I’m headed out on a trip soon, and I wanted to make a simple cosmetic bag for myself. The one I have is about twenty or so years old and I just wanted a new one. I looked and looked online and googled looking for a pattern to use or a tutorial. I finally found a cute pattern on Etsy. I got my prettiest fabric and a pretty pink zipper, and started making the bag. It was soon apparent that pattern creator had left something out. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it, but I will say that it was a complete waste of my money for the pattern, my nice pretty fabric, and my pink zipper. I had to go to plan B, which was asking in a sewing group on Facebook what tutorial or pattern the sewists there use for making a boxy cosmetic bag. True to the nature of people with like interests in groups, I soon had several links to follow and finally found a free tutorial that I liked.
I used the tutorial from Sew Like My Mom, but made a couple of changes to it along the way. I did not have any laminated fabric to use, and I was able to salvage the handle from the previous hot mess that was thrown into the trash bag. As I have no sewn much since my surgery in 2012, I am a bit out of practice. I messed up this bag too, by inserting the zipper upside down. I was so ready to quit and forget about a new bag, but I decided I could save this project, for at least the trip coming up, by threading a piece of ribbon through the zipper pull so I can open and close the bag. That’s what I did, and was able to save the project.
I also quilted my bag by sandwiching the lining, the batting, and the outer fabric, and stitching them together before cutting it down to 14.5 X 20 inches. It’s a bit smaller than the tutorial called for, but it is what it is. I am happy with the size of it.
When I get back from my trip, I will try making some more of these, and get the zippers in right. It really is a cute bag, and a good size for holding all your things you need in your carry on bag. What do you think of my bag?
MommyJenna says
This looks great! I always love seeing everyone’s creations.