Did you know that the word «neceser» comes from the French «nécessaire», meaning necessary? The reason is easy to imagine: it helps organize and carry beauty and hygiene items. Things we need wherever we go. And since we love toiletry bags and never seem to have enough of them, today we’ve put together six ways to make a toiletry bag with a sewing machine.
And in case you’re wondering whether there really are so many types of toiletry bags, let’s take a look.
The one you always keep in the bathroom, the travel one, the smaller one you carry in your purse with your makeup, an extra-large toiletry bag for the little one’s diapers, a waterproof one for creams, the rigid one that keeps your brushes from getting damaged, another one specifically for period supplies, a transparent one for carrying medication and finding what you need, a sewing toiletry bag for organizing your supplies… And we could go on for quite a while.
But instead, we’re going to show you the ones we have so you can get inspired.
6 ways to make a toiletry bag with a sewing machine
1. Semi-rigid toiletry bag with zipper and exterior pocket
We’re starting with this beautiful semi-rigid toiletry bag with a detachable hanging strap and exterior pocket. To help them hold their shape, we used Decovil in one and batting in the other.
It’s a medium-sized toiletry bag (although you can adjust the measurements) that doesn’t take up much space because of its flat shape. So it fits perfectly in a suitcase and also stands upright on the bathroom shelf.
You’ll find this tutorial in Lulu Ferris if you’d like to learn how to make it step by step.
2. Extra-large toiletry bag for babies
The size and layout of this toiletry bag are designed for carrying little ones’ things. Inside, there’s room for diapers, wipes, creams, clean changes of clothes… It has an exterior pocket on both sides with elastic for storing the things you need to keep close at hand.
We also sewed on a special strap for attaching the pacifier so it doesn’t get lost. To waterproof it, we treated the fabric with Odicoat.
You can learn how to use Odicoat in this video on our YouTube channel, and if you’d like to make the toiletry bag with us, there’s also a tutorial in Lulu Ferris.
3. Mini period toiletry bag
We designed this toiletry bag to be very discreet, take up very little space in your purse, and let you carry everything you need during those days. It’s designed to keep pads, tampons, wet wipes, pain relievers, and so on in good condition and protected.
It’s foldable, compact, and turned out beautifully. The mini toiletry bag tutorial is also in Lulu Ferris, and it’s very easy to make.
4. Plastic + fabric toiletry bag
Another medium-sized toiletry bag that you’ll get a lot of use out of. The great thing is that, since it’s made from transparent plastic, you can see everything you’re carrying inside. Makeup, sewing supplies, medication, creams… Use it for whatever you like.
The design detail comes from combining it with a pretty fabric that we’ll use to make the upper section where the zipper goes. It’s a very easy design to make for all sewing levels, even if you’re a beginner.
You can create your own version or make it with us using the Lulu Ferris tutorial.
5. Extra-large transparent plastic toiletry bag
And if you liked the idea of transparent plastic so much that you want a toiletry bag made entirely from this material, you can take inspiration from this beach-inspired design we made last summer. With a fabric appliqué to give it an extra touch of personality.
In this case, we made it really large so we could carry sunscreen, hairbrushes, moisturizers, and more. Just like with the other examples, you can make it your own or learn with us in Lulu Ferris.
6. Simple toiletry bag lined with Lamifix
And finally, here’s a video from our YouTube channel where Laura shows you how to make a toiletry bag lined with Lamifix. This material is used to waterproof fabrics, and in the video you’ll see how to use it.
Just like the other examples, it closes with a zipper, and you can adjust the measurements to suit your preferences.
Would you like to make the projects we have uploaded to Lulu Ferris, but aren’t sure whether to join? Then read this post and we’ll answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision. And you won’t just learn how to make a toiletry bag—you’ll also learn how to make all kinds of clothing and accessories.
Happy sewing!