"Trick or Treat Bag" Pattern & Tutorial...

I love fun, quick projects and this one certainly fits that description! I've made eight of these Trick or Treat Bags for my grandchildren in the last few of years, but because of the population explosion in our family four more are required. The candy corn Trick or Treat Bag version below could be suited for either a little boy or little girl depending on fabric choice! This one is for a little man...

The final measurements for this bag are 7 inches wide by 8 1/2 inches high by 3 inches deep with 13 inch handles. The bag has plenty of room for goodies but is easily managed by little hands.

Because I've had problems recently with people copying my blog posts and patterns and publishing them on other sites, I've chosen to have you email me for the pattern for my Trick or Treat Bag. Once I've sent you the pattern and you have your fabric cut out, you can follow the step-by-step instructions below.

To request the pattern, simply type "Trick or Treat Bag" in the subject line of the email you send to me {my email address is on my sidebar}, and I will send you the pattern in a return email. No need to hurry to request this pattern -- the offer of the free pattern is good throughout the 2012 Halloween season. If you choose to request the pattern, I ask that you leave a comment below. My creativity is fueled by your kind comments, so please follow this one request! 

For Pattern: follow instructions above
1/2" seam allowance
Refer to photos for visual help.
For tips on how to applique go to this blog post.

Cut Out Fabric

Strap Construction

1. Fold straps in half lengthwise and press.
2. Fold edges of straps toward the center fold line and press.
3. Tuck 3/4" x 14"  fusible fleece into strap fold and press to attach fusible fleece.
4. Top-stitch strap 1/8" from both edges. {Refer to photo below for steps 1-4.}

Applique

5.) Attach fusible fleece onto front and back.
6.) Before you begin: A fusible web (such as Wonder Under) should have been applied to the back of the candy corn frame and each section of the candy corn. For more information on appliqueing, go here. Position candy corn frame onto bag front. The top of the frame should be 1 3/4" from the top of the front. The sides of the frame should be 3" from each side of the bag front. Iron to adhere fusible web, then stitch frame to front using a machine blanket stitch, a zig-zag stitch, or straight stitch.{See photo below.)

7.) Arrange and center candy corn pieces onto the frame. Remove middle and bottom pieces, press top piece to frame to adhere Wonder Under, then applique using the machine stitch you've chosen. Start and end your stitches at the bottom of the candy corn piece -- those stitches will be covered up with the middle piece. {See arrow below.}

8.) Arrange and center middle candy corn piece over the top piece. {Note: Use the dashed lines on the pattern pieces as a guide. The top of the middle piece should be brought up to the dashed line on the top piece. The bottom piece should be brought up to the dashed line on the middle piece.} Iron middle piece to adhere Wonder Under, then machine stitch that piece to frame. Again, start and finish your stitches at the bottom...

9.) Finally, place the bottom candy corn piece over the middle piece. Press and stitch.

Attaching Straps to Front and Back

10.) Pin straps to front and back, right sides together, 2 1/2" from side edges. Baste.

Assembling bag

11.) Bag front and back: With right sides together, pin bag front to back. Stitch sides and bottom seam using a 1/2" seam and pivoting at the bottom corners as illustrated in the photo below. Lining front and lining back: With right sides together, pin lining front to lining back. Stitch sides and bottom seam, pivoting at the corners, and leaving a 3" opening at the bottom of the lining. Press seams open as best you can. {See photo below.}

12.) Gusset or "boxed corners" on bag and bag lining: To make gussets put your hand inside the bag and fold the bottom corner into a point where the bottom and side seams meet. An easy way to make sure seams are aligning is to push a pin through the middle of the top seam. The pin should exit the fabric in the middle of the seam below. Pin. Measure down to where it is 3" across in width. The halfway point (1 1/2") should be in the middle of your seam. Use a pencil or disappearing ink marker to mark the stitching line.{See photo below.}

13.) Stitch across the marked line, back-stitching at the edges. Check the gusset to make sure you are happy with it, then trim away the excess fabric to avoid bulk and zig-zag the edge. Treat the other corner in the same way. Repeat with lining.

14.) Turn bag right side out and press. Place bag into lining right sides together. Match seams and pin. Sew around top of bag with a 1/2" seam. Turn bag right sides out by pulling the bag through the opening in the bottom of the lining. When bag is right side out sew the "opening" in the bottom of the bag lining shut.

Finishing Touches

15.) Tuck the lining into the bag. Top-stitch around the top of the bag 3/8" from the edge...

Finished!

Now you've got a Trick or Treat bag for the little Ghost or Goblin in your life!

Do you see those scary spiders crawling all over the inside of the bag? 

{Shiver.}

Please remember:  To request the pattern, simply type "Trick or Treat Bag" in the subject line of the email you send to me {my email address is on my sidebar}, and I will send you the pattern in a return email. If you choose to request the pattern, I ask that you leave a comment below. My creativity is fueled by your comments, so please follow this one request!

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