Learn how to sew a Trick or Treat Halloween Bag with this Free Pattern, which comes in two different sizes. The pattern also includes five different applique templates for you to decorate the front of the bag with.

This simple pattern can be sewn in an hour and customized with one of the optional appliqué templates. The templates can be cut with scissors and do not need a cutting machine. There is no inner lining which makes this a perfect project if you are new to sewing or if you just want to whip up a trick or treat bag quickly.

Supplies

Supplies Needed:

• 2 Half Yards of Cotton Fabric for the Fabric Front and Handles.
  • Black and White Stripe and Halloween Fabric.
• 2 Fat Quarters for the Contrasting Fabric Band and Applique
• Trick or Treat Bag Pattern Template (Download Below)
• Applique Templates (Download Below)
• Steam a Seam 2 (To attach the Applique)
• 1 Yard Pom Pom Trim (Etsy has tons of colors to choose from)
• Pins or Wonderclips
• Sewing Machine Needle
• Thread
• Scissors or Rotary Blade and Cutting Mat

Download the Trick or Treat Bag Pattern and Appliqué Templates

Free Trick or Treat Bag Pattern Instructions

Cut the Fabric and Appliqué Template

Step 1 - Download the Trick or Treat Bag Pattern and tape together.

Step 2 - Cut out the pattern pieces which include one front piece, one back piece, one contrasting fabric band, and two handles.

Step 3 - Cut out the appliqué piece using the template from accent fabric. There are five different appliqué templates to choose from.

Sew the Bag Front

Step 4 - Place fabric front piece right side up with the contrasting fabric band right side down. Pin or clip in place. Sew the bottom edge together using a 1/2" stitch.

Step 5 - Place the applique piece, with the steam a seam 2 on the back of it, centered on the fabric front. Follow the instructions on the back of the steam a seam 2 package to stick to the appliqué.

Step 6 - Iron the appliqué piece on the front of the trick or treat bag for 20 - 30 seconds to secure in place.

Step 7 - Press the bottom fabric contrasting seam open.

Step 8 - Sew the edge of appliqué using either a straight stitch or zig zag stitch. I used a straight stitch because I did not think I would be washing the bag, which could make the appliqué fray.

Step 9 - Pin the pom pom trim in place right about the seam allowance.

Step 10 - Sew the pom pom trim to the bag using a straight stitch.

Step 11 - Fold the top edge of the bag 1/4" down and press. Repeat for both sides of the bag.

Step 12 - Fold the top of the bag down again 1" and press. Do this for the front and back pieces of the bag. We will wait to sew the top hem down, but we want to press the hem in place right now.

Sew the Handles

Step 13 - Fold the handles in half horizontally and finger press or iron.

Step 14 - Open the the fabric handle up and then fold down the top half 1/2" to the center line and press.

Step 15 - Fold the bottom edge of the handle up 1/2" to the center line a press in place.

Step 16 - Fold the handle in half horizontally with the raw edges tucked in toward the center line and press.

Step 17 - Sew along the edge of the open side to form the handle. Repeat the above steps for both handles.

Step 18 - Fold the edge of the handle under 1/2".

Step 19 - Pin the folded handle edge in place on the top hem of the bag. The top hem of the bag has not been sewn yet because we still need to sew the side seams. But it is easier to sew the handles while the bag is in two pieces. The pin will hold the top seam in place.

Step 20 - Repeat for the other side of the bag handle.

Step 21 - Sew the handles in place on the bag.

Sew the Bag Together

Step 22 - Place the bag back right side up.

Step 23 - Place the bag front right side down. Unfold the top hem to sew the sides and pin in place. You will fold the hem back down after you sew the edges of the bag.

To sew the edges of the bag: Sew from the top edge of the side of the bag to 1/2" from the bottom clipped corner. Then sew 1/2" from the bottom clipped corner to the other side 1/2" from the clipped corner edge. Finally sew the last side, starting at 1/2" from the clipped corner to the top raw edge of the bag top.

Important - Do not sew the clipped corners. These are used to make the bag bottom flat.

Sew the Corners

***The notched corners remain unsewn.

Step 24 - Line up the fabric seams of the notched corners as shown above. Pin in place and sew 1/2" seam along the raw edge to form the flat bottom of the bag.

*** I have included a clearer shot of the second bag I made to show how to line up the notched corners.

This is the sewn notched corner of the bag in the tutorial for reference.

Step 25 - Turn the bag right side out. Fold the top hem back down and sew the edge of the hem down to secure in place.

Ta Da! You have finished an adorable Halloween Trick or Treat Bag!

Watch the Video

Printable Instructions

This project and more can be found in the FREE resource library too!

Pin the Trick or Treat Bag Pattern to Save for Later