First things first. This can be made using either a sewing machine, or it can be sewn by hand. If using a sewing machine, you will obviously need a sewing machine and the knowledge of how to use it! I made my brush roll with a sewing machine, so the pictures depict that option.
So, now for the heart of the project - the materials! We are going to need the following:
- A Placemat of your choosing (I found mine at Target for about $4 - it's not exactly even on all sides, but it gives it a bit of character. It is 14" x 19" in size, but any size will do.)
- Thread (I used matching thread, but contrasting thread can add a nice touch too)
- Ribbon (this will make your closure and should be about 30" Long)
- Pins
- Tape Measure
- Painters Tape or Tailor's Chalk (if using the chalk, test it on part of the placemat that will not be seen first to ensure that it can be easily removed)
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine or a Sewing Needle
You want to start by ironing the placemat to remove any wrinkles. (Yes, I actually did this, but somehow it doesn't look it!) Make sure you use the proper temperature on the iron for your fabric, and use a pressing cloth (you can use a towel too) if necessary. You don't want to melt or burn anything! :)
Now you're going to place the prettier side of the placemat (the wrong side) facing down. Next, take the ribbon you've chosen and cut a piece about 30" long. Fold the ribbon in half and place it in the middle of the fabric. Pin the folded end of your ribbon close to the edge of the mid-point of the placemat and sew it in place.
Fold the bottom edge of the placemat so that the fancier side is facing up about 4" and pin each edge through all layers of fabric. Sew through all layers of the fabric close to the initial edge of the placemat for the height of the fold.
At this point, you may want to lay out your brushes and decide on your end layout. You will be making "pockets" for each brush so you need to determine how much room you need for each handle and how many slots you want for various sizes of brush handles. Keep in mind that you can always fit more than one smaller brush in a larger slot. I actually decided how to arrange my "pockets" as I sewed, but I think it's helpful to measure it out in advance. I used 1" slots for each smaller brush, 1 1/2" slots for larger face brushes, and added one 2" slot for a Real Techniques brush which has an exceptionally thick handle.
Measure from the outside edge of the placemat to where you want the first pocket to end (I would place the larger slots on the opposite end from the ribbon - I did not do this, but I think it would better protect larger brush heads). My first pocket is 2" wide (for a Real Techniques Blush Brush). At the 2" mark, place a strip of Painters Tape or mark with the Tailor's Chalk. I used Painter's Tape because it gave me a nice guide line to follow while sewing. Plus, it just breaks away if you sew through it by accident and there's nothing to clean up! Sew right next to the tape through all layers of fabric from the top of the folded fabric to the bottom of the placemat (you don't need to sew the entire height of the placemat).
You have your first brush slot!!! You may want to check the fit so that you don't end up making the entire project only to find that the pockets don't fit your brushes!
Measure the appropriate width for your next brush slot. I made mine 1 1/2" wide. Place the Painter's Tape along the line you want to sew and sew next to the tape.
Continue this until you've made pockets all across the width of the folded placemat, making sure to vary the size of the pockets as desired. I used 1" slots for smaller brushes. I was able to fit 1 extra-large slot, 6 large slots and 8 small slots.
Make sure any hanging strings have been properly secured and cut from the final project and you're all finished! You're ready to add some brushes, roll it up, tie a bow and go!
This project takes a little bit of time, but it's relatively easy, fairly affordable, and would make a beautiful gift for any makeup lover! Best of all, you've made it yourself which makes for a gift that's likely to be treasured for years to come!!! :)
