DIY… Make A Vinyl and Fabric Cosmetic Pouch

I bought a bunch of make up over the Christmas holidays.  I don’t wear a lot of make-up, but I like buying it, especially the sample sizes at Ulta and Sephora. When I sew, I love working with clear vinyl, so I decided to make some cosmetic pouches…

A few weeks ago I saw small vinyl brush pouches at the store. I told myself that I couldn’t buy one. I’m convinced that I am a hoarder and buy way to much stuff. I mean really, how many make-up bags does a girl really need? Well, I thought and thought about those pouches and finally decided it was ok to get one… When I went back to the store they were all gone!

So, I’m attempting to make these from memory. I’ve made a few – they are perfect for make-up, receipts and also an iPhone and cord.

All you need to do is cut 2 fabric rectangles and 1 vinyl rectangle. Round the bottom corners. Here is the quick and easy on making a vinyl and fabric pouch:

Materials Needed:

1. Fabric – 2 colors. 1 for the lining and 1 for the backside
2. Interfacing – Optional. I used Pellon SF101 because it makes the cotton fabric a little sturdier
3. 3/8″ bias binding – store bought or homemade
4. Clear vinyl
5. Zipper – cut to fit
6. Thread to match zipper and bias tape. Contrast thread color is also ok
7. Sewing machine and related supplies
8. Iron and ironing board
9. Wonder Clips – optional
10. Zipper foot – optional
11. Wonder Tape – optional
12. Cotton balls – optional

Before we get started, you need to complete the following:

1. Create your pattern –  Draw 1 rectangle 8″ x 5.5″ [ for the fabric]. Draw 1 rectangle 8″ x 5″ [ for the vinyl]. Round both bottom corners. The top edge is straight
2. Fabric, both back/main and lining/colorful pattern – Cut 1 piece each
3. Clear vinyl –  Cut 1 piece
4. Interfacing – Cut 2 pieces
5. Fuse the interfacing to the back of the cotton fabric

Alright, let’s get sewing:

Lay zipper horizontal.  Zipper tab should be facing the left.

Lay main fabric piece along zipper tape top edge, right sides are facing each other. Pin. Place into sewing machine and stitch together.

Turn zipper over. Place lining fabric piece on top of zipper tape top edge. Right side is down/facing the back piece. The zipper should be sandwiched between the lining and back fabric pieces. Place into sewing machine and stitch down. Follow previous  stitches.

Press seams into place. Be careful to not touch iron to zipper teeth.

Place into sewing machine and topstitch along zipper edge. At the same time, change to a basting stitch. Baste around the non-zipper sides with a 1/8″ seam allowance s. This helps keep the fabric pieces together.

Lay zipper facing right side up. Place vinyl piece on other side of zipper tape. Stitch vinyl to zipper tape. Make sure to stitch as close to zipper teeth as possible, still allowing zipper to open freely.

Fold in half at the zipper. Clear vinyl now lays on top of lining fabric right side. Pin/ use wonder clips along zipper folder edge. Cut zipper ends off. Trim edges of pouch making sure all seams are even. Backstitch zipper ends if it makes you feel better.

Start at one end and place binding at top corner.  Leave approximately 1″ tail. Wrap and tuck the tail towards the backside, pin and place into sewing machine. Edgestitch. Before finishing at the other end, wrap and tuck there bias tape into itself again. Backstitch.  Quick Tip.. Pesky bias tape falling off the vinyl? Cut really small pieces of wonder tape and stick it under the bias tape. I promise it will hold everything in place.

That’s it!

I travel a lot. I have a system for packing and never unpack my overnight bag. Did you see George Clooney’s “Up In The Air”? My Dad took me to see the mpvie a few weeks before he died.. The memory makes me smile. He wanted me to learn “how to pack”. Anyways, I’m adding my vinyl pouches to the group.  The clear front is great and keeps everything neat and organized. I love seeing the contents inside – at a glance.

You can make a pouch in just a few short hours. Then fill it with all your goodies. If you want to see other projects I made with vinyl, click here for my mini jewelry roll.

Fabric Source – Don’t you love the fabric? This is “Lapis Hipster” made by the RBD Designers for Riley Blake Designs. I bought a fat quarter bundle and love the options I have. With a fat quarter bundle, think of all the coordinating stuff I can make!