When I first designed the Emma Stadium bag, it was solely for attending football games. I remember making the bag the night before we had to go out of town and was trying to save as much time (and money – in eliminating hardware) by adding in these leather hooks in lieu of D-rings. But it turns out, you loved my time saving feature when I showed this bag on Instagram. I wanted to make sure I shared the tutorial with you!
After making more of these Emma Stadium Bags during the pattern writing process, I knew these were going to be my handmade gifts of the season –as cosmetic bags! These are so quick and easy to make especially when you leave off the D-ring tabs since there isn’t a strap. You can read more about the Emma here and get some vinyl sewing tips here.
Make the Hook
To use the Emma as just a cosmetic/travel pouch, you will need the small version of the pattern which you can buy here and the following supplies (aff links):
- 5″ x 1/2″ Leather Hook (you want a more thick, rigid hide to hold up on its own.)
- 4 sets of Rivets + Setting tools
- Leather hole punch pliers or Manual hole punches
- Fabric Glue
1. With the leather hook, measure from the short end and mark at 3/8″ and again at 7/8″ (There should be 1/2″ between marks.) Repeat on the other short end.
2. Use your hole punch to cut 4 holes at every mark making sure you are centered width-wise.
3. With your completed Emma Stadium Bag (with all tabs omitted,) mark 1 1/2″ in from the side seam. Make another mark centered width-wise on the fabric accent. (This is approximately 3/4″ down from the zipper.) Repeat on the opposite side of the bag.
4. With the fabric glue, add a sparing amount to the wrong side of the leather hook around the holes punched.
5. Lay the leather hook against the fabric aligning the short edge to the vertical mark and the holes with the horizontal mark.
6. Repeat on the opposite side of the bag and hold in place until the glue is completely dry.
7. Using the holes cut out of the leather hook, punch a hole through one layer of fabric and one layer of lining. Repeat for the remaining three holes. If you are using manual hole punches, make sure you have cutting board inside the Emma to prevent you from cutting to the other side of the bag.
8. Add each set of rivet through only one layer of fabric and one layer of lining. Repeat for the remaining three sets of rivets.
9. Use setting tools to affix the rivets together.
Congrats on your chic new travel cosmetic pouch!!!
Project Summary
- Pattern: Emma Stadium Bag (aff link)
- Fabric: Rifle Paper Co Canvas (aff link)
- Lining: Cone Mills Light Wash Denim
- Zipper: Sallie Tomato
- Vinyl: 12 gauge clear from Joann Fabrics
I hope you enjoy making these quick and easy travel cosmetic bags! These have definitely been a huge hit among my family and friends…I’m having a hard time keeping up with the demand!
Don’t forget to share your makes on social media with #emmastadiumbag and #loveyousewpatterns so I can see all of your fabulous creations!
Hugs and Stitches,
Cristy
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