This fast Halloween treat bag is one of the quickest bags you'll ever sew. It's just two squares, two straps, and a drop-in lining, so there's no turning the bag right side out. That gives your hands and wrists a break, and it makes this a great project for trick-or-treat bags, party favors, quick gifts, or craft show inventory. I made mine with Sugar Skulls vinyl, shimmer fabric, and seatbelt webbing.
Download the free printable Treat Bag instructions here (2-page PDF with all the measurements and a technique video guide).
Video not showing? Watch the treat bag video on my Instagram.
What You'll Make
A lined, boxed-corner tote bag with two webbing handles, cut from 12" x 12" squares. The boxed corners give it a flat bottom so it stands up and holds plenty of candy. With vinyl on the outside and shimmer fabric inside, you don't need any interfacing.
Skill level: Beginner. No zippers, no turning, and only straight seams.
Supplies
- Free printable Treat Bag instructions (PDF)
- Exterior: two 12" x 12" pieces. I used Sugar Skulls Pebbled Printed Vinyl. If vinyl isn't your thing, Skulls & Vines Canvas is a fun alternative.
- Lining: two 12" x 12" pieces. I used Silver Shimmer Fabric.
- Handles: two straps of seatbelt webbing or your favorite strapping (mine are 17" each)
- Double-sided sticky tape
- Clips (don't pin vinyl, because pin holes are permanent)
- Microtex needle
- Box My Corners acrylic template, or a ruler
- Nylon mallet and a Teflon pressing sheet
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
How to Sew a Fast Halloween Treat Bag
Step 1: Cut your pieces
Cut two 12" x 12" squares from your exterior material and two from your lining.
Step 2: Cut the corners and sew the bags
Cut a 1 1/4" square from each bottom corner of all four pieces. A Box My Corners template makes this super fast. Place the exterior pieces right sides together and sew the sides and bottom with a generous 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat for the lining. Backstitch at every start and stop, especially at the boxed corners, so they don't pull apart in the next step.
Step 3: Box the corners
Bring the side seam to meet the bottom seam and nest the seams. Pound them flat with a mallet if needed, then sew across with a generous 1/4" seam. Sew a second line just outside the first for strength. Repeat for all four corners.
Step 4: Fold the exterior top edge
Place double-sided sticky tape along the top edge of the exterior bag and fold it down. The tape gives you a clean fold on vinyl without any pressing.
Step 5: Press the lining and drop it in
Measure and press the top edge of the lining bag down by 3/4". Slip the lining bag into the exterior bag, wrong sides together, and match the side seams. Clip all the way around the top. Don't sew yet!
Step 6: Add the handles and sew
Cut two straps to your preferred length. Slide the ends between the exterior and lining layers, 1 1/2" from each side seam. Double-check that the handles aren't twisted, then sew around the top edge to stitch everything in place, backstitching over the handles.
Step 7: Finish and fill
Press the bag out, using a pressing sheet over any vinyl, and fill it with candy or treats!
Quick Technique Videos
- How to use double-sided sticky tape
- Why Microtex needles make a difference
- How to fuse interfacing to vinyl
- Keeping bulky interfacing out of the seams
Halloween Treat Bag FAQ
Do I need interfacing for a vinyl treat bag?
Not with this combination. Printed vinyl on the outside and shimmer fabric inside give the bag enough body on their own. If you use a lighter fabric for the exterior, add a woven fusible. See my Interfacing Guide for Bag Making.
Why don't I have to turn this bag right side out?
It uses a drop-in lining. You sew the exterior and lining as two separate bags, slip one inside the other wrong sides together, and stitch around the top. It's faster and much easier on your wrists, especially with vinyl.
How long should the handles be?
Mine are 17" each, which is a comfortable hand-carry length for kids and adults. Cut them shorter for little trick-or-treaters or longer if you want to carry the bag on your shoulder.
Can I pin vinyl?
No. Pins leave permanent holes in vinyl. Use clips and double-sided sticky tape to hold your layers together instead.
What needle should I use for vinyl?
A Microtex (sharp) needle. It pierces vinyl cleanly and helps prevent skipped stitches.
Can I make this treat bag for other holidays?
Absolutely! Just change the fabric. It makes a great Christmas gift bag, Easter basket, or party favor bag, and it's an easy craft show seller.
More Projects You'll Love
- Quilted Witchy Hat Sewing Tutorial
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- Fun Holiday Stocking Sewing Tutorial
Shop vinyl, acrylic templates, Sew Hungry Hippie patterns, and tools and notions in the Sew Hungry Hippie shop.
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Peace, Love, Sewing,
-Natalie
