets you control the size, shape, and colors. You can match your fabrics to your personality, create coordinating sets, or sew unique gifts for friends. Importantly, they only require a small amount of fabric and a zipper.

Supplies Needed

2 coordinating cotton fabrics (outer + lining)

1 zipper (7"–10", depending on desired bag size)

Lightweight fusible interfacing (optional but adds structure)

Scissors or rotary cutter

Pins or clips

Sewing machine & thread

How to Sew a DIY Makeup Bag

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut two rectangles for the outer bag and two for the lining.

A great beginner size is 8" × 10".

Step 2: Apply Interfacing

Fuse lightweight interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric. This gives the bag body and helps it stand up.

Step 3: Attach the Zipper

Place the outer fabric right side up.

Lay the zipper face down along the top edge.

Place the lining on top, right side down.

Sew along the zipper edge.

Repeat for the other side of the zipper.

Step 4: Sew the Bag Together

Unzip the zipper halfway.

Place outer fabrics right sides together and lining pieces right sides together.

Sew around the edges, leaving a 3" opening at the bottom of the lining.

Step 5: Box the Corners (Optional)

To make a flat bottom, pinch each corner into a triangle and sew across it 1" from the tip.

Step 6: Turn and Finish

Turn the bag right side out through the lining opening.

Stitch the opening closed, push the lining inside, and smooth the corners.

Your new makeup bag is ready to use!

Are Handmade Makeup Bags Washable?

Yes—most handmade makeup bags are washable, but the washability depends on the fabrics and materials you choose. If you sew bags from cotton or canvas with a simple nylon zipper, they wash beautifully and last for years.

Best Fabrics for Washable Makeup Bags

Quilting cotton – soft, durable, and fully machine washable

Canvas or cotton duck – sturdy and excellent for heavy use

Lining options: cotton, nylon, or PUL (waterproof)

Materials to Use With Caution

Some materials don’t handle machine washing well:

Faux leather or vinyl (wipe clean only)

Laminated cotton or oilcloth

Interfacing that is not labeled as washable.

Embellishments like beads, sequins, or metal charms

How to Wash a Handmade Makeup Bag

For the longest life, wash gently:

Turn the bag inside out.

Place inside a mesh laundry bag (optional but recommended for protection).

Use cold water on a gentle cycle.

Air dry to prevent heat damage to the zipper or interfacing.

Sewist Tip

If you plan to wash your bag frequently, choose a cotton fabric, a washable fusible interfacing, and a nylon coil zipper. This provides structure to your makeup bag while keeping it durable and easy to clean.

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How To Sew Fabric Boxes Without a Pattern

Create sturdy, stylish storage bins using fabric you already have.

Fabric boxes are one of the most useful sewing projects you can make—and the best part is that you don’t need a pattern. These DIY bins can be sewn from your fabric stash, leftover quilt cotton, canvas scraps, denim, or even home-decor fabric. They help you organize your sewing room beautifully while saving money on store-bought bins.

But don’t limit them to sewing-room storage. Fabric boxes are highly versatile and work in every room of the home:

Bathrooms (towels, cosmetics, washcloths)

Kids’ rooms (toys, crayons, books)

Kitchens (linen napkins, baked foods, dehydrated foods)

Crafts & hobbies (yarn, thread, embroidery)

Closets & shelves (socks, accessories, scarves)

With a few straight seams and an optional stabilizer, fabric boxes become sturdy, attractive organizers that last for years.

Materials You’ll Need

Outer fabric (cotton, denim, canvas, twill, or home-decor fabric)

Lining fabric (cotton or broadcloth)

Fusible fleece or interfacing (optional but adds structure)

Sewing machine

Matching thread

Scissors or rotary cutter

Ruler or measuring tape

Iron and ironing board

Step 1: Choose Your Size

Since this project requires no pattern, sizing is entirely customizable.

You can cut your boxes to fit:

Fabric shelves

Cube organizers

Bookcases

Pantry shelving

Drawer inserts

A good starting size for a small fabric box is:

10" x 14" rectangle (outer fabric)

10" x 14" rectangle (lining fabric)

For larger boxes, simply increase the measurements evenly.

Step 2: Cut the Corners to Form the Box Depth

To create the depth of the box:

Fold the fabric rectangle in half, right sides together.

Mark a square at the bottom corner—2" to 5", depending on how deep you want the box.

Cut the square out.

Repeat for all corners on both the outer and lining fabrics.

These cut-outs allow you to shape the box into a 3D container.

Step 3: Sew the Side Seams

With right sides together, sew the two side seams on the outer fabric.

Repeat with the lining fabric.

Now pinch each boxed corner seam together so the raw edges match, forming a flat triangle. Sew across to create the bottom depth.

This instantly gives the box its shape.

Step 4: Add Stability (Optional but Recommended)

For a sturdier box:

Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric before sewing, or

Insert cardboard or plastic canvas between the outer fabric and lining after sewing.

The stabilizer keeps the box upright, making it ideal for fabric storage.

Step 5: Attach the Lining

Turn the outer box right-side out.

Keep the lining wrong-side out.

Place the outer box inside the lining—right sides together, matching side seams.

Sew around the top edge, leaving a 3" opening for turning.

Turn the box through the opening, push the lining inside, and press the top edge.

Topstitch around the opening for a crisp, professional finish.

Step 6: Fold the Top Edge (Optional)

For a decorative look:

Fold the top edge of the box outward to show the lining fabric.

This simple fold adds charm and makes your box look store-bought.

Step 7: Start Organizing Your Home

Your finished fabric boxes can now organize:

Fabric yardage and fat quarters

Sewing notions

Thread and trims

Kitchen linens

Pantry snacks

Kids’ toys

Bathroom supplies

Office items

Closet shelves

These bins are washable, reusable, and endlessly customizable.

Tips for Stronger Fabric Boxes

Use canvas or denim for a stiffer box.

Add fusible fleece for softness and structure.

Use heavyweight interfacing for ultra-sturdy bins.

Add handles by stitching folded fabric strips to the sides.

Mix and match prints for a colorful sewing-room aesthetic.

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