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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

How to Make a Personalized Halloween Trick or Treat Bag

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Global Influence, product provided by Hershey's. However, all opinions and content are my own.

I tend to be an overachiever. When I come up with a project, I spend weeks thinking of all the ways I can craft things to make my dream idea a reality. Halloween is one of those times that I want to go over and above typical expectations. This holiday is a drama queen's dream come true. The last few years, when October has rolled around, I've begged people to be involved in my costume scenarios, worn a blonde curly wig, and stayed up until one in the morning making accessories.

My Halloween costume plans are still a work in progress this year, but since it's the first time Lincoln might actually comprehend what Trick-or-Treating is all about, I decided to make him a special bag to hold his goodies. We don't have real plans for Halloween, but will likely visit grandparents and friends. I'm secretly hoping that a lot of Hershey's candy will end up in his bag - because it's entirely possible that some most of it will be consumed by me after Lincoln's bedtime. I found the cutest chevron fabric this week and could not resist it! I put together this little bag in one afternoon and it was so much fun!

DIY Personalized Halloween Trick or Treat Bag

Supplies Needed
-Main Fabric (mine is the chevron)
 (cut two) 12"x10" rectangles
 (cut four) 2"x18" strips
-Lining Fabric (I used white)
 (cut two) 12"x12 3/4"
-Contrast Fabric (for top of bag)
 (cut two) 4"x12" strips
-Scraps of Felt (for letters)
-Sewing Machine
-Thread
-Scissors
-Pins


1. Print Template Letters to use for cutting out personalized letters. I used a font called Mister Earl and made a Microsoft Word file spelling out Lincoln's name. I printed it out on cardstock and cut out the letters. Next I pinned them to my white felt scraps and cut each letter out individually. This was the most time-consuming part of the process.

2. Pin letters to one piece of the band and sew. I use a zig-zag stitch in matching thread and stitch as close to the edge as possible.

3. Sew band strips to bag pieces, using a 5/8" seam.

4. Press seams open and pin right sides of bag together.


5. With right sides together, sew around the sides and bottom of the bag, leaving the top edge open. Trim seams.

6. With right sides together, sew both long edges of the strips together (you'll end up with two strips total instead of the four you cut out).

7. Turn the strips right side out. This is a frustrating task, but can be done - I promise!

8. With right sides together, sew the lining together on the longer sides and bottom. You're leaving one of the 12" sides open.

At this point, you should have the outer bag with three sides together, the lining with three sides together, and two strips with right sides out.


9. Pin strips (handles) to the right side of the bag. I didn't measure exactly, but it ended up being about 4" from each end. Pin one strip to each side of the bag.

10. (my photo is wrong - I took this before I realized I needed the handles pinned on first! So do step 9 and then this one.) With right sides together, insert bag into lining.

11. Pin top edge and sew, leaving open a 1.5" or 2" gap for turning. I left a space between the handles on the back of the bag. I also reinforced all of the stitching on the handles. Turn bag right side out through the gap.

12. Straighten lining inside the bag and iron everything. Add a single seam around the top edge of the bag, close to the edge, making sure to keep the lining inside. This is mainly to close the opening on the back. I used green thread on top with a white bobbin so that everything blended nicely.


I'm so pleased with how it turned out! It's the perfect size for a two year old to tote around on Halloween. It's personalized so we won't confuse it with anyone else's bucket or pillowcase - plus it's universal enough that it can be used for other occasions, too! Lincoln filled it with cars and dragged them around the house this afternoon. Kids love putting things in bags or boxes. Of course, he was most excited about the candy. He doesn't eat sugar very often - and especially not candy, so this was a special occasion and he kept saying "MORE CHOC-LATE!" Perhaps he is a child after my own heart. Just wait until he sees all the goodies on Halloween! I'm sure he'll be thrilled.

And as for me? You'll find me following close behind him, sneaking a Kit-Kat or Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or York Peppermint Patty, whenever I think he isn't looking. Mmm. It's a delicious time of year!


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Global Influence, product provided by Hershey's. However, all opinions and content are my own. Make sure you check out Celebrate with Hershey's for more holiday ideas! For more info, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

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