Pumpkin Trick or Treat Bag

Pumpkin Trick or Treat Bag by Nicole Riley

Project Overview

This downloadable crochet pattern creates a festive Pumpkin Trick or Treat Bag, perfect for Halloween candy collection or seasonal storage. Designed by Nicole Riley and published by Nicki's Homemade Crafts, this beginner-friendly project combines simple crochet techniques with a charming pumpkin-shaped construction. The finished bag measures 12.5 inches in height by 10.5 inches in width (excluding handles), with 9-inch handles, making it an ideal size for trick-or-treating or decorative display.

What You Will Create

The Pumpkin Trick or Treat Bag is a structured, three-dimensional bag designed to hold candy and small items. The construction uses a combination of crochet stitches to form the pumpkin body, with wooden dowels integrated into the structure to maintain shape and support. The bag features contrasting color work in orange, purple, and black to achieve the classic pumpkin appearance with Halloween details.

Crochet Techniques Used

This beginner-level pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for crafters new to the craft. The primary construction method uses linked single crochet, a variation of basic single crochet that creates a more refined, connected fabric. The pattern incorporates shaping techniques through strategic decreasing to form the pumpkin's rounded silhouette. Slip stitches join rounds and secure color changes, while chain stitches establish the foundation and handle construction. The integration of wooden dowels requires basic assembly skills, as the dowels are worked into the crochet fabric to provide structural support.

Stitches Included

• ch (chain) – Foundation and connecting stitch
• sc (single crochet) – Basic fabric building stitch
• linked sc (linked single crochet) – Primary stitch for the bag body, creating a refined, connected fabric
• sl st (slip stitch) – Used for joining rounds and securing color transitions
• hdc (half double crochet) – Additional stitch option for fabric variation
• tr (treble crochet) – Taller stitch for specific sections
• dec (decrease) – Shaping technique to form the pumpkin's contours

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Impeccable Yarn from Michael's Stores in aran weight (medium weight #4). You will need 2 skeins of orange crush for the main pumpkin body, plus purple punch and black yarn for accent details and features. Aran weight yarn works up quickly and provides excellent stitch definition for this beginner project.

Tools: A 5.0mm crochet hook is used throughout the pattern. The gauge is 5 rows by 8 linked single crochet stitches per 2 square inches, which helps ensure proper sizing and fabric drape.

Additional Supplies: Seven wood dowels measuring 3/16 inch by 11 7/8 inches provide structural support and help the bag maintain its pumpkin shape. You will also need scissors for cutting yarn and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembling components.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for digital access and printing. The pattern includes detailed instructions for basic crochet stitches, making it accessible to beginners who may need stitch references while working through the project.