Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Simply Sweet Trick Or Treat Bags - a Tutorial

This morning I am excited to share another fun Riley Blake Design Team tutorial with you all!!!!    And even though it is April, it's a Halloween tutorial!!!!  Here they are, the super cute and super easy Simply Sweet Trick or Treat Bags!!!


I think this Ghouls and Goodies line by Doodlebug Designs has to be the sweetest Halloween fabric I have ever seen!!!  I mean, look at those cute little witches, Frankenstein, vampire, ghosts and skeletons!!   And they even glow in the dark, so fun!!!   The second I saw that adorable panel I just knew I had to make something out it,  but I wanted it to be fast and simple for everyone because I know Halloween is that holiday that always tends to sneak up on you and you are so busy making a costume, who has time to spend on the bag ;)


So enter the  Simply Sweet Trick or Treat Bags!!!  They are about 11" square and so they are the perfect size for trick or treating.  And don't you just love the jumbo ric-rac handles!!!   I think they totally crank up the cuteness factor!!!  You can make 4 bags from 1 panel, and they really go together in a flash.  Trust me, you are going to want to make them for all your little loved ones ;)  


So let's get to making a Simply Sweet Trick or Treat Bag!!!

You will need:
1 Multi Glow in the Dark Ghouls Panel (1 yard)
1 Yard of Lining Fabric.  I used the Ghouls Main Glow in the Dark in both Purple and Orange
1 Yard of Jumbo Ric-Rac for each bag you want to make.
                 (Remember, you can make 4 bags from 1 panel and 1 yard of Lining Fabric).


Got your materials all gathered, let's get started!!!  
Begin by cutting out a 3 x 3 grid piece from your panel.  It will measure 11 1/2" high x 12" wide.  Be sure to cut right on the line between the squares in the panel.  You will need to cut 2 panels for each bag that you want to make up to 4 per panel.


Place two panel pieces with right sides together aligning the raw edges and being sure the squares in the two panels align.  You can pin if you like or just align as you stitch.   Sew a 1/4" seam around the two sides and the bottom of the panels, pivoting at the corners.  Be sure and backstitch at the beginning and ending of your seam to secure the stitching.  Repeat for however many bags you want to make and set them aside.


Now, we are ready to make the lining.  Cut (2) 12" wide x 11 1/2" high rectangles from your lining fabric.  Repeat to cut two rectangles for each of the bags you want to make.


Place two lining rectangles with right sides together aligning the raw edges.    You can pin if you like or just align as you stitch.   Sew a 1/4" seam around the two sides and the bottom of the panels, pivoting at the corners and leaving a 4-5" opening at the bottom of the bag to later turn the bag right side out.  Be sure and backstitch at the beginning and ending of your seams, both at the sides of your lining and the bottom.     Repeat for however many bags you want to make and set them aside.


Now, grab your jumbo ric-ric and cut it in half to make (2) 18" long pieces.  Once again, have 2 pieces for each bag you want to make.   So now you have an outer bag, a lining, and handles and you are ready to put it all together!!!  I will give the directions for one bag, but if you are making multiples, just repeat each step for however many bags you are making ;)


Start by flipping the bag right side out and pressing it nice and flat.  I find the easiest way to do this is to sort of pull the fabric back at the seam and then roll it into place so the seam lies nice and flat.
Repeat this along both sides and the bottom of the bag for each bag you are making.


Now, place the raw edges of your Ric-Ric handles along the top edge of the bag.  I just use the line of the panel to align with the ric-rac.  Pin the handle in place, and double check that the handle isn't twisted.  Repeat for the other side of the bag, pinning the second handle in place, taking care that it isn't twisted and that it directly alings with the handles on the front side of the bag.


Almost there!!! Insert the pinned bag into the lining so that right sides are together.  Align the raw edges of the lining and the bag and pin around the top.  I like to nest the two side seams first and pin those in place.  Then I move around the top of the bag, pinning the center first, and then putting a second pin in by each of the handles.


And now, simply stitch a 1/4" seam around the pinned top edge.  Once again, be sure and backstitch a bit at the beginning and the end to secure everything in place.


Pull the bag through the hole that was left in the bottom or the lining.  Just shimmy it out a little at a time.  I like to then put my lining back into the bag and press the sides and the bottom flat once again, just to keep it nice and tidy :)


Finally, pull the lining back out of your bag slightly and fold under the opening 1/4" so there is no longer a raw edge.  You don't need to pin it, I just did that so you could see it folded under ;)


And then stitch the opening closed.  You can do this by hand, or do like I did and just stitch 1/8" from the edge to close it up.  Either way works ;)


Now once again, insert your lining into your bag and give a final press around the top of your bag so that it lies nice and flat.   And just like that, you are done and have the cutest and easiest to make, Simply Sweet Trick or Treat Bag!!!


And now these little Ghouls can't wait to go collect some Goodies.   I might have promised them a few or taking this picture, guess that will have to hold them over until Halloween ;)


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial ;)  If you make your own Simply Sweet Trick or Treat Bags I would love to see them!!!  You can email me a picture to happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com or add it to my flickr group here or post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc  ;)  I am sure your little ones will love them every bit as much as mine do!!



Wishing you all a very Happy Quilting Day!!

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7 comments:

  1. What a cute group of ghouls! The bags are sweet too.

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  2. Another project to add to my to do list!

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  3. So cute!! And your little gouls are growing up so fast!! I see that your biggest goul doesn't really want to show his face! :-) And your baby isn't a baby anymore!!! eeek!! When does she go into Kindergarten? They are all too cute!! I love seeing your pics of your little ones!! Hugs, H

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  4. what a cute idea...I tried to find the tutorial using the links provided but I'm coming up empty :-(

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  5. Aww look at your beautiful family! I must say Halloween is the thing I envy the most about the USA (well that and your fabric stores!)

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  6. Your little ghouls look so happy and adorable Melissa! The bags are so sweet made up in the Ghouls and Goodies fabric panel. The jumbo ric-rac handles are the bomb!

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Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I just love hearing from you!!
Have a Happy Quilting Day :)

Melissa