Finding the right toiletry bag patterns can be surprisingly difficult. One is too small for shampoo bottles, another becomes a chaotic mess the moment you travel, and some simply look pretty without being practical.
That’s why we created this collection of free toiletry bag patterns.
These sewing patterns include compact makeup pouches, quilted cosmetic bags, boxy zippered organizers, hanging travel bags and roll-up toiletry organizers — all designed to help you keep beauty products, toiletries and small essentials neatly organized.
Whether you’re sewing for yourself, making handmade gifts, preparing for vacation, organizing your handbag, or creating craft fair products, these free bag sewing patterns offer something for every skill level and style.
In this guide you’ll discover:
- Easy toiletry bag sewing patterns for beginners
- Makeup bag tutorials with zippers and linings
- Boxy cosmetic bags that hold bottles upright
- Pretty quilted and pleated pouch designs
- Travel-friendly toiletry organizers
- Small bags perfect for everyday essentials
Before choosing your pattern, think about how you’ll use your bag:
- Daily makeup pouch for your handbag
- TSA-friendly travel organizer
- Hanging toiletry bag for vacations
- Cosmetic roll for brushes and makeup
- Small zipper pouch for sewing notions, chargers or crochet supplies
A well-designed toiletry bag makes traveling and organizing so much easier — and handmade bags are far more beautiful than generic store-bought versions.
Your Free Toiletry Bag Patterns
First of the Toiletry Bag Patterns: flat, pleaded, zippered, lined
This simple bag is made special by all the details.
The satin lining of the really lift them from ordinary bags to elegant glamorous pouches! Also note the contrasting fabric on the central plead. Then, its finished off with a contrasting ribbon, with a little extension to make a tag.
Photo credit and tutorial: Sew4Home
2. Free Makeup Bag Sewing Pattern - Simple-shaped pouch with tag
Pattern & image credit: Crafty Daisies
(craftydaisies.com/2007/04/26/simple-makeup-bag/)
Pattern - sewing Instructions
A. Create pattern out of cereal box with narrower top-end = 6 1/2″, and wider bottom-end = 8 1/2″, height = 6″. Cut your fabric using the pattern.
B. Cut no-sew bond using the pattern, and iron it to the lining. Peel away the paper and iron it to the outside fabric.
Optional: If I want to attach a stripe of ribbon or trim, use the no-sew bond to attach this also or sew across the trim with the sewing machine. Add in a short bag strap.
C. Cut a piece of velcro about 2″ long, fold it over a 1/2″ hem and center the velcro strip. Sew 2 lines, one across the top and bottom of the velcro across the width of the bag.
Optional: attach trim along the bottom seam for the velcro.
D. Turn the bag wrong side out and sew up the sides. Sew through the no-sew bond, if your fabric is thin.
E. Make a gusseted bottom: fold a triangle horizontally at the each corner about 1″ down from the edge; sew across this triangle horizontally.
3. Box-shaped Toiletry Bag Pattern
Photo credit: Come and See the Seitz
This is a tutorial for a square-sided make-up bag, with top zipper and a side handle.
It's perfect to hold actual makeup bottles and cosmetics that are a bit larger in size.
While you may prefer to have a flat cosmetic bag for your everyday purse, the box-shaped bag comes in different sizes and is sure the right shape for weekends away and vacations.
And they make great home organisers in the bathroom too.
Get the full, detailed sewing instructions from the tutorial here at Come and See the Seitz.
4: Square-sided Toiletry Bag Patterns with Extended Top Zipper
Image credit: Three Bears
This cosmetics bag design is a variation of the one above, in that it's extra high and the zipper also opens up the sides of the bag.
This free sewing tutorial is for a tiny little bag size of just 4.5” x 3” x 2”. However, you can easily enlarge the dimensions by making minor modifications to the pattern. Make this the pattern of all bag patterns.
Get the full tutorial here at Three Bears.
Design 5: Makeup Roll Bag Pattern
Photo credit: Kelly Rachel
This is one of our favorite bag designs, It's very pretty & keeps your makeup very organised.
Kelly Rachel, the designer of the one on the photo gave up on her blog and the free sewing pattern vanished.
