This easy project is perfect for beginners looking to add a touch of Halloween spirit to their sewing skills. Follow the tutorial and create your own pumpkin tote bag.

We love coming up with simple, fun tutorials that are perfect for beginners. One project that fits this perfectly is creating your very first tote bag!

I still remember the thrill of making my first tote bag and seeing the finished product.

In this tutorial, we'll stick mostly to straight lines, with a few zigzag stitches around the pumpkin's eyes, mouth, and nose to keep everything in place. We'll use a cotton tablecloth fabric. It's easy to find, simple to work with, and a breeze to sew. For the pumpkin's features, we’ll use suede fabric, though felt or velvet would work just as well. Choose any fabric that doesn't fray at the edges for a smooth finish.

MATERIALS:

• Tablecloth cotton fabric

• Suede, velvet or felt fabric for the pumpkin eyes, mouth and nose

• Fabric scissors. Our fav are these here.

• Sewing machine. We use this one here for almost all our projects.

• Ruler and tailor chalk. We used a simple measuring tape and a pen. 

  Below, you can find the video tutorial we shared on our Spanish YouTube channel. It’ll give you a clearer picture of each step in the process. Let’s get creative and make a spooky tote bag this Halloween!

How to Make a Pumpkin Tote Bag for Halloween:

1. Cut two rectangles

• Cut two rectangles of about 40 x 30 cm using your tablecloth cotton fabric. Check out the video MIN 0:18

2. Cut out two squares

• Trace two small squares, each measuring 5 x 5 cm, onto the corners of both of your 40 x 30 cm rectangles. Carefully cut out these squares from each corner. This will create the base shape for the sides of your tote bag.

  For more details check out the video MIN 0:27

3. Cut strips for scallops (OPTIONAL)

• Cut the Strips: Cut two strips of fabric, each approximately 7 cm wide and 80 cm long. When unfolded, these strips will measure about 14 cm wide and 80 cm long.

• Skip This Step if Desired: If you prefer a simpler design, you can skip this step and move on to step 4 for a more straightforward tote bag.

For more details check out the video MIN 0:55

4. Cut eyes, nose and mouth

• Trace the eyes, nose and mouth for the pumpkin face. You can trace them using tailors chalk or a simple pen making sure you get rid of all the ink when you cut them out 🎃 For more details check out the video MIN 1:28

5. Attach and Sew the Eyes, Nose, and Mouth:

• Position the Features: Pin the eyes, nose, and mouth onto your cotton tablecloth fabric squares where you want them to go. Arrange them to create a fun and spooky face.

• Sew the Features: Using a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, carefully sew around the edges of each feature to secure them in place. This stitching will help prevent the edges from fraying and give your design a finished look.

For more details check out the video MIN 2:15

6. Create the hem:

• Create the Hem: Begin by folding down the top edge of your tote bag fabric by about 2 cm to create a hem. Press the fold with an iron to set it in place.

• Sew the Hem: Using a straight stitch, sew along the folded edge to secure the hem. This will give the top of your tote bag a clean and finished look.

For more details check out the video MIN 2:35

7. Create the Handles:

• Cut the Fabric Strips: Cut two strips of fabric, each measuring approximately 4 cm wide and 68 cm long. These strips will be used for the tote bag handles.

• Prepare the Strips: Fold each strip in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in. Press the fold with an iron. Sew along the open edge and one long side to create a tube, then turn it right side out.

• Attach the Handles: Position the handles on the inside of the tote bag’s top hem, placing each handle approximately 10-15 cm from the sides of the bag. Pin them in place.

• Secure the Handles: Sew the handles to the bag with a strong stitch, reinforcing the attachment by sewing over the area several times. This ensures the handles are securely fastened and can support the weight of the bag.

For more details check out the video MIN 3:00.

8. Add Scallops or Curves (Optional):

• Fold the Fabric: Take the fabric strips you prepared for the scallops or curves. Fold them along the length to create the desired curved or scalloped shape on the sides of the tote bag.

• Pin the Strips: Position the folded strips along the sides of the tote bag, aligning them with the edges where you want the curves or scallops to appear. Pin them in place to hold the shape.

• Sew the Curves: Using a sewing machine, stitch along the edges of the fabric strips to attach them to the sides of the tote bag. This will give the bag a decorative, scalloped effect.

• Check the Video: For a visual guide on how to add these details, check out the video linked below. It provides step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the perfect curves or scallops on your tote bag MIN 4:24

9. Finish and Close Your Tote Bag:

• Sew the Sides: Align the two 40 x 30 cm fabric rectangles with the cut-out corners making sure the scallops fit inside. Pin the sides together, matching up the edges and making sure the handles are positioned correctly. Sew down the sides with a straight stitch, reinforcing the seams at the top where the handles are attached.

• Fold and Sew the Bottom: Pinch the bottom corners of the tote bag so that the bottom of the bag forms a flat base. Fold the bottom edges inward to create a clean seam. Sew across the folded bottom, securing it in place.

• Final Touches: Turn the tote bag right side out. Give it a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and ensure all seams are crisp. For more details check out the video MIN 5:40

Your tote bag is now complete and ready for use!

Happy HALLOWEEN 👻

More Halloween Crafts here:

More Sewing projects here: