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Welcome crafty ghouls and goblins! Halloween is creeping closer, and we're celebrating with a frightfully fun DIY project from Maker Team member Belinda of @brdgirl. These handmade Halloween Treat Bags are the perfect way to get into the spooky spirit - whether you're a beginner with limited time or a seasoned stitcher with an open afternoon. Let the stitch-craft begin!
Using felt and linen, you’ll create charming little bags that are as versatile as they are adorable! Hand stitch or machine sew or combine the two to suit your skills and schedule. Mix and match the included Halloween motifs to make each bag uniquely yours. Gather your supplies, download the pattern, and let’s conjure up some Halloween magic.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Time: 2 – 4 Hours (depending on technique)
Additional Supplies:
Halloween Treat Bags Pattern with Guides (click to download)
Iron
Sewing Machine - optional
Directions:
1. Download and print Halloween Treat Bags Pattern above. Trace pattern pieces onto felt and cut out or use the freezer paper method to transfer pattern. Mix and match motifs to make each bag your own!
In addition to shapes on the pattern, cut the following:
- Four 6 ½ x 22 ½” rectangles of Essex Linen in Flax
- Four 6 x 22” rectangles of Fusible Interfacing
- Two 1 x 6 ½” strips from Citron felt
- Two 1 x 6 ½” strips from Concord felt
2. Trim long sides of four felt strips with 10mm scallop shears. To create an inverted scallop like the example, use the shears in your left hand or rotate the handle. Test on scrap felt first.
3. Center and fuse one piece of interfacing to back of each linen piece following the manufacturer’s instructions. This stabilizes the linen and adds body.
4. Arrange and attach large felt shapes to the bottom of two linen pieces using the guide in pattern for reference. Leave at least a ½” seam allowance for construction.
Use a sewing machine or hand stitch with coordinating embroidery floss.
5. Layout and attach remaining small felt pieces. Hand stitch or glue in place. For hand stitching, use the DMC floss listed in the pattern guide.
- Backstitch and Running Stitch: most pieces
- French Knots: Eyes
- Long Straight Stitches: Leaf veins and stems
6. Create cat's collar with two strands of floss and three bugle beads.
7. Attach the following sequins using sequin glue:
- Ghost Bag: Star and Fall-colored sequins on background, Star sequin on ghost's hand
- Cat Bag: Star sequins on background, Star sequin on cat collar, star sequin on hat band
8. Add inverted scallop strips to the four linen bag pieces - two embellished fronts and two backs. Measure 10” from the bottom of each linen piece for placement. Stitch in place.
9. To construct the bag, place corresponding linen pieces (front and back) together, aligning wool strips. Use wonder clips to hold in place. Sew around all four sides with a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 3” opening at the top (for the lining.) Clip corners and turn right side out. Press carefully, avoiding sequins and beads. Sew opening closed. Push lining down into the bag, leaving about ¾” of linen above the wool band and press.
Repeat Step 9 for second treat bag.
10. Fill with treats or treasures and tie with bakers twine or ribbon!
If you’re short on time or prefer not to sew, use a small drawstring Benzie Design bag (the kind used for shipping small items.) Use the same templates, techniques, and instructions to dress up your treat bag!
Whether you stitched every detail or added a few spooky touches to a ready-made bag, you've created some handmade Halloween magic! These treat bags reflect your creativity and style, so don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, stitches and embellishments. Thanks for crafting along - now go fill those bags with goodies and share the spooky joy. Happy Halloween and happy making!
Thanks to Belinda for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @brdgirl and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorial from our Benzie Design Maker Team!
