estimated reading time: 5 min

Sewing a Boxy Bag: Cosmetic bag without a pattern

01.05.2016 by Sabine Schmidt

Boxy Bag nähen: Kosmetiktasche ohne Schnittmuster

What do I need for that?

Materials & Details

Zipper^*

Machine:: Overlock seamBackstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline H630

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*

Woven cotton is a classic, non-stretch cotton fabric. It's comfortable to wear, relatively lightweight and at the same time nicely stable.

The surface is usually smooth or slightly matte and feels natural and soft. Depending on the quality, it can be thinner for light clothing or a little firmer for sturdier projects.

Woven cotton is really easy to sew: it hardly slips, is easy to cut and is great for beginners too.

It's perfect for blouses, shirts, dresses, skirts or for decor such as cushions, pouches and patchwork.

In short: simple, versatile and a true all-rounder for lots of sewing ideas

Linen^*

Machine:: Overlock seamBackstitch functionStraight stitch

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*
Thread:: All-purpose sewing thread^*

Linen is a natural fabric with a slightly firm, textured feel. At first it often feels a bit rough, but it gets softer with every wash and becomes really lovely on the skin.

Typical of linen: it is super airy and breathable – perfect for warm days. The fabric looks rather loose and relaxed, often has a slightly irregular appearance, and that is exactly what gives it its charm.

Linen creases pretty quickly, but that is simply part of it and even looks intentional. It is ideal for airy clothing such as dresses, blouses, trousers or shirts.

In short: natural, cooling and wonderfully easy-going with a casual look.

Canvas^*

Machine:: Overlock seamBackstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline H200

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*
Thread:: All-purpose sewing thread^*

Canvas is a very sturdy, densely woven fabric that feels really stable. It's usually made of cotton or a cotton blend and is made to withstand quite a lot.

The surface is rather firm and sometimes slightly rough, but can be a little smoother depending on the finish. Canvas has hardly any stretch, but keeps its shape nicely.

Sewing it can take some effort because it's thick and stable – but in return you get a very long-lasting result. Fraying is easy to keep under control with the right technique.

Canvas is perfect for bags, backpacks, seat cushions, decor or even sturdy jackets.

In short: strong, long-lasting and ideal for anything that needs to be really stable.

coated cotton^*

Machine:: Backstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline H640

More info

Needle:: Universal needle^*

Coated cotton is a cotton fabric with a smooth, water-repellent surface. It feels a bit like oilcloth but is often softer and more flexible.

The fabric is pretty sturdy and wipes clean easily – perfect for when something gets spilled. On the inside you have the pleasant cotton, on the outside the coating protects against moisture and dirt.

Sewing it sometimes takes a little patience because the surface can stick slightly. With the right tricks, though, it works well.

Coated cotton is ideal for bags, backpacks, tablecloths or anything that has to withstand everyday use.

In short: practical, easy care and perfect for projects that can take a beating.

Jersey^*

Machine:: Overlock seamstretch seamBackstitch functionStraight stitch
Interfacing:: Vlieseline H609

More info

Needle:: Jersey needle^*
Thread:: stretch sewing thread^*

Jersey is a soft, elastic fabric that is super comfy and adapts beautifully to the body. It is stretchy, usually lightweight and feels pleasantly smooth on the skin.

Typical of jersey: it moves with you, which makes it perfect for everyday clothing. Depending on the material, it can be thin and airy or somewhat firmer.

When sewing, jersey likes to curl up a little at the edges, but with a few tricks it works well. It is ideal for T-shirts, dresses, sleepwear or kids' clothing.

In short: soft, stretchy and a true feel-good fabric for every day.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

It’s cute, trendy, and can be made in all sorts of sizes. Sewing a Boxy Bag is so easy that you don't even need a real sewing pattern.

The most important things at a glance

The Boxy Bag is the ideal project for beginners and those new to sewing zippers
No pattern is needed; an A3 sheet of paper (or A4 for a smaller size) is perfectly sufficient
This blog post also includes a step-by-step pictorial guide
My sewing video makes it especially easy for you to sew this pretty little bag yourself
You can use the bag for cosmetics, pens, sewing supplies, and much more

All you need is an A3 sheet of paper! This gives the Boxy Bag the right size to serve as a toiletry bag, storage for your sewing notions, or makeup. But you can also take an A4 sheet to get a smaller bag, which is well-suited for keeping loose odds and ends together in your handbag. Through quilting, you also make the bag sturdy and a truly unique piece.

By the way, you can find all SewSimple instructions for bags and pouches here.

The size of the finished bag depends on how you sew the corners:

At 3.5 cm, the Boxy Bag is approx. 13 * 19 cm in size.
At 3 cm, it has a base area of 14 * 21 cm.

Sewing a Boxy Bag with a sewing video

Which fabric is suitable?

