Monday, October 26, 2009

Five-Minute Trick-or-Treat Bag -- TUTORIAL

Today I will show you how to make cute trick-or-treat bags for your little ones (or yourself!) in just five minutes, using simply a dollar store dishtowel and belt. It's easy!


I found two different styles of Halloween-theme tea towels at my local dollar store. I've also been eyeing their girls' belts (found on the accessories aisle) for months, just waiting for my chance to use them in a sewing project. Today's the day!


STEP ONE: Fold your tea towel right sides together and sew the two side seams of your bag.


STEP TWO: Fold open your bag as shown, creating a point at the end of the side seam.


STEP THREE: Sew straight across the point, perpendicular to the side seam you sewed in Step One. You can make this any length; mine was between 3 1/2"-4". Repeat on the other side.


Turn right side out. Here's your bag; it just needs handles!


STEP FOUR: Cut off each end of your belt -- the buckle and the little metal dealy on the other side. Cut the remainder of the belt in half to create two straps.
(If you like, you could use ribbon instead, as I did with the spiderweb bag!)


STEP FIVE: On your bag, mark where you want your straps to be. I put mine 4" in from the side seams.


STEP SIX: Sew on your straps! I sewed mine just below the finished edge of the bag, and also at the top edge. I sewed forward and back five or six times to ensure the straps would hold.


Ta-Da!
A super easy, basic bag!
You could certainly add other details -- pockets, applique -- whatever you like!

This would be an excellent project for a beginning sewist or a child who wants to learn to sew!

6 comments:

Anne said...

What a great idea!! I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-quick-and-easy-trick-or-treat-bag/2009/10/27/

--Anne

Shana said...

I'm certainly a beginner sewer! I'm going to try this....my kids love playing store and putting things in bags!

Carolyn said...

There is something about your blog that just makes me so happy. We just moved from the US to the other side of the world, and your blog is a little glimpse into home for me. Thank you.

Elise Edwards said...

I agree - your blog makes me happy too! You always have such great, inspiring ideas. Now that I'm settled and have my sewing space set up, I'm looking forward to trying more of them!

Bethany @ The Paper Pony said...

What a great project... my daughter's plastic pumpkin finally bit the dust. This is fantastic!

PerryMomma said...

Anne! Thanks for posting the link to this wonderful blog!! I'm using this tutorial for a sewing playdate for the playgroup I organize! Thanks!!