How to Sew Reusable Makeup Remover Pads | Easy Tutorial
Reusable makeup remover pads are a quick, practical sewing project and a great way to use up the fabric scraps that keep piling up in your sewing space!
In this version, we’re adding a small pocket on the back of the pad so you can slide your fingers inside. It’s a very simple detail, but it makes the pad much easier to hold and use. And best of all, no more little square trying to escape while you’re removing your makeup!
Materials Needed
To make your reusable makeup remover pads, you’ll need:
- soft, absorbent fabric for the side that will be in contact with your skin, such as our bamboo terry;
- fabric for the back of the pad and the pocket, such as our waffle cotton;
- matching thread;
- scissors or a rotary cutter;
- clips or pins;
- sewing machine;
- iron.
It’s also a great project for using up small fabric scraps!
What Fabric Should You Use for Reusable Makeup Remover Pads?
For the makeup-removing side, choose a fabric that is soft, absorbent and comfortable against the skin.
Depending on your preference, you can use a soft fabric specifically chosen for reusable personal care accessories.
For the back and the small pocket, you can use printed cotton, a coordinating fabric or simply another scrap you already have on hand.
A little tip: since the pad will be washed often, choose fabrics that can withstand repeated washing.
Prefer to see the steps in a video?
We also created an Instagram Reel showing how to sew the makeup remover pad step by step. You can watch it before you begin, then come back to this tutorial whenever you need the measurements or extra details.
[Watch the video tutorial on Instagram]
Step 1: Cut the Pieces
Reusable makeup remover pads are a quick, practical sewing project and a great way to use up the fabric scraps that keep piling up in your sewing space!
In this version, we’re adding a small pocket on the back of the pad so you can slide your fingers inside. It’s a very simple detail, but it makes the pad much easier to hold and use. And best of all, no more little square trying to escape while you’re removing your makeup!
Materials Needed
To make your reusable makeup remover pads, you’ll need:
- soft, absorbent fabric for the side that will be in contact with your skin, such as our bamboo terry;
- fabric for the back of the pad and the pocket, such as our waffle cotton;
- matching thread;
- scissors or a rotary cutter;
- clips or pins;
- sewing machine;
- iron.
It’s also a great project for using up small fabric scraps!
What Fabric Should You Use for Reusable Makeup Remover Pads?
For the makeup-removing side, choose a fabric that is soft, absorbent and comfortable against the skin.
Depending on your preference, you can use a soft fabric specifically chosen for reusable personal care accessories.
For the back and the small pocket, you can use printed cotton, a coordinating fabric or simply another scrap you already have on hand.
A little tip: since the pad will be washed often, choose fabrics that can withstand repeated washing.
Prefer to see the steps in a video?
We also created an Instagram Reel showing how to sew the makeup remover pad step by step. You can watch it before you begin, then come back to this tutorial whenever you need the measurements or extra details.
[Watch the video tutorial on Instagram]
Step 1: Cut the Pieces
For each pad, cut:
- one 12 cm x 12 cm piece from the soft fabric;
- one 20 cm x 12 cm piece for the back.
You can make several pads assembly-line style. It’s actually much faster than completing one full pad before starting the next!
Step 2: Form the Pocket
Place the outer fabric strip wrong side against the right side of the absorbent fabric, aligning the edges.
Fold the strip back onto itself until it reaches the bottom edge of the absorbent fabric.
Fold it over itself a second time, this time until it reaches the edge of the outer fabric, creating the flap that will become the finger pocket.
Press the folds to help keep everything in place.Step 3: Prepare the Pad for Sewing
Flip the outer fabric piece so that its right side is facing the right side of the soft fabric.
The pocket you just formed will now be sandwiched between the two layers of fabric.
Carefully align all the edges and hold the layers together with clips or pins.
Step 4: Sew the Pad
Sew along three sides, leaving the bottom edge completely open. This opening will allow you to easily turn the pad right side out.
Before turning the project right side out, trim the corners by cutting away the excess fabric close to the stitching. Be careful not to cut through your stitches!
This small step will help you get much neater corners once the pad is turned.
Step 5: Turn and Close the Pad
Carefully turn the pad right side out through the opening at the bottom.
Push out the corners and arrange the layers so that everything lies flat. The soft, absorbent fabric should now be on one side, while the outer fabric forms the pocket on the other.
Next, flip the pocket back over itself.
Make sure the absorbent fabric is pushed all the way down inside and that the edges are properly aligned.
Sew the opening closed. Once the seam is finished, flip the pocket back over itself again to return it to its proper position and completely hide the seam inside.
Your Reusable Makeup Remover Pad Is Finished!
Simply slide your fingers into the small pocket on the back and use the soft side to remove your makeup.
The result is a reusable little accessory that’s easy to wash and seriously practical!
And since this project requires very little fabric, it’s also a great way to give a second life to all those small scraps we stubbornly refuse to throw away because “they might come in handy someday.” This time, they actually do!
How Do You Wash Reusable Makeup Remover Pads?
After use, rinse them if needed, then place them in a small laundry bag so they don’t mysteriously disappear between two towels in the washing machine.
Wash them according to the care instructions for the fabrics you used.
To help them last longer, simply make sure the different fabrics you combine can be washed together.
Can You Sew Several Pads at the Same Time?
Absolutely!
This is actually the perfect project for assembly-line sewing.
Cut all your pieces at once, prepare all the pockets, then complete the same sewing step on every pad before moving on to the next one.
You can easily prepare a full set in a single sewing session.
Why Add a Pocket to the Back?
The pocket isn’t essential, but it makes the pad much easier to handle.
It allows you to:
- hold the pad more securely;
- apply gentle pressure without having it slip;
- keep your fingers behind the pad while using it;
- create a more practical accessory without adding much extra sewing time.
It’s a very small modification that makes a real difference when you use it!
A Perfect Project for Using Fabric Scraps
This tutorial is exactly the kind of project I love: very little material, very little time and something you’ll actually use afterward.
You can also sew several to create a small gift set with skincare products, soap or a pretty pouch.
And once you start making them… fair warning: suddenly, every fabric scrap starts looking like a future makeup remover pad!