How to Make a Candy Bag? | DIY Treat Bags

Make a candy bag by folding a paper rectangle in half, gluing one side seam, adding ribbon handles, and letting it dry before filling.

Making a candy bag at home takes about ten minutes and a handful of craft supplies you likely already own. Whether you’re prepping for Halloween, a birthday party, or a classroom treat, the basic paper bag method below works for any occasion — and you can dress it up with stickers, washi tape, or markers to match the holiday.

The Basic Paper Candy Bag Method

The simplest approach uses one rectangle of paper — construction paper or scrapbooking paper both work well. Cut a rectangle around 20 cm by 30 cm (roughly 8 by 12 inches), fold it in half, and glue one side seam closed to form a pouch shape. Punch two holes near the top, about 5 cm from each side, then thread a 30 cm ribbon through each hole and knot the ends. Decorate with markers or stickers, and let the glue and ink dry completely before adding candy — wet adhesive can stick to treats and ruin the bag.

For a sturdier option, some crafters use two rectangles of fabric sewn around three sides, turned right-side out, and closed with ribbon. Fabric bags take longer but hold up to repeated use and can be washed between holidays.

Materials You’ll Need

• Paper (construction or scrapbooking) or fabric
• Glue stick or fabric glue
• Scissors and a hole punch
• Ribbon or yarn for handles
• Markers, stickers, or washi tape for decoration

Felt and duct tape also work for no-sew versions, and a stapler can replace glue for a quicker assembly. If you’re making bags in bulk — say, for a class of 25 — the paper method is fastest and cheapest. For a more polished look, consider checking out our roundup of pre-made bags of candy if you’d rather skip the DIY step entirely.

Sewn Fabric Candy Bag Option

For a reusable fabric bag, cut two rectangles roughly 6 by 8.5 inches each. Place them right sides together, sew around three sides, and turn the bag right-side out. Fold the top edge down and hem it if you want a clean finish, then add iron-on shapes or felt appliqués for decoration. Close the bag with ribbon once it’s filled.

This version takes about 20 minutes per bag and requires basic sewing skills, but the result feels far more substantial than paper. One tip from sewing tutorials: measure twice before cutting so the two rectangles match exactly — mismatched panels make the bag twist when filled.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The good news: none of these mistakes are fatal. A missed seam can be stapled shut after filling, and short handles simply mean carrying the bag by hand instead of the wrist. The one fix that can’t be rushed is drying time — glue and marker ink need several minutes to set, so build that into your schedule if you’re making bags the same day you need them.