Halloween crafting just got even more fun with this Happy Jack Treat Bag! Designed by Premier Yarns, this cheerful jack-o’-lantern tote is perfect for:
- Trick-or-treating (a stylish upgrade from plastic buckets!)
- Handing out candy (great for festive hosts)
- Seasonal home decor (fill it with mini pumpkins or spooky accents)
With its playful face details and sturdy cotton construction, this bag is both practical and decorative. The intermediate-level pattern introduces shaping techniques (like decreasing for the eyes and nose) while keeping the main body simple with half-double crochet (hdc) stitches.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern:
✔ Quick to make—works up in just a few evenings!
✔ Customizable—swap colors for a purple witch or white ghost version.
✔ Great for gifting—pair it with homemade treats for a spooky surprise.
Ready to create your own Happy Jack? Let’s gather supplies and get started
Quick Look
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Premier® Yarns Premier Home® Cotton (worsted weight, 85% cotton/15% polyester):
- #38-06 Orange (A) – 2 balls (main color)
- #38-16 Black (B) – 1 ball (face details)
- #38-14 Christmas Green (C) – 1 ball (trim & handles)
- Hooks:
- US Size I-9 (5.5 mm) for the bag body
- US Size H-8 (5 mm) for facial features
- Extras: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional)
Crochet Abbreviations
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| blo | back loop only |
Finished Size & Gauge
- Bag Size: 10” wide x 12” tall
- Gauge: 12 hdc x 8 rows = 4” (using larger 5.5 mm hook)
Pro Tip: Check your gauge! If your stitches are too tight, switch to a larger hook.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: The Bag Base & Body
- Start the Base (Orange Yarn – A):
- Chain 28 with the 5.5 mm hook.
- Rnd 1: Hdc in the 2nd ch from hook, hdc in the next 25 ch, then 3 hdc in the last ch to round the corner.
- Now, work along the opposite side of the chain: Hdc in the next 25 ch, 2 hdc in the final ch, join with a sl st. (56 hdc total).
- Shape the Corners (Rnds 2–3):
- Rnd 2: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), 2 hdc in the same st (first corner). Hdc across, adding 3 hdc in each corner st. Join. (64 hdc).
- Rnd 3: Repeat corner increases. (72 hdc).
- Finish the Base (Rnds 4–5):
- Rnd 4: Hdc evenly around.
- Rnd 5: Hdc in the back loops only (blo) to create a ridge.
- Work the Body:
- Continue hdc in each st every round until the bag measures 12” tall.
- Final Round: Switch to green yarn (C), sc around, fasten off.
Part 2: The Handles (Green Yarn – C)
- Chain 8, hdc in the 2nd ch from hook and across (7 hdc).
- Row 2: Ch 1, hdc in each st, turn.
- Repeat until the handle measures 16” long. Make two handles.
Part 3: The Face (Black Yarn – B)
Eyes (Make 2):
- Chain 9, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and across (8 sc).
- Follow the pattern’s decrease rows (Rows 3–9) to shape into triangles.
Nose:
- Chain 7, sc in the 2nd ch from hook (6 sc).
- Decrease similarly to the eyes.
Mouth:
- Chain 22, dc in the 4th ch from hook, then follow the pattern’s toothy grin (with 3-dc clusters for curves)
Finishing Your Happy Jack Bag
- Attach the Handles:
- Pin the green handles to the top inside of the bag.
- Slip stitch in place using the smaller hook (5 mm).
- Sew on the Face:
- Use the photo in the PDF as a guide to position the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stitch securely with a yarn needle.
- Weave in all ends for a polished look
Tips for Success
✔ Blocking helps! Lightly steam the face pieces to flatten before attaching.
✔ Struggling with decreases? Use stitch markers to track sc2tog points.
✔ Want a stiffer bag? Line it with fabric or stiffen with fabric glue
Final Thoughts
This Happy Jack Treat Bag is sure to become a Halloween favorite! Whether you’re making it for a little goblin or as festive decor, its whimsical design and durable cotton yarn make it a keeper
