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

by | Mar 6, 2022 | Project Ideas, Tutorials

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.

 

Round Makeup Bag Tutorial for Pinterest

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

How to use Odicoat

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:

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

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.
Assemble the Makeup Bag Step 1
Assemble the makeup bag step 2
  • Sew the 2.5cm / 1” line you marked open. Make sure you back stitch either side of the opening you leave. 
Assemble the makeup bag step 3
Assemble the makeup bag step 4
  • 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.

 

Apply the fusible fleece
  • Pin the bag lining and outer pieces together, RS (right sides) together.
    Assemble the makeup bag step 6
    • 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.

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 7

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 8
    • 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

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 9

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 10

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 11

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 12

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

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 13
    Assemble the makeup bag step 14

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

    Assemble the makeup bag step 15

     

    Assemble the makeup bag step 16

    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.

    And you’re finished, well done!

    To find the full Sew a Spa Set tutorials series, check out our Intro post here

     

    Sew a Spa Set Tutorials

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    Sew A Spa Set Series #6: Sew Reusable Cotton Pads

    Sew A Spa Set Series #6: Sew Reusable Cotton Pads

    by | Mar 5, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, Care and Repair, My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

    As we all start to look at simple ways we can reduce our waste, the bathroom is a great place to make some simple swaps! Did you know that disposable make up remover pads can often contain plastic?! Switching to reusable cotton pads is a quick and easy swap to help reduce your waste.

    This tutorial is part of our  Sew A Spa Set Series – check the  Intro post  to see what else you can make for a relaxing day or evening pampering yourself, or a loved one and would make a great gift.

    This project is also a great little scrap buster!

    Reusable cotton pads

    We’ve used bamboo towelling rather than cotton towelling here (but who’s heard of Bamboo Pads?!) so we’re using poetic license when we’re calling these cotton pads…

    There’s a good reason why we’re using bamboo though – it’s far more sustainable than cotton. Read more about Bamboo Towelling’s eco-credentials in our full guide here

    There are 6 items that make up the Spa Set and if you’re pushed for time, each of these handmade items would make a great small gift on their own.

    Sew A Spa Set banner

    You can use out template or size up, or change the shape to a square (and make up using the same process) to make reusable baby wipes or rounds.

    We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

    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 One Reusable Cotton Pad

    Sewing Kit You Will Need:

    Making the Reusable Cotton Pads

    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. Print the cotton pad templates

    Print off the Spa Set Templates 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.

    3. Cut your fabrics & notions

    To make one pad cut out:

    • 1x Circle from Bamboo Towelling
    • 1x Circle from Patterned Cotton
    • 1x Back loop from Patterned Cotton
    4. Assemble The Cotton Round

    Sew the loop

    • On the loop pattern piece, fold the long edges over 1cm / ⅜” and press.

    Making the makeup rounds step 1

    • Fold the entire rectangle lengthwise again to the middle and press.

    Making the makeup rounds step 2

    • Top stitch down both sides of the rectangle.

    Making the makeup rounds step 3

    Making the makeup rounds step 4

    Assemble the pad

    • Pin the rectangle to RS (right side) of the Cotton fabric circle of your pad. Make sure there is a little space to slide your fingers between the loop and the pad, this will mean the loop is not flat against the pad.
    Making the makeup rounds step 5
    • Baste the edges where the rectangle meets the circle edge.
    • Place the bamboo towelling circle RS together with the Cotton circle, sandwiching the loop in between. Pin in place and stitch around the circle with a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance, leaving an opening to turn it out the right way.
    Making the makeup rounds step 6
    Making the makeup rounds step 7
    • Pink or clip the seam allowance. Turn the pad out through the opening you left. 
    Making the makeup rounds step 8
    • Fold in the seam allowance at the opening.
    • Top stitch 3mm / ⅛” around the edge of the circle to finish and close the opening.
    Making the makeup rounds step 9
    Making the makeup rounds step 10

    And you’re finished, well done!

    We’re nearly there! We hope you’ve enjoyed our Sew A Spa Set Series so far. The very last tutorial is a Round Makeup Bag to store all of your handmade goodies in!

