- 1). Select your fabrics. The inner and outer material can be any tightly woven fabric because the vinyl will give it support and shape. Choose two fabrics that have at least one color in common to avoid clashing.
- 2). Cut your fabrics and vinyl into 14-by-21-inch rectangles. Any patterns that need to face a certain direction, like buildings and plants with stems or pots, should have the top at one of the 14-inch edges.
- 3). Fuse the vinyl to the inner fabric to create the lining. Follow the instructions on the vinyl, since the method can vary by manufacturer. This layer of vinyl protects your bag in case of a shampoo leak or other spill inside and makes cleaning easier.
- 4). Align the zipper to one 14-inch edge of the outer fabric. The fabric should face up while the zipper faces down. Pin the zipper in place and sew it on. Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine if you have one, but it is possible to do it without a zipper foot. Use a zipper in a bright tone that complements or even contrasts your outer fabric, if you want a splash of color.
- 5). Place the lining right side down on the outer fabric and align the edges. Sew along the edge with the zipper. You can do this and Step 4 in one step if your vinyl is not too slippery. Fold the fabric and lining away from the zipper and iron it. Top stitch the folds down.
- 6). Flip the fabric over so the lining is on the bottom. Fold the lining under and align the 14-inch edge with the unsewn side of the zipper. Fold the outer fabric up and align it. Pin and sew it down. Turn the tube right side out. You should have a working zipper and two sides. Unzip the zipper, press the other side of it and topstitch the fabric and lining in place.
- 7). Fold the tube so the zipper is in the center of one side. If you want to add a handle to your bag, create a tube and inch or two wide from one of your fabrics. Iron it flat. Create a loop and pin it at one end of the zipper. Make sure the loop is between the fabric and the lining with its ends aligned with the fabric edge. Sew down the open edges of the bag. You should have a flat pouch with a zipper in the middle.
- 8). Measure 2 1/4-by 2 1/2-inch rectangles at the corners. The 2 1/2 side comes in from the edge with the seam, while the 2 1/4 comes in from the folds. Cut the rectangles from the corners.
- 9). Unfold a corner. Align the seam with the center of the opposite edge and sew it down. Repeat for the three remaining corners. Turn the bag inside out and you are ready to pack.
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