Halloween is coming, and a trick-or-treat bag is a must for this occasion. It’s easy to make if you have a sewing machine and a few other tools. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
For this project, you’ll need:
- 1 to 2 fat quarters of fabric, depending on the size of your bag.
- Bias tape for the handles.
- A sewing machine (we’re using the Baby Lock Verve combination sewing and embroidery machine).
Step 1: Preparing Your Machine
Before you start, ensure your embroidery unit is properly attached to your sewing machine. Turn off the power, attach the unit, and then turn the power back on. When you switch to the embroidery section, you’ll see a screen with various options. For this project, we’re focusing on text embroidery.
Step 2: Embroidering the Text
Select Your Font: Choose a bold, block-letter font for visibility. If you want lowercase letters, use the arrows to navigate through the options.
Spell Out Your Text: For our bag, we’re spelling “Trick-or-Treat.” If your text is too large for the frame, adjust the size using the L (large), M (medium), and S (small) options.
Position Your Text: Use the enter key to move to the next line if needed. Once your text is set, you can adjust its size and orientation.
Start Embroidering: Press the embroidery button, lower the presser foot, and press start. After stitching, trim any excess threads for a clean finish.
Step 3: Cutting the Fabric
You can make your bag from one solid piece of fabric or two different fabrics. For a two-fabric design:
- Top Piece: Cut 10.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches high.
- Bottom Piece: Cut 10.5 inches wide by 20.5 inches long. This piece will wrap around to form the back and front of the bag.
Step 4: Assembling the Bag
Sew the Top and Bottom Pieces: Place the top piece front side down on the bottom piece and stitch a 1/4 inch seam. Press the seam on the back side, then fold and press it on the front.
Prepare the Lining: Use scrap fabric for the lining. Place the front piece on top of the lining fabric, ensuring the print side is up. Pin them together and cut to match the front piece’s size.
Attach the Handles: Cut your bias tape to the desired length (18-20 inches). Stitch it closed along the edge, then pin the handles 2-3 inches from the corners of the bag’s top edge.
Step 5: Sewing the Bag Together
Pin and Stitch: Place the lining fabric on top of the front piece with handles pinned in place. Pin around the edges, leaving an opening on one side for turning the bag inside out. Start stitching from one side of the opening, backstitching at the start and end.
Trim and Turn: Trim the corners to about 1/8 inch without cutting into the stitch line. Turn the bag inside out through the opening.
Final Stitching: Fold the edges of the opening in by 1/4 inch and press. Fold the bag in half, pin the sides, and stitch close to the edge, backstitching at the top and bottom.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Turn the bag right side out and poke out the corners. Press the entire bag for a neat finish. Your trick-or-treat bag is now ready!
Personal Touches and Tips
- Customization: Let your kids or grandkids pick out their favorite Halloween-themed fabric. This not only makes the bag special but also gets them interested in sewing and crafting.
- Size Variations: Adjust the size of the bag to suit the age and needs of the user. For younger children, a smaller bag is more manageable.
- Involve the Family: Making this project a family activity can be a fun way to bond and create lasting memories.
Conclusion
Creating a personalized trick-or-treat bag is a delightful way to celebrate Halloween. It’s a project that combines creativity with practicality, and the end result is a unique bag that your little ones will cherish. So, gather your materials, fire up your sewing machine, and let your imagination run wild. Happy sewing!
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