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    Sew A Spa Set Series #5: Make An Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

    by | Mar 5, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

    Did you know that shower puffs are generally made from plastic? Maybe you’re looking for an eco-friendly shower puff that’s kinder to the planet?

    Well you’re in the right place! Our version of the Eco-Friendly Shower Puff is made from eco-friendly bamboo towelling and is super simple to make, and best of all it doesn’t take many supplies either!

    Sew an eco-friendly shower puff

    We hope you’re enjoying the  Sew A Spa Set Series that this eco-friendly shower puff is part of. It’s a set of simple sews you can put together and gift as a whole, or on their own.

    We think the Spa Set would make a gorgeous handmade gift for Mother’s Day… Check out the Intro post to see what else is included in the Spa Set.

    There are 6 items that make up the Spa Set and if you’re pushed for time, each of these handmade items would make a great small gift on their own.

    We’ve designed these mini projects to be quick & easy, so you can sew a Spa Set that you could use on a relaxing day off, or as a last minute gift for friends or family.

     

    We’ve used bamboo towelling to make most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

    Our guide is full of helpful info, as well as some top tips!

     

    We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

    How to Sew An Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

    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 The Shower Puff You Will Need:

    Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

    Making the Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

    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 frequentl

    3. Cut & Edge Your Fabric

    OR

    If you’re not making any of the other items just cut from Bamboo Towelling two rectangles measuring 35cm x 8cm

    • Either overlock around all 4 the sides of both pieces of bamboo towelling rectangles, or finish with a zig-zag stitch
    4. Sew your fabric
    • Place your main pieces, WS (wrong sides) together and create a channel 1.5cm / ⅝” wide in the centre of the strip.
    • You can either measure and mark where the channel lies on the main pieces, or lie your cord length across and mark where the channel lies by eye
    • Feed your cord through the channel.

    Pull the ends of the main pieces together around the cord, gathering it along the cord. Shape this into a typical puff shape, tying a double knot in the cord when you are happy with the shape, to secure the puff. 

    And you’re finished, well done!

    There are just 2 more items in our Sew A Spa Set Series… Next up is a tutorial to take you through how to Sew Reusable Cotton Rounds

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    Sew A Spa Set Series #4: Free Eye Mask Tutorial

    by | Mar 4, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

    Welcome to the next tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series! In this post you can download our free eye mask template and find a step-by-step sewing tutorial on how to sew your own eye-mask suitable for long and luxurious self-care baths!

    Our Spa eye mask is backed in super soft bamboo towelling to make it the perfect companion for your next candle lit bath.

     

    Sew an eye mask tutorial

    To make this eye mask you’ll need a copy of the free eye mask template. Request the template here and we’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with the other patterns in the Sew A Spa Set Series

    Be sure to check out the Intro post for the full lowdown on what other tutorials are included in our Sew A Spa Set Series

     

     

    If you’re new to bamboo towelling you can learn more about it our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

    As well as using the Eye Mask template for bath time use you could omit the binding & layers and cut from felt and mark eye holes to make a simple kids mask! Or use different fabrics to make a sleep mask… the template can be used to make any fabric eye mask.

    How to Sew An Eye Mask

    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
    • Do not sleep with the eye mask on as there is a strangulation risk

    To Make This Eye Mask You Will Need:

    Making the Eye Mask

    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. Print the Eye Mask Template

    Print off your Eye Mask 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.

    3. Cut your fabrics

    Using the eye mask template piece cut out; 

    • 1x Mask front from Patterned Cotton
    • 1x Inner from Fusible Fleece
    • 1x Mask back from Bamboo Towelling
    4. Assemble The Eye Mask

    1. Mark the elastic points. Use pins to mark where you want the elastic to lie on the back mask (bamboo towelling) piece, using the notches on the pattern piece.

    Assembling the eye mask - marking the elastic points of the eye mask

    2. Cut the elastic to the desired length. This will vary depending on your head size. The formula we used was head circumference minus 19cm / 7”.

    3. Pin the elastic in place. Pin the ends of the elastic RS (right sides) together with the back of the mask, pointing outwards at the points you marked.

