What you need to make a zipper makeup bag

A zipper makeup bag is a pouch with a zipper across the top, made from two pieces of fabric sewn together with a zipper sandwiched between them. You can make one in an afternoon with basic sewing skills — no special tools required beyond what you already have if you sew at all.

Gather these materials: two pieces of fabric cut to the same size (cotton, linen, or quilting cotton work well), one zipper that is slightly shorter than the width of your fabric pieces, thread that matches or complements your fabric, and a sewing machine. You will also need scissors, pins, and a measuring tape. If your zipper is longer than your finished bag width, you can trim it — cut the metal stops at the end with wire cutters and slide off the excess tape.

The finished bag size depends on what you want to store. A 7-inch by 5-inch bag holds lipstick and small brushes. A 9-inch by 6-inch bag fits most makeup collections. Cut your fabric pieces 1 inch larger on all sides than your finished size to account for seam allowance.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two fabric pieces the same size, add 1 inch on all sides for seams, and choose a zipper slightly shorter than your fabric width.
  • Pin the zipper face-down between the two fabric pieces with the zipper teeth facing inward, then sew it down with a zipper foot on your machine.
  • Fold the bag inside-out after the zipper is attached, pin the three remaining sides, and sew them closed with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
  • Leave a 2-inch opening on the bottom seam, turn the bag right-side-out through that opening, then stitch it closed by hand or machine.

Preparing your fabric and zipper

Cut two rectangles of fabric to the same dimensions. Use a ruler and fabric pencil or chalk to mark your lines, then cut with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. Press both pieces flat with an iron to remove wrinkles — this makes pinning and sewing much easier.

Check your zipper length. Lay it across the top edge of one fabric piece. If it extends past the edges, trim it by cutting through the metal stops at both ends with wire cutters, then sliding the excess tape off. The zipper should be about 1/2 inch shorter than your fabric width on each side so the seams can close properly.

Separate your zipper slider from the tape if you are working with a long zipper you have trimmed. You may need to remove the bottom stop, slide the slider off, trim the tape, and reinstall the slider and stops. This is fiddly but takes only a few minutes.

Attaching the zipper between the fabric pieces

Place one fabric piece right-side-up on your work surface. Lay the zipper face-down on top of it, with the zipper teeth pointing toward the fabric and the zipper tape aligned with the top edge. The zipper should be centered, with equal space on both sides. Pin it in place along the length of the tape.

Install a zipper foot on your sewing machine — this is a presser foot designed to stitch close to the zipper teeth without hitting them. If you do not have one, a regular presser foot will work but your stitches will be farther from the teeth. Set your machine to a straight stitch and sew along the pinned edge, about 1/4 inch from the zipper teeth. Remove pins as you go.

Flip the fabric over so the zipper is now sandwiched between the two pieces, with the second fabric piece on top (right-side-down). Pin the second fabric piece to the zipper tape on the other side. Sew along this edge with your zipper foot, again about 1/4 inch from the teeth. You now have a flat rectangle with the zipper running across the middle.

Sewing the sides and bottom closed

Open the zipper halfway — this is important because you will turn the bag inside-out later, and an open zipper makes that much easier. Fold the bag so the two fabric pieces are right-sides together and the zipper is on the inside. The zipper edges should align with the top of the folded bag.

Pin the three remaining sides: the left, right, and bottom. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance, which is standard for bags. Before you sew, mark a 2-inch opening on the bottom seam — this is where you will turn the bag right-side-out. You can mark it with pins or a fabric pencil.

Sew the left side from top to bottom with a straight stitch. At the corner, pivot your needle and sew across the bottom, stopping at the first pin that marks your opening. Skip over the 2-inch opening, then continue sewing from the second pin to the bottom corner. Pivot again and sew up the right side to the top. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to lock the thread.

Turning the bag right-side-out and finishing

Trim the seam allowance at the corners to about 1/4 inch, cutting diagonally across the corner fabric. This reduces bulk and helps the corners lie flat when you turn the bag. Do not cut into your stitches.

Reach through the 2-inch opening on the bottom and grab the zipper area from the inside. Pull gently to turn the bag right-side-out. Work the corners out carefully with your fingers or a chopstick so they are sharp and square. Press the bag flat with an iron, paying special attention to the seams.

Close the 2-inch opening by hand or machine. For a hand-sewn finish, fold the raw edges inward 1/4 inch, pin them closed, and use a ladder stitch (also called a slip stitch) to sew them together invisibly. For a machine finish, fold the edges in and topstitch along the fold with a straight stitch. Either way, your bag is now complete.

Customizing your bag with fabric choices and linings

The outside fabric you choose affects both the look and durability of your bag. Cotton quilting fabric is sturdy and comes in thousands of prints. Linen is elegant but wrinkles easily. Canvas is heavy-duty if you want a bag that will last for years. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits — they are difficult to sew with a zipper.

You can add a lining to make the inside neater and protect your makeup from the outer fabric. Cut two lining pieces the same size as your outer fabric, sew them together on three sides (leaving the top open), and slip them inside your finished bag before closing the bottom opening. Stitch the lining opening closed at the same time you close the bag opening.

Consider adding a small label or patch to the outside. Sew it on before you attach the zipper, or glue it on afterward with fabric glue. You can also add a small loop of ribbon or webbing to one side seam so the bag can hang from a hook or keychain.

Troubleshooting common zipper bag problems

If your zipper is crooked or puckered after sewing, you pinned it unevenly or your fabric shifted while sewing. Unpick the stitches with a seam ripper, repin the zipper straight, and sew again. It is faster than trying to fix it after the bag is complete.

If your zipper does not slide smoothly, rub the teeth lightly with a graphite pencil or a bar of soap. This lubricates the teeth and usually solves the problem. Do not use oil or silicone spray — they attract dirt.

If the corners of your finished bag are bulky or rounded, you did not trim the seam allowance at the corners before turning. You can still improve them by carefully trimming a little more fabric from the inside corner, being careful not to cut your stitches.

If the bottom opening is difficult to close invisibly, your seam allowance was too wide. Fold the edges in narrower (to 1/8 inch) and the opening will be easier to stitch closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a separating zipper for a makeup bag?

No. A separating zipper (the kind that comes completely apart, like on a jacket) is designed to open at both ends. A makeup bag needs a closed-end zipper that only opens at the top. Check the zipper package before you buy — it will say "closed-end" or show a diagram.

What if my zipper is too long for my fabric?

Trim it with wire cutters. Cut through the metal stops at the end you want to shorten, then slide the excess tape off. If you need to remove the slider to do this, reinstall it after trimming. The zipper should be about 1/2 inch shorter than your fabric width so the seams can close.

Do I need a zipper foot to sew a zipper?

A zipper foot makes sewing much easier because it lets you stitch very close to the teeth without hitting them. A regular presser foot will work, but your stitches will be farther from the teeth and the bag may look less finished. They cost five to ten dollars and fit most machines.

Can I make a makeup bag without turning it inside-out?

Yes, but the seams will show on the outside. Sew the zipper and sides with the fabric right-sides-out instead of right-sides-together, and your seams will be visible. This is called a flat-felled seam finish and is a valid design choice if you like the look.

How do I add a handle or strap to my bag?

Cut a strip of fabric about 2 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches long. Fold it in half lengthwise, sew the long edge closed, and turn it right-side-out. Sew both ends to the inside of the bag at the side seams before you close the bottom opening. The handle will be hidden inside the seam.