Cosmetic bag for Vicki

A cosmetic bag with a floral design, featuring multiple compartments, including a zipped internal pocket and various cosmetic items like a brush and a cream tube inside.

I made this cosmetic bag for Vicki because her old one… well, it had simply become very old and worn. Vicki likes her cosmetics organised in different compartments, so I thought this one would be a perfect replacement. It even has a zipped internal pocket where you can hide away all your private bits and bobs (psss… we all have them!).

Follow along for DIY instructions.

You can download the cosmetic bag pattern here!

1. Cut out all pattern pieces according to the measurements provided! Give 1cm seam allowance everywhere except the zip stopper which is 0.5cm allowance. You will also need two zips (20cm long and 27cm long). You will be making stoppers so don’t worry if they are longer than specified as you can cut them at the bottom end. Prepare the zips by cutting off the top stoppers and stitching the ends at curved position.

Fabric pieces and zippers laid out for a DIY cosmetic bag project, featuring brown and blue patterns.

2. Begin by stitching all three bag pieces together.
Tip: Mark small dots where the ┗┛-shaped stitch should go. It should be placed at least 4 cm away from the edges.

A partially assembled DIY cosmetic bag showing fabric pieces pinned together, with marked internal compartments on the top piece.

3. To create the zip stoppers, place two small fabric pieces (4 cm × 5 cm) on either side of the zip end and stitch them together. Ensure that only the end of the zip is caught in the seam, while the sides remain free.

Close-up of two fabric-covered zipper ends, one in brown and one in blue, resting on a white surface.

4. Once the zip stopper is stitched, turn it right side out.

Two zippers with fabric ends, one in blue with a floral pattern and the other in brown, displayed on a white background.

5. Insert the shorter zip onto the internal bag shell. Position it so that the beginning of the zip is 1.5 cm away from the side edge, then pin in place.

Close-up of a sewing project featuring a blue floral fabric attached to a brown zipper, with pins holding it in place.

6. Stitch along the zip until you reach the middle. Stop, open the zipper, then continue stitching to the end.

Close-up view of a partially constructed cosmetic bag featuring a brown zipper and a blue patterned fabric.

7. Turn the inner bag right side out and attach the other side of the zip. Keep the zipper open while stitching it in place.

A handmade cosmetic bag featuring multiple compartments and a zipped internal pocket for organization.

8. Turn the inner bag back to its original position and check that the zip is working properly.

A handmade cosmetic bag featuring a decorative blue floral fabric with compartments and a zipped internal section.

9. Turn the inner bag inside out again.

Close-up of an unfinished cosmetic bag showing the inner compartments and zippers on a work table.

10. Stitch down both sides, rounding the bottom corners as you sew. Ensure the top edge has been folded down by 1 cm and pressed in place.

Close-up of the bottom of a handmade cosmetic bag in neutral fabric with exposed seams and pinned edges, showing the construction details.

11. Turn the bag back to its original position. Now prepare the two outer bag sections to be stitched in the same way.

Close-up view of a handmade cosmetic bag with a blue floral design, featuring a zipped internal compartment.

11. Turn the outer bag sections inside out one by one and stitch the sides in the same way. Make sure the top edges are folded down by 1 cm before stitching.

A handmade cosmetic bag featuring a blue patterned fabric on top and a cream-colored fabric base, showcasing a zip closure and an external pocket.

12. Once all the bags are stitched, turn everything back to the original position.

A handmade cosmetic bag featuring a floral blue fabric design with an external zippered compartment and a zipped internal bag for organization.

13. Make the bag linings by folding each piece in half and stitching the sides together. Make sure the top edges are folded down by 1 cm before stitching.
Tip: Use an iron to press the folds so they stay in place while you stitch.