Hi everyone!

In this sewing tutorial I’m going to show you how to sew a Halloween trick or treat lined drawstring bag. Fill this mini candy bag with sweet treats and it will make a lovely gift for anyone you know. I’m sure they will love it. Happy Halloween! 🎃🦇

Important note: I use the metric system and make the exact conversion from cm to inches in the hope of helping. Please adapt these measurements to your ruler.

Hope you enjoy this tutorial! 👻🍬

Supplies

NOTE: Dimensions in inches are approximated.

The materials and techniques I used are the ones I thought were the best for me as a self-taught creative seamstress. It doesn’t mean they are the best for you, so feel free to use your creativity and make it your own! You can adjust the measurements as you like and also add other features.

Fabric measurements:

- 2 fabric pieces for the lining: 15cm / 5 29/32” x 23cm / 9 1/16”

- 2 fabric pieces for the outside of the bag: 15cm / 5 29/32” x 23cm / 9 1/16”

Ribbons:

- 2 pieces of ribbon: 50cm | 19 11/16” x 1cm | 25/64”

Needle size:

- 90/14

Seam Allowance:

- 0.7cm / 9/32”

You will also need:

- Scissors

- Wonder Clips

- Quilting Ruler

- Rotary Cutter

- Cutting Mat

- Corner and Edge Shaper

- Sewing Thread

- Seam Ripper

- Tailor's Chalk Pencil

- Measuring Tape

- Iron

- Ironing Board

- Sewing Machine

- Pocket Lighter

- Bodkin Needle

Step 1: Mark the Drawstring Channel

- Cut the fabrics and the ribbons.

- Mark the drawstring channel on the wrong and the right sides of the outer fabrics: mark a line, with a tailor's chalk pencil, 8.5cm | 3 11/32" away from the top edge of the outer fabrics. Then mark another line 7cm | 2 3/4" away from the top edge of the outer fabrics.

Step 2: Place and Sew the Outer Fabric Pieces Together

- Place the right side of the outer fabrics facing each other.

- Adjust the stitch length on your sewing machine according to your preferences. Use a 90/14 sized needle.

- The seam allowance for this project is 0.7cm | 9/32".

- Sew the outer fabric pieces together leaving the top and the drawstring channel unstitched.

Step 3: Place and Sew the Lining Pieces Together

- Place the right side of the lining fabrics facing each other.

- Adjust the stitch length on your sewing machine according to your preferences. Use a 90/14 sized needle.

- Sew the lining fabric pieces together leaving the top unstitched and an 8cm | 3 5/32" opening at the bottom.

Step 4: Trim the Excess Fabric and Thread and Press the Seams Open

- Trim off the excess thread and fabric from each corner.

- Press the seams open.

Step 5: Place the Outer Fabric Inside of the Lining and Sew Them Together

- Turn the outer fabric right side out and keep the lining wrong side out.

- Mold the turned over corners with a corner and edge shaper tool.

- Place the outer fabric inside of the lining and align the top side seams.

- Sew the top of the outer fabric to the top of the lining.

Step 6: Turn the Drawstring Bag Right Side Out

- Turn the drawstring bag right side out by pulling it through the gap you left in the lining.

- Close up the lining opening.

- Press the lining and place it inside of the outer fabric.

- Press the top of the drawstring bag.

Step 7: Top Stitch the Top of the Drawstring Bag and Sew the Drawstring Channel

- Top stitch 0.7cm | 9/32" away from the edge of the drawstring bag.

- Stitch the drawstring channel following the lines you have marked with the tailor's chalk pencil. Make sure the back outer fabric and lining are out of the way and don't get caught in the stitching.

- Press the drawstring channel to remove the lines of the tailor's chalk pencil.

Step 8: Thread the Drawstring

- Heat seal the ribbon ends using a pocket lighter.

- Using a bodkin needle, thread the first ribbon through one of the opened sides of the channel (passing the opposite side opening) and all the way around until you reach the same side opening where it was pulled in, as shown in the images. Then, tie a knot to secure both ribbon ends together.

- Now, using a bodkin needle again, start on the opposite side opening (the side with no-tie end) and repeat the same steps as before with the second ribbon. Don't forget to tie the ends together with a knot.

- Pull both sides of the ribbons to close the bag. If it doesn't work properly, it means the ribbons aren't threaded correctly and you must repeat the process.