    Assembling the eye mask step 1 - Pin the elastic of the eye mask in place

    4. Adhere the fusible fleece. Iron the wrong side of the mask front onto the fusible fleece piece.

    5. Baste your bias tape RS together on the front mask piece (optional)

    6. Clip the curves. Clip or pink around the curved edge of the tape.

    Assembling the eye step 6- clip the curves

    7. Sew the layers.

    • Pin the mask front and mask back RS together, sandwiching the elastic head strap between the two pieces. 
    • Sew around the edge of the mask leaving a 5cm / 2” opening to turn the mask out. Clip or pink the seam allowance. 

    Sewing the eye mask

    8. Turn out the mask and press. Top stitch 3mm / ⅛” from the edge around the mask.

    And you’re finished! Well done!

    In the next sewing tutorial in our Sew a Spa Set Series you can learn how to Sew an Eco-friendly Shower Puff

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    Sew A Spa Set Series #3: Bath Headband Tutorial

    by | Mar 3, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

    Welcome to our Bath Headband Tutorial – the second tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series This post contains all the sewing info you need to sew up your very own bath headband.

    There are 6 of these handmade items for you to make! Check out the  Intro post for the full low down.

    What’s a bath headband you may ask?! It’s a headband that’s suitable to be worn in, or after a bath or shower. It’s made from super soft, absorbent (and eco friendly!) bamboo towelling making it’s suitable to be worn whether your hair is wet or dry.

    This useful headband would make a fabulous handmade gift, especially if paired with the other items in our Sew A Spa Set Series.

    Sew a Bath Headband

    To be able to follow our Bath Headband Tutorial you’ll need a copy of the FREE Spa Set templates. Request them here 

    We’ve used bamboo towelling to make most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

    Read more about Bamboo Towelling in our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

    As well as a bath headband you could also use this tutorial to make a cute ear warmer if you switch out the towelling for some fluffy fleece!

    We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

    Bath Headband Tutorial

    Important Notes:
    • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
    • 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 Bath headband, You will need:

    Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

    Making the Bath Headband

    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. Print the headband templates

    Print off the Spa Set Templates 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.

    3. Cut your fabrics & notions
    • Cut 1 x Main Headband from Bamboo Towelling
    • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
    • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
    • Cut 1 x Bow Middle from Cotton
    • Cut 3 x 45cm long pieces of elastic
    4. Assemble The Bath Headband
    • Overlock the edges of your towelling main headband strip. If you do not have an overlocker, then finish the edges using a zig zag stitch. 

    Assemble the bath headband step 1
    • With RS (right sides) together, sew the two short ends of your main headband together. Overlock/ zig-zag finish the edges of this seam, and press flat.
    • Fold over both the top and bottom long edges of the main headband 0.5cm / ¼”  and then a further 1cm / ⅜”  to create a channel to feed your elastic into.
    • Pin and stitch in place, leaving several cm / inches open on each channel so you can insert the elastic. Pro-tip – Using a bodkin or Elastic Guide can really help here
    4. Sewing the Elastic
    • Feed one piece of elastic through one channel. Pin the ends together and secure them, before closing your channel. Repeat for the other channel.
    • Create further gathers in your strip using the other two pieces of elastic. Pin in place equally on the width of the fabric, and stitch in place using a zig zag stitch along the length of the main headband.
    • Place the 2 x larger main bow pieces RS together & stitch around the edge using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. Leave a small gap for turning.
    • Trim or pink the seam down, and turn out. Slip stitch the opening and press.
    • Take the bow middle piece & fold the fabric in half matching the long edges.
    • Sew down the long edge opposite the fold using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance.
    • Turn to the right side & press
    • Wrap the smaller rectangle round your main gathered headband
    • Slip Stitch the ends together towards the back. You may want to secure the band in place on your headband also with some small tacking stitches at the back.
    • Slide the bow in through the loop made by the smaller rectangle. Adjust until it looks voluminous and like a bow.
    • You may want to secure this in place with a few stitches. 

    And you’re finished! Well done!

    The next sewing tutorial in our Sew a Spa Set Series is an eye mask you can wear in the bath!

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