Learn how to sew a simple snap bag in different sizes that you can use for your makeup brushes or anything you want with a little scrap fabric.
Another use for your scrap materials. I seem to have an endless supply of pretty fabric that I'll probably never use for that quilt I originally bought it for.
Also, sometimes you just have a fair amount of material left over from a project, and this tutorial for making snap bags is perfect for such materials.
More Easy Sewing Crafts: Fabric Card Holders ..... DIY Luggage Tags..... Fabric Bowl Covers.....Nail File Holders
This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there’s no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
My inspiration for this project came from a need to have a separate bag for my makeup brushes. I'm always worried that something will spill and ruin the brushes when we travel. And for some reason, the other bags I have that are smaller are not wide enough for my brushes.
The key to these bags is using a piece of metal tape measure that will snap closed when shut.
You probably have one lying around the house, or you can try looking at the dollar store or flea market. I purchased this tape measure for a small amount of money. I figured it would be worth it if I ended up making several bags.
TIP: Make sure you crimp or tape the end of the tape after you cut the first strip, or the rest will zip back into the casing. It happened to me, and I had to take the whole thing apart and put it back together. As you can see from the image above, I bent the end with some pliers to prevent it from scooting back inside. A piece of duct tape or masking tape a little wider than the tape would probably work too.
How to Make a Snap Bag
Decide how big you want your bag to be. I wanted mine to be about 8 inches wide and 5 inches tall.
- Take your desired width and add 1 inch. (for a 1/2 inch seam allowance on each side) For me, 8 + 1 = 9 inches
- Next, measure your height and double it. (5 x 2 = 10 inches) Then add 2 more inches for the channels that you will thread your tape measure into. (10 + 2 = 12 inches)
- Cut a piece of the metal measuring tape the same as the desired width or slightly shorter.
Next, turn over one inch of the raw edge to the wrong side and stitch across, making a channel.
Slide the tape measure piece into the channel with the convex or rounded side up.
Repeat on the other end. Then fold the fabric in half with right sides together (see image above) and sew side seams just outside the measuring tape
Flip right side out and enjoy.
In addition, you can get fancy and cut lining pieces and serge the raw edges. These are steps you may want to take if you are selling these or giving them as gifts.
My brushes fit well in this bag, and I still have room for more.
I also made a small snap bag with a cute coordinating pattern. Wouldn't they make a great little purse with the right fabric? I think they will make nice gifts at the holidays.
Snap Bag Simple Tutorial
Equipment
- Scissors
Materials
- Fabric - cut to the size you want
- Metal tape measure
Instructions
- Take your desired width of fabric and add 1 inch.
- Measure your height and double it.
- Add 2 more inches for the channels that you will thread your tape into.
- Cut a piece of the metal measuring tape the same as the desired width.
- Turn over an inch of fabric to the wrong side and sew across making a channel.
- Slide the piece of the metal measuring tape into the channel with the convex side up.
- Repeat on the other end.
- Fold in half with right sides together and sew side seams just outside the measuring tape.
- Flip right side out and enjoy!
Carole
I think this is my year to finally get a sewing machine so I can start making fun projects such as these. Something for the winter when I just don't feel like painting. Great project - thank you for sharing your gifts... Carole West
Patti Estep
Thank you, Carole. There are lots of things you can do with a sewing machine, and it does come in handy. I originally thought I'd get into quilting, but I never had the patience for it. Glad you enjoy my smaller projects.
Marie Holmes
I make these too! My local library has a really nice used bookstore. We were looking for some additional income generators. We make these snap bags and they sell like hotcakes. We charge $5 for them because it’s all scrap except for the dollar store tape measure. We also make the little snap wallets for credit cards and gift cards. I love all the different prints and colors.
Patti Estep
That's a great idea Marie. They are very convenient and easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
Pam H.
Do you think using fabric glue would work for thses bags?
What is your favorite fabric glue?
Thanks!
Patti Estep
Pam, I haven't tried it for this project but I do think it would work. I'm not sure if it will last for years and years but it's worth a try. I've used Aleene's fabric glue before and I think Gorilla has a fabric glue that might be good to try too.
Julie Briones
This is so stinkin' smart, Patti! And such an easy tutorial for a make-up brush snap bag. I would have NEVER thought of this! Pinned!
Patti Estep
Thanks Julie. There are so many ways you could go with it. Plus you can put your scrap fabric to work.
Deborah Sommerlot
💡😲💡😲👌 FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristi @ Chatfield Court
What a great idea, Patty! We have lots of old tape measures waiting for a new use. They may just end up as Christmas gifts for the family.
laura janning
what a great way to use unused fabric. this would be perfect in a handbag as well! thanks for the inspo!
Meegan
Very clever, Patti! I think these are such great gift ideas for my grand daughters. They will have so much fun filling them up with all their bit and bobs .
Julie
Omg! On our trip my make up bag was a nightmare!! This is a perfect solution! I love it Patti! The measuring tape in there is genius!
Jane Windham
This is genius, Patti! We have many extra measuring tapes just waiting to be put to good use!
Cindy
What a smart idea Patti, these are great! I love that you can customize the size to fit your specific items!
Kristi Dominguez
I love this idea, Patti! So clever and functional! You're going to have me rootin' around looking for an old tape measure now, lol! It's always so fun learning great ideas from you and they others on the Thrifty Style Team! xoxo
Patti Estep
Thanks Kristi. It always surprises me to see what great ideas everyone has on the Team too.
Mary Beth
This is seriously the coolest! I love to sew but hate to sew in zippers. I honestly can't wait to try this and I may make some of these for Christmas gifts.
Patti Estep
I hate putting it zipper too Mary Beth. This is a whole new world. 🙂
Courtenay @ The Creek Line House
What?? This has to be the most clever use of a tape measure ever! So neat!
Patti Estep
I know right? So many possibilities are going through my head.
Bliss
Should I take a picture of my husbands face when I tell him to save his broken tape measures for me? I request a lot of him, but that would be a first. But how can I let him get rid of them now that I know they are useful in the afterlife?
Patti Estep
Definitely take a pic and I'll share it on here. 😉