Sew A Spa Set Series #7: How To Make A Round Makeup Bag Tutorial

Welcome to the last tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series! This post is for a super useful round makeup bag tutorial – useful and stylish! You’ll find a free pattern you can print at home and use as your round bag template.

We’re using this round drawstring bag as a handy storage solution for all the items in our Sew A Spa Set Series but it could easily be gifted (to yourself or a loved one!) on it’s own if you didn’t want to sew the whole set.

There are 6 of handmade items in our  Sew A Spa Set Series. See the full set in the  Intro post

If you’re planning on using this bag as a makeup bag and not just to store your  Spa Set items then we would definitely recommend coating your lining fabric with Odicoat to give it a barrier coat and help with makeup stains.

Read all about how amazing Odicoat is, and learn how to apply it here

It is a good idea to let multiple coats of Odicoat dry for 24 hours so plan ahead if you want to complete this step!

To be able to make this round makeup bag you’ll need a copy of the FREE Spa Set templates. Request them here 

These simple tutorial can easily be adjusted to create a different items. You could size the template up or down to make gift bags, storage bags and you could even line it with PUL fabric and make an adjustable shower cap!

Round Makeup Bag Tutorial

Important Notes:

• 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
• We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
• For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
• Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To Make This Round Makeup Bag You Will Need:

• The Sew a Spa Set Series Pattern
• Outer Fabric: 60cm of Quilting Cotton [We used Dashwood Studio Tree of Life – Treetop]
• Lining Fabric: 60cm of Quilting Cotton [We used Dashwood Studio Tree of Life – Montage
• 60cm Fusible Fleece [We used Vlieseline / Vilene Fusible Fleece Interfacing H630 – White]
• 2m Cord Elastic [We used Round Elastic Cord – 3mm Wide Dark Teal]
• Cord Toggle [We used Hemline Adjustable Cord Toggles Twin Hole – White 6mm]
• Sewing Thread

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

• Sewing machine
• Fabric Scissors OR rotary cutter, mat & ruler
• Tape Measure or ruler
• Pins or Clips
• Basic Sewing Kit
• Safety pin, Elastic Guide or bodkin

Making the Round Drawstring Bag

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Odicoat your fabrics (Optional)

If you want to apply a protective coat your bag lining and/ or outer, and make your bag water resistant then now’s the time to apply Odicoat. Follow our Odicoat tutorial here

3. Print the Round Drawstring Bag Pattern

Print off the bag Template ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

4. Cut your fabrics

Using the bag template cut out:

• Cut 2 x Main bag from Cotton Outer fabric
• Cut 2x Main bag from Cotton Lining fabric

5. Assemble The Makeup Bag

• Pin RS (right sides) together the two outer pieces. On the long straight edge of the outer semicircles [that will be the middle of the circle] mark down 2.5cm / 1” from the top edge, a line approximately 2.5cm / 1”  long.

• Sew the 2.5cm / 1” line you marked open. Make sure you back stitch either side of the opening you leave. 

• Repeat for the lining fabric pieces together, but without leaving any gaps.
• Apply the fusible fleece to the WS (wrong side) of your lining fabric.

• Pin the bag lining and outer pieces together, RS (right sides) together.

• Sew the lining and outer pieces together, with a 0.5cm / ¼” seam allowance. Leave an opening, approximately 6/7cm / 2 ½” to turn the bag through. Avoid putting it near the small openings you made when sewing the semicircles together.
• Turn the bag RS out
• Press the bag. If you have used Odicoat, then use a pressing cloth and adjust your iron settings
• Once the curved edge of your bag is pressed flat and smooth, top stitch around the outer edge, catching the opening you left to turn the bag.

• Top stitch a second line, 1.5cm / ⅝” down from the 2.5cm / 1” opening you left when sewing the bag pieces together to create a channel for the elastic

12. Using a Safety pin, Elastic Guide or bodkin, feed the cord through the opening, until it comes through the other side. 

13. Put the ends of the cord through your cord stop, and gather the bag by pulling on the ends of the cord.

14. Trim any excess cord and secure the ends by tying a knot and, if you like, carefully using a lighter to heat seal the elastic cord end to prevent further fraying.