Trick or Treat Bags

What to do when your kids out grow their orange plastic pumpkin pails? This is the question that faced me when I started to unpack our Halloween decorations. I love those orange pumpkin pails. They bring back so many memories. But, when only your youngest will use it, what to do for the older kids? I know there are "big kid" pails out there and we have a few, but even my kids are outgrowing those. Yes, pillowcases or shopping bags work, but I wanted to create something special for my kids. Create a memory for them. Something they could look forward to each and every year. So, I decided to make our own trick or treating bags.

These bags are great: they are easy to store, their draw string top keeps kids from crying over spilled candy (It seems every year one of my children trips and spills their candy in the street.), their cord handles let kids swing their bag over their shoulder when tired, and they can be personalized with fabric choices. My kids are so excited to use them this year! It feels great to have my "older kid" trick or treating bag problem solved and to know that these bags will now be something we'll use for many, many years. Here's how to make your own:

First, it's the fun part. Picking out your fabric! Right now is a great time to buy Halloween fabric. Most fabric is on sale since Halloween is fast approaching. I picked two fabric choices for each of my children: a main fabric for the bulk of the bag and an accent fabric for the top. I bought half a yard of each fabric choice knowing that I'll have extra for future projects.


Second, cut your fabric. I kept it really simple. I kept the main fabric choice at half a yard and cut 9 inches off both ends. Then, I cut the accent fabric. I cut two pieces measuring 9 inches by 19 inches. Once the fabric is cut, sew the accent fabric to the ends of the main fabric.


This is the bag for my oldest son. It's hard to tell from the picture, but the main fabric is a pattern of skulls. Cool, in his eyes.


To hide the seam, I then sewed a ribbon across the point the two fabrics met. Here's a photo of my daughter's bag.



Here's a closer look:


Then, for actually sewing the bag together, I followed the directions from this blog: momtastic. She has wonderful step by step directions. I chose not to make our bags into back packs although this would be great idea. When kids get tired of carrying their bags, they could wear them on their backs. Instead, I stopped once the cords were inserted at the top. My kids liked the idea of having a bag. Here's the finished product!


This bag is super easy to make. You still have plenty of time to make one for this year. Happy Trick or Treating!

Comments

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Carole! I'm happy you enjoy the bags. Have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  2. I agree - picking out the fabric is the fun part! I could spend hours in the fabric store!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know - so many cute fabric options and so little time :) Thank you for your comment, Roseann! Have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  3. So smart to make the strings so these can be worn as backpacks! Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Emily! I have to say that these bags have proved to be very helpful. Enjoy your week!

      Delete
  4. Oh, my goodness! This is super cute AND simple! Thank you for sharing your post at the Halloween Blog Hop and $100 Giveaway! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment and for stopping by! These bags are so simple and I can't believe how many comments we get about them as we trick or treat each year. Happy Fall!

      Delete
  5. Great idea, and love your fabric choice :) Thank you for sharing with us at the To Grandma's house we go link party - hope to see you at the next one that starts tomorrow! Pinned!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Tarahlynn! I appreciate your comment. I enjoy choosing fabric a little too much :) Enjoy your week!

      Delete
  6. Very nice--love the fabric! Twochicksandamom has chosen this as a Feature at Funtastic Friday this week!
    http://twochicksandamom.blogspot.com/2016/10/funtastic-friday-97.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. Donna! Thank you for the feature! We sure love Funtastic Friday. Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment