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Reusable makeup wipes are a simple sewing project for anyone looking to cut down on disposable cotton rounds. Made with cotton and terrycloth, these washable squares can be used to remove makeup or apply toner, then cleaned and used again.
The instructions below make 4-inch wipes with a soft terrycloth side and a cotton side. Make as many as you need to last between laundry days, and choose fabrics that feel comfortable against your skin.
Materials for reusable makeup wipes
Gather these supplies before cutting:
- Terrycloth towel fabric
- Cotton fabric
- Ruler, cutting mat, and rotary cutter
- Sewing machine and straight pins
Wash and dry your finished wipes before using them. In this project, the fabric is sewn before its first wash to help prevent the terrycloth edges from fraying during laundering.
How to make reusable makeup wipes
1. Cut the fabric squares
Cut the cotton fabric into 4-inch squares. Make one square for each wipe you plan to sew. For accurate results, measure and cut on a flat surface, keeping the fabric from shifting as you work.
2. Pin and sew the layers
Cut the same number of 4-inch squares from the terrycloth. Place one cotton square and one terrycloth square together with their right sides facing inward, then pin around the edges.
Sew around each square with a 3/8-inch seam allowance. Leave a 1-inch opening in one side so the wipe can be turned right side out. Keep the opening large enough to handle the fabric without pulling hard on the seam.
3. Turn and topstitch
Clip the corners to reduce bulk, taking care not to cut through the stitching. Trim the terrycloth seam allowance in half. Turn the square right side out through the opening; a chopstick can help gently push out the corners. Pin the wipe flat.
Topstitch around the square about 1/4 inch from the edge. This finishes the outside and closes the opening. Sew slowly around the corners so the stitching stays even.
Washing and storing reusable makeup wipes
Once the wipes are sewn, wash them before their first use. Store clean, dry wipes in a clean container, such as a glass jar.
After using a wipe, let it air-dry before placing it with other used wipes. This helps prevent damp fabric from sitting in a closed container. You can lay wipes flat or hang them while they dry.
For laundry, place used wipes in a small mesh lingerie bag and wash them on a warm or hot setting with a compatible load, such as towels. Follow the care instructions for your fabrics and washing machine. Makeup may stain light-colored fabric over time; this does not necessarily mean a wipe is unclean. Darker cotton or terrycloth can make visible staining less noticeable.
Ways to use your homemade wipes
Use a wipe with your preferred makeup remover, or use it to apply toner if that fits your routine. Avoid rubbing the face roughly, particularly around the eyes, and wash wipes after use. If you prefer a wipe with terrycloth on both sides, you can use terrycloth for both fabric layers; it may take a little extra care to sew and turn.
Before starting, estimate how many wipes you use between laundry loads. Making enough to cover that interval means you are less likely to run out of clean ones. Reusable makeup wipes are a practical, washable alternative to disposable rounds when they are cleaned and dried between uses.
Instructions by Laura.
