Sewing: Travel Make-Up Bag

Today – a travel make-up bag for the girl! Yesterday we did a man travel bag, so it’s only fitting we give it some company. Of course, you could always make two man bags or two make-up bags, but now you have the choice!

What You Need

2 pieces of fabric cut 11 inches by 14 inches for the outside
another 2 pieces of fabric cut 11 inches by 14 inches for the inside
14 inch zipper
matching thread
machine

Okay – first, grab your fabric. You’ll notice the outside fabric is the same as the one I used for placemats. I selected it again because it’s a bit water resistant and washes well. Plus, it has structure, just like the pink denim I’m using for the lining, which means no interfacing the bag at all – bonus!

First – sew on the zipper just like you did in the man travel bag and the boxy bag tutorial – by sandwiching the zipper between the inside and outside fabric.

Then, on the outside fabric, with right sides together, stitch the bottom, then each side.

Do the same on the inside lining, being sure to leave a small hole to turn the bag right sides out. Get as close to the zipper end as you can – use a hand needle if you need to.

Be sure to leave the hole to turn it right side out. Why? This bag will look more polished than the man travel bag because all of the seam and stitch work will be on the inside…you won’t see it. Beautiful!

Now, pinch off the 4 corners. I wanted my bag to be a bit wide, so I measured 4 inches. Serge.

Turn the bag right side out and push the lining into place.

Once the bag is right side out, it’s time to top stitch the bottom of the inside lining. Use matching thread to ensure it’s nice and professional looking. Pin and top stitch.

See how nice the ends are – this highlights the importance of correctly measuring out your fabric. Just like in the boxy bag tutorial, take out your hand needle if you need to get closer to the zipper end – it’ll make all the difference.