How to Make a Canvas Halloween Gift Bag

Introduction

These cute Halloween-themed bags are so durable and easy to make, you could use them for your grocery shopping all October long.

Step 1

Debbie Wolfe

Collect Materials

You can use any colored canvas or cotton duck fabric. Make sure your sewing machine is set to a heavy duty denim needle and thick cotton thread.

Pro Tip

To get the best value for your money, use a painter's canvas. You can find it in the paint supply section of your local big box home improvement store.

Step 2

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Trace

Trace the outline of the ghost or bat on the paper side of the fusible web.

Pro Tip

If you prefer not to use a fusible band, use freezer or wax paper for this step.

Step 3

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Ironing

Place the fusible web, paper side up, on the felt. Low iron to melt the adhesive onto the felt. Once it sticks, let it cool down a bit, then cut out the shapes. Remove the paper backing and place each shape, sticky side down, on the right side of a 15x18-inch piece of canvas. Low iron to adhere.

Pro Tip

If you didn't use the fusible web, the freezer paper will temporarily stick to the felt when ironed on low heat. Cut out and remove the freezer paper, then apply hot glue to the canvas.

Stage 4

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Hem the top 1

With the wrong side up, press the top edge of one of the bag pieces down 1" and press.

Step 5

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Hem the top 2

Fold another inch and press. Sew along the top and bottom of the hem.

Step 6

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Attach Handles

Unfold and place one end of the band over the folded hem. Make sure the raw edges of the bands sit in the fold. The outside edge of the band should be about 4 inches from the side of the tarp piece. Repeat on the other side. Be careful not to twist the belt. Do this on the other piece of canvas as well.

Step 7

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Place the handles part 2

Sew a box around where the belt attaches to the bag. Then sew an "X" in the center of the square. This will ensure that the handle is seated correctly. Repeat on the other side and on the other piece of canvas. Once the handles are attached, pin the two sides of the bag together with the right sides facing each other and sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance around the sides and bottom of the bag.

Step 8

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Box the corners part 1

Pull the corner of the bag so that the side and bottom seams are on top of each other. Mark a straight line on the bag and sew on that line. Repeat on the other side.

Step 9

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Corner box part 2

Trim the excess. Repeat on the other side. Turn the bag to the right and enjoy!

Debbie Wolfe