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How to Sew a Makeup Bag

June 14, 2018

THE QUEENSTOWN MAKEUP BAG

I have been meaning to create a makeup bag for ages. The one I have been using was made by my grandma over 10 years ago and it’s getting a little tired. It’s very sentimental because it was last item that she ever gave to me.Makeup bags are so essential when travelling, and I can say that Ihave hauled the one my grandma gave me for years and over several continents. Although I did not want to retire it from use,  I do want to keep it in somewhat decent condition for memories sake. So, it was definitely time to replace it!

Honestly, it would have been easier to just buy one. There are so many cute makeup bags online, but I couldn’t find anything I like that wasn’t leather, had a shabby chic look to it that was similar to the vibe I got from my grandma’s and that wasn’t a fortune. Am I the only one that struggles with this? I can’t justify spending a lot of money on a makeup bag that I didn’t absolutely love. So I finally just made my own and wanted to share it with you all!

DOWNLOAD THE PDF PATTERN HERE

I was really inspired to make to one for myself that was chic but also practical with separate compartments to store different products like earrings and brushes. That’s why I created The Queenstown Makeup Bag Pattern! I also bought some gorgeous fabric from Robert Kauffman that helped give a modern shabby chic look! I bought the Sevenberry Fushia Petite Garden for the outside fabricand the side zipper pocket was made from the Petites Stipples Midnight by Amy Sinibaldi for Art Gallery. There is just something about floral prints that I am absolutely loving recently. It is feminine and timeless and a bit shabby chic!

 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
  • 1/4 yard of cotton fabric in two separate patterns
  • 1/4 yard of canvas for the inner lining
  • Zipper
  • Scissors or rotary cutter
  • Sewing machine and contrasting thread
  • Digital PDF sewing pattern of the Queenstown Makeup Bag with step-by-step instructions available on Etsy

The Queenstown Makeup Bag is a full step-by-step tutorial with photos, diagrams and clearly written instructions  to guide you. If you are a beginner, I do recommend practicing your sewing skills before attempting this bag. You can try my free zipper pouch tutorial on the blog which guides you through how to sew a zipper. This pattern builds on the basics from this tutorial with some fun extra twists. I’ll be launching the pattern this Friday so stay tuned!

I love how this pattern turned out! The pattern is designed so that you can make it out of any fabric of your choosing which is the best part about making it yourself. The two zippered compartments are so helpful for practical storage and separation for your products and the faux leather bottom can be wiped easily clean. The fact that it stands up right is super helpful to avoid getting it dirty on hotel bathroom counter tops (we all know the struggle of hotel cleanliness!). Last thing you want is a makeup bag that is hard to maintain!

I ended up actually making one as a birthday gift for a close friend of mine Joanna from JMS Entertaining. I know that she’ll make great use of this makeup bag! She also has a really fun website that has delicious recipes and entertaining inspiration and ideas. Go check her out!

Let me know if you give this pattern a try. It is the first one I have on Etsy, so I do hope you like it. You can also tag me in your DIY Queenstown Makeup bag over on Instagram too!

Thanks for reading!

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Hi I’m Kusala. I share how to make some of my favourite handmade items.  Anyone can become a maker. The key is to just get started and figure it out as you go along. Read more.

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Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! This time I decided to use the #MNjarrah to make a t-shirt using leftover striped cotton jersey fabric that I had purchased from @blackbirdfabrics last year. I am finally making my way through my fabric stash! This was a make it work moment with limited fabric and a stripped print ah! If you have sewn with stripes you know...getting those lines to match up is something else. This tee is far from perfect but I LOVE it so much!

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Do you have any favourite tshirt patterns?
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Pattern: Jarrah Sweater @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: Striped cotton jersey @blackbirdfabrics 

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It has been some time since I introduced myself. L It has been some time since I introduced myself. Let me know if you have anything in common!

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_____________________________

Skirt : Handmade by me - self drafted. Tutorial on the blog.

Pattern: Jarrah Sweatshirt @megannielsenpatterns 

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