How to Make a Fabric Compact Mirror – Free Tutorial

Necessity is the mother of all inventions, right? That’s how the Fabric Compact Mirror came to be. Having a mirror in your bag is so handy!

Not only is this a good item for you to carry around, it makes for a great gift too. Handmade says love and with the ability to customize by fabric, it’s just perfect.

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I originally designed this item for a sew-a-long, so I tried to come up with something unique. I had a bunch of ideas on my list, but none of them felt original enough. I hope you find this project just as fun as I do!

Let’s make the Fabric Compact Mirror!

 2. Trace around a 3.75″ round object (4 times). You can also cut these circles with your Cricut!

3. Cut out four circles.

4. On one circle, trace the mirror in the center, then make another circle 1/4″ smaller than the mirror outline. <This is the mirror side>

5. Cut a slit in the center of the circle and then cut notches to the center line (do not go to the line made by tracing the mirror). — Fold the notches back and press in place.

6. Pin or clip two circles together, with the right sides touching, and sew around the outside, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave a 1.5″ opening at the top for turning. Repeat with other two circles.

7. Notch all the way around the outside of the circles, so that the point of each triangle is up against the seam. Be careful not to cut through the stitches! <Repeat with other two circles>

8. Trace the mirror onto a piece of heavy cardstock (twice) and cut out the circles.

9. Turn circles right sides out and top stitch 1/4″ around, leaving the same 1.5″ opening.

 10. On the non-mirror side, insert one piece of cardstock and stuff it on one side only.
<The first image is from a different prototype, so it doesn’t reflect the topstitching>

11. Glue the other piece of cardstock to the back of the mirror. This is to reinforce the mirror to help prevent breaks.

12. Cut a 2″ x 5″ strip for the “hinge”.

13. Fold it in half, then fold the outer edge in to the center line.

14. Fold strip in half lengthwise.

15. Insert “hinge” strip into the opening of the non-mirror side, 1/4″ past the top stitch line. Tuck the excess fabric into the opening also, and top stitch closed with the “hinge” inside. Then repeat on the mirror side.

16. Stuff mirror side firmly, but don’t overstuff. Make sure the stuffing goes under the “flap” and against the seam. I put glue on the fabric first and then put the stuffing in to hold it in place.

17. Insert the mirror over the stuffing and under the flaps. Place glue around the edge of the mirror under the flaps (E6000 works great). Set aside to dry.

18. Optional (not pictured): Add velcro or snap buttons to the edge opposite of the hinge as a closure.

And there you the Fabric Compact Mirror!

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Written pattern and photographs © 2019 Sonya Blackstone of She’s So Creative. Please do not sell, share, or modify this pattern, but instead share the link to where the pattern can be found. Do not use these photos for advertising without written permission. Do not post this tutorial on your own website without written permission. You may sell any finished items you create using She’s So Creative tutorials.

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