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Sew a cosmetic bag in 15 minutes: Here's how

03.02.2019 by Sabine Schmidt

Kosmetiktasche nähen in 15 Minuten: So geht's

Sew a cosmetic bag in 15 minutes - arguably the fastest zippered pouch in the world! And, I think, one of the prettiest. My tutorial is perfect for beginners who want to sew their first little bag.

The most important things at a glance

  • For this cosmetic bag, you only need 15 minutes from the first to the last stitch
  • The pouch is a lovely and quick project for in-between times
  • Even beginners can sew this beautiful bag in no time, and the result is truly something to be proud of
  • The 15-minute bag is a wonderful gift for young and old

For me, cosmetic bags are among the most beautiful and fastest sewing projects of all. You can quickly sew one in between things - as a bit of finger exercise, so to speak - they really show off fabrics to their best advantage, and they are wonderful gifts for everyone!

Sew a cosmetic bag in 15 minutes

My new sewing idea is a cosmetic bag that only takes 15 minutes from the first to the last stitch!

Sew a cosmetic bag in 15 minutes

And the result is really something to be proud of.

By the way, I painted the fabric for my quick cosmetic bag myself. :)

Feel free to check out my tutorial on how to paint fabrics yourself with fabric paint! It's really easy!

By the way: If you want to really score points with the bag without much effort, you can decorate it with cute enamel pins*! They’re just plain cool, aren't they?

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What fabric do I need?

Outer fabric - e.g. colorful cotton fabrics* (or hand-painted fabric!)

Lining fabric - e.g. fine corduroy* or canvas*

What accessories do I need?

Sew a cosmetic bag in 15 minutes

Frequently asked questions

Can beginners also sew the cosmetic bag?

The pouch is the ideal sewing project for beginners. And with my illustrated step-by-step tutorial, you are guaranteed to succeed in no time!

Which fabrics can I use to sew the 15-minute bag?

You can sew the pouch with almost any non-stretchy fabric. Cotton, fine corduroy, or canvas work particularly well.

Does the 15-minute bag really only take 15 minutes?

Yes, this cosmetic bag is sewn so quickly that you will only need 15 minutes from the first to the last stitch, you'll see!

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.

Step-by-step instructions

Photo tutorial: sew a 15-minute cosmetic bag

This cosmetic bag really only takes 15 minutes — the ideal beginner project. Here you can see the fabric pieces you need to cut:

  1. Step

    Separate the zipper

    Now separate the zipper.

    To sew the cosmetic bag you actually only need one half of the continuous zipper.

    You can use the second half to sew another little bag!

    Separate the zipper
  2. Step

    Reinforce the fabrics

    Reinforce the back of the outer fabric with Vlieseline H640.

    Reinforce the back of the lining fabric with Vlieseline H250.

    Reinforce the fabrics
  3. Step

    Layer the fabrics and zipper

    Place the fabric pieces right sides together with the edges aligned.

    Place the zipper along the upper long side.

    The teeth point downwards and the right side of the zipper lies on the right side of the outer fabric.

    Layer the fabrics and zipper
  4. Step

    Pin and sew on the zipper

    Pin the zipper in place along the long side.

    Sew the zipper in place with the zipper foot and a straight stitch.

    Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

    Pin and sew on the zipper
  5. Step

    Topstitch the zipper from the right side

    Press both fabrics away from the zipper and edgestitch along the zipper from the right side through all layers.

    For topstitching you can use a contrasting thread — and sew with a longer straight stitch.

    Topstitch the zipper from the right side
  6. Step

    Fold the bag piece into a triangle

    After topstitching the zipper, fold the bag piece into a triangle.

    The zipper sits in the middle and the sides are aligned.

    Fold the bag piece into a triangle
  7. Step

    Thread the zipper

    Thread the zipper. This works best if you hold it in place with pins.

    Close the zipper a little way.

    Thread the zipper
  8. Step

    Turn the bag and prepare the sides

    Turn the bag.

    Pin the two open sides together with the edges aligned.

    Trim the excess zipper back to the level of the seam allowance (not with your fabric scissors!).

    Turn the bag and prepare the sides
  9. Step

    Close the sides and finish the seam allowances

    Close the two open sides of the bag with a straight stitch and a 1 cm seam allowance.

    Trim the seam allowances evenly to 1/2 centimetre.

    Then switch to a narrow zigzag stitch and finish the seam allowances.

    Close the sides and finish the seam allowances
  10. Step

    Mark the bottom corners

    Mark the centre of the bag at the zipper with a disappearing marker.

    Fold the bag so that the marking and the zipper slider are opposite each other.

    Now pull the corners open so that the seam sits in the middle. Repeat for the second bottom corner.

    Mark the bottom corners
  11. Step

    Stitch and finish the corners

    Draw a line 3 centimetres in from the start of the corner seam.

    Sew across the corner on this line with a straight stitch.

    Trim the seam allowance to 1/2 centimetre.

    Finish the seam allowances of the corners with a narrow zigzag stitch as well.

    Stitch and finish the corners
  12. Step

    Turn the bag — done!

    Turn the bag, push out the corners, add decorations, done!

    Turn the bag — 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.