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Barrel Cosmetic Bag | BAG WEEK | Lesley Tawton Variation

Quick Links: What you'll need Project steps

A fun way to store your makeup & skincare products: this is an alt version of the cosmetic bag with a frilly broderie anglaise trim and handy pockets inside!

Many of you may be familiar with the barrel bag duo which were added to the site in 2020. My friend, and lovely designer, Lesley Tawton has re-imagined the barrel cosmetic bag for Bag Week! This variation includes a sweet broderie anglaise lacy trim.

The step-by-steps below have been taken from the original project, but if you’d like to follow the video for extra guidance, please refer to this page.

Some words from Lesley...

‘It was a joy to make the barrel bag cosmetic case; it was my first time but I’m a firm believer that a good pattern will always be a good pattern, and it’s brilliant to be able to update the project with new fabrics and customize it to suit your own tastes. I added the lace for extra prettiness – but how nice would it be as a lunchbox bag with a long strap? The possibilities are endless and that’s what I love!

I’ve been a member of the HYSC since it began and thoroughly enjoy it. There really is something for everyone: from dressmaking to quilting, tips and tricks, and new techniques. If you’re new to sewing, the club holds your hand. If you’re more experienced, it offers endless inspiration.

Debbie’s patterns, instructions and videos are comprehensive and so easy to follow. Sewing should be a pleasure, and the HYSC offers such good value. There is just so much to choose from and you can find whatever you’re looking for!’

This bag includes

• A zipped pocket in the lining of the lid, keeping any personal items completely discreet.
• Elasticated lining pockets, so you can keep products or brushes separated and organized!

Techniques used

1. Top-stitching
2. Bias binding
3. Using printed pattern

A lot of the seams in this project are held together by top-stitching. This adds a professional, shop-bought finish to your work. The same can be said for the bias binding that’s used for the inside lid of the bag. The bias binding disguises the raw edges of the top compartment, meaning that when you open up your cosmetic case, the inside of the top lid will look polished, improving the overall look of the discreet zipped pocket.

I’d recommend making your own bias binding. If you want, you can do this in bulk and keep all of your binding in your stash! This way you can have bias binding in various colours or patterns at the ready for future projects. What’s more, this is a cost-effective method which allows you to use all your scraps and colour-coordinate your fabrics!

This project also includes templates to print and use. Remember to initially print the first page of the pattern and measure the test square to ensure everything is to scale. For guidance on printing, turn to the FAQs.

Expert help

It’s advised to use the following tools...

• If you’re using top-stitch thread, be sure to use a top-stitch needle. This needle has a large eye to accommodate thicker thread.
• A presser foot with a guide, such as a blind hem foot, will help you keep the stitch line at an even distance from the edge of the fabric when top-stitching.

Some extra stitching advice...

• When top-stitching, don’t reverse stitch the ends – take the top thread through to the back and knot it. This won’t spoil the look of your stitches
• For your top-stitching, use a long stitch on your machine to prevent puckering and keep the stitches flat.
• If you struggle to match the machine stitch on both sides of your bias binding, I’d recommend hand sewing one side. You will have much neater results if you hand sew with slip stitch; this may be time-consuming, but it is worth it!

Last but not least:

• Use a separate pair of scissors for cutting out your printed patterns – paper will blunt your fabric scissors!

Adding alternative embellishments

For this variation Lesley has added a pretty and frilly broderie anglaise trim. If you’d also like to do the same, cut a strip measuring 22in (55.9cm) in length and the width as desired.

As recommended by Lesley, this project does not have to be a cosmetic bag! If you attach a long strap this would make for a fun lunchbox! You could add some snap hooks and clasps to the top lid in order to attach your strap – a leather one in particular would look very chic.

Difficulty

This project has been ranked as moderate. If you’re a beginner, making this bag is an excellent opportunity to perfect your top-stitching, so I’d recommend giving it a go all the same! You could also attempt to make your own bias binding for the first time.

If this is too difficult, perhaps try practising your top-stitching by making the Pro Storage Container with Dividers first as this is an easier storage project.

Finished size: 8in (20.5cm) in diameter, 6in (15.25cm) in length.

Note: use a ½in (1.25cm) seam allowance throughout.

If you'd like to chat with other members about making the barrel cosmetic bag, remember to go to the forum or the Half Yard Sewing Club Facebook page.

For further bag inspo, you can also check out the Half Yard Sewing Club Pinterest

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You will need:

Equipment

• Sewing machine
• Fabric shears
• Safety pin
• Hand sewing needle

Materials

• 40 x 10in (101.75 x 25.5cm) piece of outer fabric
• 44 x 18in (111.75 x 45.75cm) piece of lining fabric
• 40 x 10in (101.75 x 25.5cm) piece of fusible fleece
• 50in (127cm) length of 1in (1.25cm) wide bias binding
• 24in (61cm) length zip
• 9in (23cm) length zip
• 24in (61cm) length of ½in (1.25cm) wide elastic
• Strong matching thread
• Optional: 22in (55.9cm) length of lace or broderie anglaise

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