Tutorial: Adding Halloween Appliqués to the Forte Basic Tote Bag

October 9, 2023

Wanna make some fun trick or treat bags? I've got just the thing!

Included in the blog post you'll find a step by step tutorial to add your own Halloween elements to your FREE Forte Tote Bag AND FREE appliqué and cut file downloads. This is worth the read!

There are SEVEN different appliqués to choose from! Use one or use them all. Let's start with your FREE downloads:

Click here for the 8.5x11 PRINT file for the appliqués. This file includes all seven illustrations.
Click here for the A4 PRINT file for the appliqués. This file includes all seven illustrations.
Click here for the PDF CUT file. This file includes all seven illustrations. This file is only for those using a cutting machine (ex: Silhouette Cameo or Cricut.)
Click Here for the DXF CUT file. This file includes all seven illustrations. This file is only for those using a cutting machine (ex: Silhouette Cameo or Cricut)
The following are for SVG Cut files. This file is only for those using a cutting machine (ex: Silhouette Cameo or Cricut)

The following are for PNG Cut files. This file is only for those using a cutting machine (ex: Silhouette Cameo or Cricut)

Now, let's get our supplies:

Forte Tote Bag Pattern
Felt or Quilting Cotton with SF101 or other interfacing (if using quilting cotton you MUST have interfacing)
Pins
Fabric Glue or Double-sided Tape (optional)
Scissors
Matching thread
Sewing Machine

Tutorial

Here's a video if you'd prefer that:

Cut out your appliqués and felt/fabric. *Don't forget you'll need TWO eyes for the Jack-o-Lantern and Ghost)
I advise NOT to add a pocket if you're decorating both sides of your bag. You will want to apply your appliqué BEFORE you begin constructing your Forte Tote Bag.
Take one Main Forte Tote Bag panel and determine placement. pins/glue/tape in place*remember to take into account the boxed corners and the top raw edge being folded to the wrong side 1".

For the Bat you have three options

Stitch all around the edge of your bat (about 1/8" from the cut edge)
Stitch just the body of the bat so that wings flap freely
Stitch just the body and then one line down each wing giving the bat wings a 3D vibe.

For the Cat and the Jack-o-Lantern

Stitch all around the edge of your Cat or the eyes, nose, and mouth of your Jack-o-Lantern (about 1/8th" from the cut edge)

For the Letters

This is, by far, the most time consuming but it turned out super cute. You're just going to stitch around the letters. There's no better way to explain it. If you want to see how I accomplished it check out the video above. I didn't do anything fancy.

For the Ghost using quilting cotton

I didn't have any white felt so I cut out one ghost in my fabric and one in Interfacing. I used decor bond because I had the perfect size scrap but you can whichever fusible interfacing you like. Adhere your interfacing to your appliqué first.

Using a zigzag stitch (width about 3 and length about .5) sew at the very edge of the fabric as shown in the photo below. Take your time and be sure to backstitch.

For the eyes and mouth, stitch around the edge of each or you can, simply, stick and "X" in the center and be done!

That's basically it. I didn't overcomplicate it because it just wasn't necessary and they're for my kids. The two favorites in my house are the 3D bats and the ghost. Let us know your favorites!