All non-stretchy fabrics are suitable, such as:

Cotton woven fabric^* (e.g., chambray fabrics^* or Kokka fabrics^*)
Linen fabrics^*
Canvas^*
Coated cotton fabrics^*

The firmer the fabric, the more structure your bag will have.

By the way, expressive cotton prints^* look very nice. It is great when the fabric matches the outer fabric in color. For example, you could use a simple solid cotton fabric^*.

Feel free to check out my detailed blog post on sewing with cotton. You can find more information about fabric types and their use here.

Materials you need to sew a Boxy Bag

Fabric for the outside
Fabric for the inside
Vlieseline H250^*
Continuous zipper^* (for example, made of metallized plastic)
Patchwork ruler^*
Rotary cutter^*
Pins^*
Sewing machine^* (feel free to read the review of my Juki)
and/or Overlocker^*
Style-Vil^*
Sewing thread^*

Note on interfacing: Cotton batting^* and/or heavy-duty interfacing^* (the batting makes the bag softer and easier to grip, the heavy-duty interfacing gives it more structure; you can also use both together, though sewing becomes a bit more demanding); I have had the best experiences with Style-Vil^* because it is simultaneously very sturdy and malleable. Furthermore, it always returns to its original shape.

Cutting fabric for the Boxy Bag

Use your A3 sheet of paper as a pattern and cut
1 x outer fabric
1 x inner fabric
1 x Style-vil^*
2 pieces of fabric, 10 x 6 cm each for the loops

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I also sew the Boxy Bag from jersey scraps?

Yes, that works. However, you should reinforce the jersey beforehand with Vlieseline H250.

Do I need an overlocker to sew the Boxy Bag?

No, you can choose a finishing stitch on your sewing machine instead, for example, a zigzag stitch.

Is it difficult to sew in the Boxy Bag zipper?

The zipper is simply sewn in with a straight seam, without any corners or curves. Therefore, the Boxy Bag is the ideal project for beginners to zippers.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Sew a boxy bag: photo tutorial

Step-by-step tutorial for the boxy bag without a classic sewing pattern — one A3 sheet (or A4 for the smaller size) is enough. Size with 3.5 cm boxed corners approx. 13 × 19 cm, with 3 cm approx. 14 × 21 cm.

Step

Prepare the loops

Fold each of the two fabric pieces (10 × 6 cm) lengthwise so the long edges meet and the right side of the fabric faces out.
Press the fold, then press both long edges inwards until they lie flush against the fold.
Fold the loop in half towards the centre once more.
Edgestitch both long edges with a straight stitch.
02

Step

Arrange the fabrics as a quilt sandwich
Layer the pattern pieces from bottom to top:
Lining fabric, right side down
Fusible fleece (Style-vil)
Outer fabric, right side up
Step

Prepare for quilting

Sew once around your quilt sandwich with a finishing stitch (e.g. zigzag stitch) or with the overlock.
Step

Quilt

Draw a quilting pattern (e.g. simple squares).
Quilt along the markings with a 3.5 straight stitch. This stabilises the Boxy Bag and makes it firm yet flexible.
Step

Attach the zipper

Clip the zipper, pull facing down, right sides together to the short edge of the main fabric.
Sew on the zipper with a zipper foot. Backstitch well at the beginning and end.
Step

Sew on the second side of the zipper

Place the second short edge exactly against the other side of the zipper and sew the zipper in place.
Turn the bag and topstitch along the zipper with a straight stitch.

My tip

Hold the side you've already sewn a little away from the presser foot so you don't accidentally catch it.
Step

Sew in the loops and close the sides

Mark the centre of the bag and sew the loops in place with a short seam.
Place the centre of the zipper on the centre of the loop and secure with clips. Open the zipper part of the way.
Close the open edges with a straight stitch. Sew back and forth several times over the zipper.
Step

Sew the corners

Trim off the excess zipper ends and clip the corners slightly.
Mark the side lines, align the seam with the marking, measure 4 cm (or 3 or 3.5 cm for your preferred base width) from the corner and draw a straight line.
Sew along the line. Repeat for all four corners.
Step

Trim and finish the corners

Trim the corners back to the seam allowance with the rotary cutter.
Finish the open edge with a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch on your sewing machine.
Step

Turn and shape

Turn the bag right side out and shape the corners nicely. If you like, you can press the bag now. Done!

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.

Sewing a Boxy Bag: Cosmetic bag without a pattern

Sewing a Boxy Bag with a sewing video

Which fabric is suitable?

Materials you need to sew a Boxy Bag

Cutting fabric for the Boxy Bag

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I also sew the Boxy Bag from jersey scraps?

Do I need an overlocker to sew the Boxy Bag?

Is it difficult to sew in the Boxy Bag zipper?

Sew a boxy bag: photo tutorial

Prepare the loops

Arrange the fabrics as a quilt sandwich

Prepare for quilting

Quilt

Attach the zipper

Sew on the second side of the zipper

Sew in the loops and close the sides

Sew the corners

Trim and finish the corners

Turn and shape

Comments

Sabine