This cosmetics roll bag pattern is courtesy of Art Gallery Fabric. One pattern that makes 4 different organizers with varying sized pockets. A few, or a lot of pockets? - You pick.
Your roll toiletry bag pattern collection: free downloadable pdf.
Art Gallery Fabric used to have this pattern featured on Typepad.
Design 6: Small Pleated Bag Pattern
Photo credit: Patty Doo
If you have made one of the simpler pleated bags shown above, perhaps it's time to tackle this slightly more advanced project: a quilted, pleated bag pattern.
Learn the full instructions for this quilted, pleated toiletry bag pattern. It includes a video tutorial.
Design 7: Personalized Makeup Bag Pattern with a photo transfer
Photo credit: How About Orange
While technically not a 'sewing' pattern, this one sure does belong in this collection.
How About Orange shared a new-to-us technique on how to transfer photos onto fabric to create absolutely uniquely personalized bags.
What a gift to make for someone....
Get the instructions on how to make this: DIY Tutorial for Personalized Bag with Dye,
Design 8: Wide-open Zippered Toiletry Bag Pattern
Photo credit: Anna
This boxy bag actually comes wide open thanks to the clever zipper design.
Anna shares her technique on how to create the most practical of toiletry bags. She even features two sizes of the bag.
Learn the details and the pattern for this wide open zippered bag tutorial.
Design 9: Dumpling Shaped Toiletry Bag Pattern
Photo credit: Sew Sweetness
This dumpling-shaped bag Pdf sewing pattern comes in 3 sizes (small, medium, and large).
You can either make it in patchwork ( all details are in the pattern), or you can make your pouch all in one fabric - i.e. it's really quick to make.
Get your free pattern by Sew Sweetness.
Design 10: Unisex Toiletry Bag Pattern
Photo credit : Fall For DIY
Nothing frilly and everything 'beach vacation' about this unisex toiletry bag pattern. This unisex variety in dark navy fabric with a simple white rope as pull string is very classy.
You could embroider the word 'shave' as is suggested, but I'd be happy with any kind of small white logo or appliqué.
Get this pattern free: Fall For DIY.
Which Toiletry Bag Pattern Will You Sew First?
The best thing about sewing your own toiletry bag is that you can customize everything — the size, pockets, fabric, zipper style and shape — so it actually fits your needs.
Love minimalist organization? Try one of the flat zippered pouches.
Need something practical for travel? A boxy or hanging toiletry bag works beautifully.
Want a handmade gift idea? Quilted makeup bags are always appreciated.
Many of these free sewing patterns can also be adapted into:
- pencil cases
- craft organizers
- travel cable pouches
- diaper bag organizers
- crochet project bags
- first aid kits
And because small bags sew up quickly, they’re perfect for using fabric scraps, testing quilting techniques or making personalized handmade gifts.
If you enjoy sewing bags and pouches, be sure to bookmark this page — we regularly add new free toiletry bag patterns, cosmetic pouch tutorials and travel organizer ideas.
Happy sewing!
First published August 23, 2010. Updated May 6, 2026
FAQ: Free Toiletry Bag Patterns
What fabric works best for toiletry bags?
Cotton canvas, quilting cotton with interfacing, laminated cotton and lightweight upholstery fabrics work especially well. For travel bags, waterproof lining fabric is a smart choice.
Are these toiletry bag patterns beginner friendly?
Yes. Several of these free sewing patterns are suitable for beginners, especially the flat zippered pouches and simple box bags.
What is the best interfacing for cosmetic bags?
Fusible fleece gives structure and softness, while medium-weight interfacing creates a more structured bag. For boxy travel bags, many sewists combine both.
Can I sell toiletry bags made from these patterns?
That depends on the original pattern designer’s terms of use. Always check the source tutorial before selling finished bags commercially.
What size should a travel toiletry bag be?
Measure your tallest bottles first. A practical travel bag should comfortably fit your essentials while still packing easily into luggage or carry-ons.
What zipper works best for makeup bags?
Nylon zippers are easiest for beginners and work well for most cosmetic bags. Metal zippers create a more premium look for structured pouches.
Can toiletry bags be machine washed?
Most cotton toiletry bags can be machine washed on gentle, especially if pre-washed fabrics were used. Air drying helps preserve shape and interfacing.
Get it now: download pdf
