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How to Sew a Simple Trick or Treat Bag

Learn how to make a simple trick or treat bag with our free sewing pattern. This trick-or-treat tote is fully lined and can be personalized with a bit of applique. It’s also, oh so cute!!

trick or treat bag free pattern

Do you want to learn how to create the easiest trick or treat bag ever!?! Ok, it might not be the EASIEST one, but it’s definitely in the top three!

The trick-or-treat bags in our free tutorial feature fabric from my Spooky Hollow fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs.

One of the trick-or-treat totes is created using pieces of fabric from the panel that is a part of the collection.

Witch silhouette outdoors

This panel is designed specifically to be turned into trick-or-treat bags. You only need to cut out a piece for the bag’s front and back. Then, cut out the straps. If you want to make the bag unlined, there are directions on the panel.

Graphic of fabric panel

However, if you’d like to make a lined version of the bag with a gusseted bottom, I will show you how to do it today!

witch silhouette outdoors holding trick or treat bag

If you don’t have the Spooky Hollow fabric panel, don’t worry! You can use any of your favorite Halloween fabrics!

About the Trick or Treat Totes

This pattern includes directions for two sizes of trick-or-treat bags. A rectangle bag that is about 12″ x 14″ x 1″ when finished, and a smaller tote that is about 11″ x 11″ x 1″ when finished.

trick or treat tote bags hanging on peg rack

How to Make the Pumpkin Faces

If you’d like, I’ve created a simple raw edge applique pattern so that you can get the faces on pumpkin tote bags. There are three faces included in the printable, along with the shape for the leaf to add to the bag as well.

two trick or treat totes on black countertop

If you’re unfamiliar with raw edge applique, you’ll want to ensure you check our Raw Edge Applique tutorial. We walk you through all the steps that you need to know to create ANY applique shape to add to a tote bag. You can also use the same technique to add applique shapes to other sewing projects or clothing items.

How to Get the Printable

Fill out this form, and we will email you the printable. You will still need to read the directions on this site to finish your tote bag.

Video Instructions

If you need a bit of help, be sure to check out the video on our YouTube channel!

Thumbnail of youtube video
trick or treat bag free pattern

Simple Trick or Treat Bag Sewing Pattern

Melissa Mortenson
Learn how to make a simple yet oh so cute, Trick or Treat bag using our free sewing pattern.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

supplies

  • 1/2 Yard Fabric for Bag Outside or one fabric panel designed for a Trick or Treat Bag
  • 1/2 Yard Fabric for Bag Lining
  • 1/4 Yard Fabric for Straps
  • 1/2 Yard Lightweight Fusible Interfacing You can also use Fusible Fleece if you'd like a sturdier bag
  • 2 scraps Green Fabric at least 5" x 5"
  • 1 piece Paper Backed Fusible Web I like Heat N Bond Lite
  • 1 fat quarter Fabric for applique face
  • 1 Face & Leaf Template print out from our site by filling out the box on this page.

Instructions
 

Cutting

  • For the Large Tote
    Option 1:
    To make a bag using a Trick or Treat Bag panel like the one from my Spooky Hollow or Spooky Schoolhouse fabric collection cut:
    1 panel piece for the bag front
    1 panel piece for the bag back
    Cut out the two straps on the panel
    For the Large Tote Option 2:
    If you are using fabric yardage cut:
    2 pieces 13" x 15" for the bag front and back pieces
    2 pieces 2 1/2" x 12" for the bag straps
    For Both Versions Cut
    2 pieces 13" x 15" for the Bag Lining
    2 pieces 13" x 15" from Interfacing
  • For the Small Tote Cut:
    2 pieces 12" x 12" for the Bag Front & Back
    2 pieces 12" x 12" for the Lining
    2 pieces 12" x 12" from Interfacing
    2 pieces 2 1/2" x 12 1/2" for the Bag Straps

Prep (instructions are the same for both size totes)

  • Iron the lightweight fusible interfacing on to the wrong side of the two bag outside pieces.
  • If desired, print out the applique pattern from this article and applique pumpkin face shapes onto the front of your fabric piece. If you need help with this step please see our "how to raw edge applique" article.
    orange fabric pieces on blue cutting mat
  • On the bottom two corners of the bag outside and bag lining pieces, cut out a 1" x 1" square.
    orange fabric pieces on blue cutting mat

Step One: Create Bag

  • Pin the two bag outside pieces together, right sides facing. Sew the side and bottom seams with a 1/2" seam allowance. Press the seams open.
    wrong side of tote bag on cutting mat
  • Repeat but this time with the two bag lining pieces.

Step Two: Straps

  • Fold the strap pieces in half lengthwise and stitch down the long sides with a 1/4" seam allowance.
    Two green rectangles of fabric on cutting mat
  • Turn right side out and press so that the seam is in the center of the strap.
  • Topstitch down both sides of the strap.
  • Repeat for the second strap.

Step Three: Assembly

  • Turn the bag outside piece right side out and place a mark 2" in from the side seam on both the right and left sides of the bag.
  • Pin the bag strap to the bag, right sides facing, inside the mark that you made.
    green bag straps pinned to front of orange tote bag
  • Stitch in place close to the edge of the fabric.
  • Slip the bag outside piece into the bag lining piece so that the top edges of the bag are even and the side seams are lined up.
    two fabric pieces on top of each other
  • Pin the bag all the way around. Leaving a space between the straps on the back of the bag.
    Pins in fabric
  • TIP: If you can, remove the arm of your sewing machine for the next steps.
  • Sew the top of the bag, beginning on the back of the bag just before the strap, around to the front of the bag, stopping at the other side of the other strap.
  • You should have a 4"-5" hole in your seam.
  • Turn the bag right side out through the hole in the seam.
    tote bag being turned right side out
  • Press the bag well, and topstitch around the top edge. Make sure to catch the opening in the seam as you sew.

To Make the Leaf Shape

  • Trace the leaf shape onto the paper side of heat n bond lite.
    leaf shape, paper and fabric on cutting mat
  • Cut out loosely and iron onto the wrong side of one of your green fabric scraps.
    leaf shape, paper and fabric on cutting mat
  • Cut out the shape, precisely this time.
  • Iron a piece of fusible fleece to the wrong side of the other green fabric scrap.
    leaf shape, paper and fabric on cutting mat
  • Remove the paper backing from the leaf shape, and iron onto the fusible fleece/green fabric piece.
    leaf shape, paper and fabric on cutting mat
  • Top stitch around the edge of your leaf. Add a few decorative stitches as well to mimic the stems of the leaf.
    leaf shape, paper and fabric on cutting mat
  • Cut out.
  • Adhere to the bag front by stitching it in place. If you like, you can also add a bit of ribbon to the leaf as well.
PRINT
Love this tutorial? Get the behind the scenes on Instagram

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