Tutorial: How to Sew a Cosmetic Bag - with link to another TUTE !!

[queenofdiy]

Here's the tutorial on the first cosmetic bag. 

Firstly cut out your pattern from the main fabric, interfacing (I used heavy iron on) and lining fabric (optional).  As for the pattern, the pieces are as follows:

One x rectangle 25cm x 15.5cm with rounded corners
Two x rectangles 20cm x 3.5cm (these attach to the zipper)
Two x squares 7cm (side pieces)
Two x 6.5cm x 4cm (tabs)

1/4 inch seam allowances are included

I didn't use interfacing on the two side pieces that attach to the zipper but that is just my preference.



Then iron your interfacing to your main fabric



Finish the edges on the two rectangles of fabric to go either side of the zipper



Then fold the finished edges to the wrong side



Then sew these side bits to the zipper, making sure that it is the same width as the two square side pieces (these are a 7cm square)



With zipper sewn in:



Fold raw edges of end tabs in then fold in half



Sew both long edges of the tabs



Sew the square side pieces to the zipper part, adding the tabs to the centre



Mark the centre of the square sides and the centre of the long end of the main body of the bag.  Also, clip the seam allowances of the pieces that are attached to the zipper.  This will allow you to ease around the corners.



Pin these marks together



Sew across the bottom of each side piece.  Starting and stopping 1/4 inch in from each of the square pieces.  Clip at each of the starting and ending points on the main bag to allow pivotting around the corner.  Pin the main body to the sides, easing as you go then stitch in place. 



Repeat for the other side making sure that your zipper is open to allow turning to right side.



Now add a lining in the same way but omitting the zipper and handstitch to the main bag.  Otherwise, neaten the edges of the bag.  Enjoy your new creation.  Stay tuned for the next cosmetic bag tute!!! 

[lamamarco]

WOW! Your tute is awesome and very informative.
Thank you for taking the time to d othis for all of us! 

[janetsjunk]

Wow, beautifully done...I've gotta try one now!!  Thanks for the tute. 

[gypsysoul3]

that is so cute!!!
and thanks for the tutorial!

[cyndiq]

Thanks for the tutorial, I will try and make one of those for sure. I might add some little handles on the side, handy when you are juggling things.
well done.
i made another bag and zipper pouch. Sewing late last night and again today, an angel package so will post pics to bag craftalong thread when my partner recieves.

thanks cyndi

[PinkMafia]

I;m putting this on my to do list!

[mei]

holy moly that is awesome! I really need to get myself a sewing machine now xD Great tutorial! Thanks for writing it.

[dejavugirl]

Your tutorial is fantastic, thanks so much!!

I made a cosmetic bag very similar to this using the Wild Ginger Wild Things! accessories computer patterns.  It was actually listed as a gym bag but I put in tiny dimensions and it came out just like yours.  But your tut is much easier to follow!

Does anyone know how to "clean finish" the seams?  That is what the Wild Things instructions say to do.  I'm wondering if they mean to sew binding over all the raw edges.  Their bag is not lined, so maybe if you doubled the fabric, with right sides out, then "clean finished" the seams, it would look nice inside and out without actually lining it separately.  I'm not sure if I'm making sense, I can picture what I mean but not describe it!!

[cyndiq]

That sounds like a good idea using bias binding, you could use the ready made or make your own. Basically the seams face outside instead of inside and are covered by the bias binding to finish. maybe need to insert the zip piece first, using the zipper pouch tutorial technique, than use the bias binding on the main seam of bag where sides join the top section.

I guess overlocking is another option as its not too bad on the inside.

Another idea, could also use french seams where you fold it double on seam so raw edges hidden in seam. A bit tricky on a shaped item, but thats what they used in france etc on the high price items.

Lets see what we all come up with.
cyndi

[americandemockracy]

Thanks for the tutorial! That's great!

I'll have to give that a shot!