DIY Hand Lettered Halloween Tote Bag

Learn how to make your own cute DIY Halloween bag easily with this simple tutorial and free cut file. I just love crafting for Halloween – it’s such a fun holiday! This simple little tote project is so easy to make, you can whip up totes for all your best ghouls and goblins in no time.

I created a little hand lettered design that reads “Happy Hauntings.” You can download this design from the supply list to make your own cute Halloween crafts. I put the design on a tote bag, but you could use it for lots of different projects. Maybe use adhesive vinyl on a sign?

Supplies needed to make your own DIY Halloween bag:

• Tote Bag
• Cutting Machine (I have a Silhouette Cameo, but you could use a Cricut as well)
• Iron-On Glitter Vinyl
• Weeding Hook
• Parchment Paper
• Iron
• My “Happy Hauntings” Cut File – Download the SVG, Studio, or PNG file

Step One – Cut Vinyl.

Start by opening the file in your cutting machine software. Whenever you are cutting a design from iron-on or heat transfer vinyl, you have to mirror the image before cutting so it will not be reversed when applied to your project (see the image below).

Scale the design to the size you want for your project, adjust your cut settings for the material you are using, and then send it to the machine to cut.

Step Two – Remove Excess Vinyl.

After your piece has cut, use a pair of scissors to trim the vinyl down around the cut design (this will help you not waste too much of that beautiful vinyl!). Next use your weeding hook (or a straight pin or pair of tweezers work well too) to remove the excess vinyl from around your design. Don’t forget to get all the little spots from inside your letters!

Step Three – Iron On Design.

Set your iron to the cotton setting and make sure the steam is turned off. Iron the tote bag to smooth out any wrinkles and warm up the fabric. Place the design on your tote bag, flipping it so the clear plastic carrier sheet is on top and the text reads correctly. Cover with a piece of parchment paper or thin cotton fabric to protect the fabric and apply firm pressure to the entire design for 25-30 seconds. Flip the bag over and repeat the process of applying pressure and heat for 25-30 seconds.

Finally, allow the project to cool down for a few minutes before peeling off the clear carrier sheet. I love the sparkle you get with this vinyl! The best part is it won’t shed glitter all over your house. 🙂

And that’s it! Your cute DIY Halloween bag is ready for tricks, treats, and any other spooky outings.

Happy Hauntings and Happy Making!

Alexis

Alexis Middleton is a lifelong crafter/DIYer and blogger at Persia Lou. She started crafting at a young age. As a girl, she spent summers with her grandmother crocheting baby doll afghans, making coasters out of plastic canvas and yarn, and canning apricot jam. Today, Alexis spends a lot of time dreaming up and working on projects for her family’s home. She loves mixing traditional crafting techniques with a more modern aesthetic.