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When they finally appeared, many people thought they were unnecessary, impractical and even scandalous
Reach for some felt and a few fabric scraps to whip up this spooky bat trick or treat bucket – it’s sure to become a firm family favourite year after year!
Whether you’re going trick or treating or just want a Halloween bucket to store some snacks, you’re bound to find this trick or treat bucket useful.
We love the bright orange lining and the cute bat face, which has been made using some simple felt shapes. This pattern uses a contrasting orange thread along the wings to make the lines stand out – it’s a very effective technique to try.
This DIY Halloween bucket is a brilliant project for a beginner to make because it doesn’t involve a lot of sewing, but if you’re new to the world of stitching, then check out our sewing for beginners guide.
How to make a trick or treat bucket
Notes
- The seam allowance is 1cm (3⁄8in) unless otherwise stated.
- Download our Free Halloween templates
- WS = wrong side
- RS = right side
Materials
- Felt: 68x43cm (27x17in) outer felt, 68x43cm (27x17in) lining felt
- Fabric scraps: Yellow, white, black and silver
- Ribbon: 42cm (17in), to decorate the handle (optional)
- Bondaweb: 24x76cm (10x30in)
- Thread
- Basic sewing kit
Cutting out
Step 1
Download, print and cut out all of the templates for the bag from our Halloween templates set.
Step 2
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, press the Bondaweb onto the wrong side (WS) of the lining felt piece.
Wait for this to cool fully and then carefully peel off the paper backing.
Place the outer felt piece over the top and press again to join the outer and lining pieces – these will then be cut out and sewn as one piece.
Step 3
From this joined piece cut out:
- Bag body: cut two using the template.
- Wings: cut a pair using the template.
- Bag base: cut one using template.
- Handle: cut one strip 42x3cm (16½x1¼cm).
Blood-curdling bunting
This DIY is actually a two-parter – find out how to make a Halloween garland to match your bucket in our tutorial by Kirsty Hartley
Step 4
From the white felt cut cut two triangles for teeth.
Step 5
Press Bondaweb to the WS of the yellow, black and silver glitter fabric scraps.
Step 6
From the yellow fabric cut a pair of eyes using the template.
Step 7
From the black fabric cut a pair of pupils for the eyes using the template.
Step 8
From the silver glitter fabric cut a pair of nostrils using the template.
Making the face
Step 1
Remove the paper backing from the shapes and position them on the treat bag front. Cover with a pressing cloth and press them into place.
Step 2
Position the teeth and then stitch along the top edge of each tooth only.
Attaching the wings
Step 1
Prepare each of the wings by sewing around the outer edge, using a contrasting thread for definition. Then sew the wing structure lines as shown in the picture below.
Step 2
Place each wing 2cm (¾in) below the top of the treat bag then sew along the inner edge to secure.
Assembling the treat bag
Step 1
Sew the side seam of the treat bag by placing each treat bag half with right sides (RS) facing. Sew 5mm (¼in) in from the edge.
Step 2
Pin the base into position then sew into place 5mm (¼in) from the edge.
Step 3
Sew along the outer edges of the handle for decoration.
Step 4
If desired, add a length of ribbon along the centre of the handle for decoration by topstitching along the long sides to secure.
Step 5
Position each end of the handle to the corresponding side seam on the inside of the treat bag and sew it into place.
You’ve finished! We hope you had lots of fun making this spooky trick or treat bucket!
Brilliant bats
Want to find your next project that helps develop your sewing skills? Then try our bat plush toy pattern.
Now to fill your trick or treat bucket
This fun trick or treat bucket is not only a fun project, but the sturdy felt design means it’ll last for years of trick or treating! Plus, if it gets filled with particularly sticky sweets, you can always just pop it in the wash!
Give loved ones a real treat this Halloween
Enjoy these 30+ Halloween sewing patterns for spooky season!
