How to make a make up brush roll

This make up roll sewing project is both beautiful and useful! If, like us, you’re always losing your make up brushes, then this is the project for you.

It would also make a great birthday present or a Christmas gift for the make up aficionado in your life.

This project is so simple that you could easily whip it up in an afternoon, even if you’re a beginner. If you’re new to sewing, check out our how to use a sewing machine guide, beginners guide to sewing and sewing patterns for beginners.

Read on to find out how to make a make up brush roll…

How to sew a make up brush roll

Fabrics used

The fabrics used are from the Les Petits collection by Amy Sinibaldi.

Main fabric: Petits Stipples, Rose.

Lining fabric: Petits Strokes, Rose.

Note

Use a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance.

You will need:

• Main fabric (35x50cm (14x20in))
• Contrast fabric (45x55cm (18x22in))
• Wadding (25x35cm (10x14in))
• Matching sewing thread
• Basic sewing kit

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Cutting out

Step 1

From the main fabric cut:

• Outer: 25x35cm (9⁷⁄₈ x 13³⁄₄in).
• Pocket: 25x35cm (9⁷⁄₈ x 13³⁄₄in).

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Step 2

From the contrast fabric cut:

• Lining: 25x35cm (9⁷⁄₈ x 13³⁄₄in).
• Ties: two 4x55cm (1⁵⁄₈ x 21⁵⁄₈in).
• Binding: three 4x50cm (1⁵⁄₈ x 19³⁄₄in).

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Assembling the layers

Step 1

Place the outer right sides (RS) down, with the wadding on top then the lining RS up on top to create a sandwich.

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Step 2

Sew the three layers together all the way around using a 5mm (¹⁄₄in) seam allowance to hold them together.

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Adding the pocket

Step 1

Fold the pocket piece in half lengthways with wrong sides (WS) facing. Press.

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Step 2

Pin the pocket to the bottom of the lining side of the fabric sandwich with the folded edge at the top and raw edges aligned.

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Step 3

Stitch into place down the sides and along the lower edge using a 5mm (¹⁄₄in) seam allowance just to hold it in place.

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Step 4

Using an erasable pen, draw a vertical line 3cm (1¹⁄₄in) in from each short edge from the top of the lining and down to the bottom of the pocket.

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Step 5

Draw more vertical lines at the points you want your make up brushes to be stored, alternating the width of the pockets depending on the diameter of your brushes.

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Step 6

Sew along the lines to create the individual pockets.

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Adding the ties

Step 1

Take one tie and fold the long edges WS together into the centre and press. Unfold then fold the raw edges so they meet at the centre crease. Fold in half again to encase the raw edges and press.

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Step 2

Topstitch down the length to hold the tie together.

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Step 3

Tie a knot at one end.

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Step 4

Repeat to make the other tie.

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Step 5

Pin then sew the two ties on top of each other centrally along the right short edge of the roll within the seam allowance with the ties facing inwards along the roll’s outer.

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Binding the edge

Step 1

Sew the short edge of the binding strips RS together to create one long strip.

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Step 2

Place the strip RS together along the bottom edge of the pocket, matching raw edges, with the short end at the centre of the bottom edge.

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Step 3

Starting 5cm (2in) in from the raw short edge, sew the strip in place, stopping 1cm (³⁄₈in) from the pocket’s short edge. Backstitch, then take out from the machine.

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Step 4

Fold the strip up at an angle where the stitching ends. Keeping the top edge straight, fold the strip back down along the next side of the fabric layers. Pin into place.

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Step 5

Start sewing the second side from the top edge, sewing over the folded corner. Continue sewing the strip to the fabric layers all the way around in this way until you reach the start of your sewn-on binding, but leave a 5cm (2in) unsewn edge.

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Step 6

Join the two raw strip ends together and trim so they fit then sew into place.

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Step 7

Turn the strip over to the outer side then fold and press the other long edge under and slip stitch in place to bind and enclose the raw edges to finish.

You’re done! Wrap up your brushes and enjoy using your make up roll.

Keep your brushes clean with a makeup brush roll

These handy makeup brush rolls are ideal for keeping your brushes grime and dust free. They’re also great for transporting your makeup brushes, ensuring they stay safe and sound in your luggage.

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