Looking for a quick Halloween sewing project? This simple fabric trick-or-treat bag is easy to make and can be brought out year after year. Choose a fun Halloween print for the outside, add a contrasting lining and handles, and you'll have a reusable bag ready to fill with Halloween treats.
This step-by-step sewing guide takes you through making the straps, sewing the outer bag and lining, and putting everything together for a neat finish.
What you'll need to make your trick-or-treat bag
Before you start sewing, cut the following pieces:
- One 13" x 28" piece of main fabric
- One 13" x 28" piece of lining fabric
- Two 3" x 18" pieces of fabric for the straps
You will also need coordinating thread, pins or sewing clips, fabric scissors, an iron and a sewing machine.
How to sew a fabric trick-or-treat bag
- Make the straps. Fold one strap piece in half lengthways with right sides together. Using a 1/4" seam allowance and a straight stitch, sew along the long raw edge. Turn the strap right side out and press it flat. Topstitch along both long edges, close to the edge, then repeat with the second strap.
- Sew the outer bag. Fold the main fabric in half with right sides together. Using a 1/2" seam allowance and a straight stitch, sew down one side from the top edge to the folded bottom. Repeat on the opposite side. Clip the bottom corners diagonally, taking care not to cut through the stitching, then press the seams.
- Sew the lining. Fold the lining fabric in half with right sides together and sew the side seams in the same way. This time, leave a 3" opening towards the bottom of one side seam. You'll use this opening later to turn the finished bag right side out.
- Attach the straps. Turn the outer bag right side out. Position one end of the first strap along the top raw edge, approximately 2.5" in from a side seam, and pin or clip it in place. Making sure the strap isn't twisted, position and secure the other end along the same top edge. Repeat on the other side of the bag with the second strap.
- Join the bag and lining. Keep the outer bag right side out and the lining wrong side out. Slip the outer bag inside the lining so that the right sides of the two fabrics are facing each other. Match the side seams and align the raw edges around the top. Pin or clip everything in place, making sure the straps are tucked safely between the outer fabric and lining. Using a 1/2" seam allowance, stitch all the way around the top edge.
- Turn the bag through. Reach through the 3" opening left in the lining and carefully pull the outer bag through it. Once everything is right side out, close the opening in the lining by folding the raw edges inside and stitching close to the edge. Push the lining down inside the bag and press around the top edge.
- Finish the top edge. Topstitch all the way around the top of the bag for a neat finish and to help keep the lining sitting securely inside. Give the finished bag a final press and it's ready for trick-or-treating.
Choosing fabric for your Halloween bag
A woven cotton fabric is a great choice for this project because it's easy to cut, press and sew, making it particularly suitable if you're fairly new to sewing. You can use the same fabric for the whole bag or have a bit more fun by choosing contrasting fabric for the lining and straps.
Although we've made ours as a Halloween trick-or-treat bag, the same simple method can easily be used with different fabrics to make a small reusable tote for other occasions too.
Looking for the right print? Take a look at our Halloween fabrics and choose something suitably spooky for your trick-or-treat bag.
