Learn new skills and techniques whilst making your very own toiletry bag or make up bag. I have created 3 different sizes for you to choose from; small, medium or large. Alternatively check out our blog post that shows you how to make your own size: Quilting Toiletry & Make-up Bag Sizing. Watch my video on YouTube to help you along: Quilted Toiletry & Make-up Bag Tutorial.

Please see the required pattern size, as well as the finished size of each of the bags. When discussing the zip length measure only the zip teeth, from the zip pull to the zip stopper. Should you wish to shorten a zip to the required length it can be easier to use a plastic zipper. Measure from the zipper pull the desired zip length and add 1/2″ (1cm), this will be required for the zipper tab discussed later in the tutorial.

(Metal zippers can be shortened by removing the teeth with a pair of pliers.)

Small Size
Pattern Size: 7 1/4″ width, 4 1/4″ height (17.6cm width, 10.5cm height)
Zip Length: 5″ (13cm)
Zipper Tab: 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” (4cm x 4cm)
No Box Corners
Quilting: 1/2″ (1cm) squares

Finished Size (approximately):  6 1/4″ width, 3 1/4″ height (15cm width, 8cm height)

Medium Size
Pattern Size: 8 1/4” width, 7 1/4” height (20.1cm width, 18cm height)
Zip Length: 6″ (15.5cm)
Zipper Tab: 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” (4cm x 4cm)
Box Corners: 3/4″ (2cm)
Quilting: 1/2″ (1cm) squares

Finished Size (approximately): 7 1/4” width, 6 1/4” height (18cm width, 16cm height)

Large Size
Pattern Size: 14 1/4″ width, 12 1/2″ height (35.1cm width, 32cm height)
Zip Length: 12″ (30.5cm)
Zipper Tab: 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” (4cm x 4cm)
Box Corners: 2″ (5cm)
Quilting: 3/4″ (2cm) squares

Finished Size (approximately):  13 1/4″ width, 11 1/2″ height (33cm width, 29cm height)

Please bear in mind that I am not using exact conversions for imperial to metric measurements. I am using a 1/2″ or 1cm seam allowances for ease. SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED.

What materials do you need?
– Fabric (1/2 metre)
– Lining (1/2 metre)
– Zip (see above for sizing)
– Wadding (1/2 metre optional)
– Thread

What equipment do you need?
– Sewing Machine
– Chalk, Removable Pen, Pencil
– Scissors
– Ruler, Tape Measure
– Pins
– Iron

Decide on the size of the bag you wish to create; use the pattern measurements above or see our blog post: Quilted Toiletry & Make-up Bag Sizing.

Use chalk, a removable pen or a pencil to draw the measurements of the desired bag onto the WRONG side of the fabric. Cut along the drawn lines. Cut out 2 rectangles in exterior fabric and 2 in lining.

You will also need to cut out 2 zip tabs for the end of the zip. The tabs should measure 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ (4cm x 4cm) for all bag sizes.

Creating Zip Tabs
Start by attaching the zip tabs onto the end of the zip. Press opposite edges of both zip tabs to the WRONG side by 1/4″ (1cm). Press the tabs in half so that they measure approximately 1/2″ (1cm) in width and 1 1/2″ (4cm) in length.

Measure 1/2″ (1cm) from the end of the zip stopper and the end of the zip pull. Trim off any excess zipper tape. The zipper tape (at both ends of the zip) must measure the same as the zip tabs to produce a neat professional finish.

Wrap the zip tabs around the end of the zipper tape (the zipper tape will be sandwiched in between the fabric zipper tabs).

Pin in position, check that the pins are about 1/8″ (3mm) from the folded edge of the zip tab on both sides, this will create a neat finish when sewing. Be sure that the zipper tabs are NOT pinned onto the zipper teeth.

When pinning the zip tab onto the top of the zip, you will need to open the zip. Place the last teeth at the top of the zip close together. This is fiddly so pin one side of the zipper tape to the fabric tab and then the other side. Fasten the zipper and check that you haven’t left a gap at the top.

Using a zipper foot on the sewing machine sew 1/8″ (3mm) away from the folded edge of the fabric tab. Do NOT sew through the zipper teeth, especially if you are working with metal teeth. If you have shortened a plastic zip you will have to sew over the zipper teeth, complete this carefully. Walk the sewing machine forward with the hand wheel if required.

Quilting (optional)
If you wish to quilt your bag you will need to quilt the exterior fabric to some wadding. This is an optional step, as is the choice of wadding weight.

I chose a lightweight 100% cotton wadding. The weight of wadding you choose will affect the structure of the bag, a thicker wadding will provide a stiffer finish. If you do not wish to quilt your fabric you may wish to choose a slightly heavier weight fabric, such as a lightweight upholstery fabric or canvas. The lightweight Liberty Tana Lawn Cotton I used will be too light and would collapse without the support of wadding and quilting.

Start by marking quilting lines onto the RIGHT side of the exterior fabric using a removable pen or chalk. I worked with lines positioned 1/2″ (1cm) apart in this tutorial (used on the medium and small sized bags). I used quilting lines positioned 3/4″ (2cm) apart on the large bag. You are welcome to change the distance of the quilting lines to personalise your bag.

Start by marking a nice diagonal line onto the fabric, draw other lines the required distance apart.

Complete lines in the opposite direction, they must be parallel to the original lines to create accurate squares or diamonds.

Cut out wadding slightly larger than the exterior fabric. Position the exterior fabric RIGHT side facing up, place the wadding onto the WRONG side of the exterior fabric and pin together sporadically.

Sew each of the drawn lines on the sewing machine. Use a walking foot if you have one to improve stitching. Be sure to back stitch at the start and end of each row, trim loose threads.

Introduce the Zipper
The zipper must be positioned in the middle of the bag. Lay the lining fabric RIGHT side facing up and measure in from each side 5/8″ (1.3cm). Draw a mark with a removable pen. Please understand that we are NOT using exact imperial to metric conversions as we are working with 1/2″ (1cm) seam allowance for ease (we know that 5/8″ is not 1.3cm). If you wish to understand what the 5/8″ (1.3cm) zip placement means and where it comes from read the Quilting Toiletry & Make-up Bag Sizing.