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Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Right around this time last year is when I fell off the face of the Earth due to morning sickness.   Boo!  Before I did, I made these adorable reverse applique DIY trick-or-treat bags.  Of course, now I only have three of them, and I need to make another.  Austin doesn’t need candy yet though, so I’ll put that off until next year.  Don’t let the words “reverse applique” scare you!  These are actually really easy to make, and you don’t even need to add the stitching if you don’t want to.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Supplies:

  • canvas tote bag
  • Halloween fabric of your choice
  • paper-backed fusible interfacing (Wonder Under or Heat ‘n Bond)
  • embroidery floss
  • free patterns

Start by tracing your pattern onto the paper side of the interfacing.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Cut a smooth edge around the outside of the design.  This is the part that will be staying on the bag, so you want it to look nice.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Turn the tote bag inside-out and place the interfacing in the middle, paper side up.  Use a hot, dry iron to adhere the interfacing to the bag.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Carefully cut out the inside of your design.  Remember that this is a reverse applique, so the inside is going to be your scrap piece.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Peel off the paper backing.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the interfacing, and lay it face down on top of your bag. Make sure it’s covering all of the interfacing so you don’t gunk up your iron. Follow the instructions on your interfacing, and iron the fabric down.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Cut off the excess fabric.

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Turn the bag right-side-out.  Using a full strand of embroidery floss, do a running stitch around the design.  You don’t have to do this part if you don’t like sewing.  If you choose not to, I recommend using a strong interfacing (Heat ‘n Bond Ultrahold or Pellon 725).

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

The kids loved having their own, special trick-or-treat bags last year.  Now I just need to remember where I put them.  Man, this mommy brain stuff is no joke!

Reverse Applique DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

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Robert

Saturday 7th of November 2020

I'm making a mask for my sister and want to sew her first name initial to the mask and could help me with this thanks

W Cieniu Lipy

Wednesday 28th of October 2015

Nice :) Kitty rules :)

Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts

Wednesday 28th of October 2015

Thanks! I love the kitty too. :)

Audrey @ The Cloth Parcel

Friday 23rd of October 2015

So cute! Love the simple look with the hand stitched border.

Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts

Saturday 24th of October 2015

Thanks Audrey!

Brenda

Friday 23rd of October 2015

Great project! Love how they turned out! Have a great week :)

Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts

Saturday 24th of October 2015

Thanks Brenda!

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