Introduction: Fun()nion Bag (One Hour Project) Full Instructions

By I support Smirnoff here
About: I am married with two children. Spring, summer, and fall are my very favorite times of the year. I enjoy working in the yard, sewing, cooking, quilting, gardening, and creating. I do this to keep my sanity.

Here is a fun()nion bag. It is made from fine quality plastic onion bags and has been lined with print and solid fabric. The handles are printed cloth lined with fashionable grocery bags. This exquisite bag has many uses. Fill it with some lovely paper, a ribbon, and add a gift. The receiver will be delighted and amazed at your creativity. The size is perfect for a lunch sack. This bag is just what you need for small crafting projects you can work on away from home. A fabulous shopping bag.

Step 1: Supplies

Bag fabric 18x 11 1/2 (depending on the size of your onion bag) Pre-washed
Lining pre-washed 18x 11 1/2
Matching thread
Scissors
3 regular size plastic grocery bags
1 onion bag
Sewing machine ( Can be hand sewn or glued.)
Pen and straight edge for marking pattern.
Tape measure
Sewing pins

The onion bag will be the pattern to go by.



Step 2: Fabric Layout and Cutting

Cut off excess plastic from onion bag as shown.

Fold the printed fabric in half and press. (This fabric will become the part of the bag that shows through the onion bag. I will refer to this as the printed fabric for now on.)

Not shown: Lay the onion bag over the fold of the printed fabric and cut the printed fabric the same size of the onion bag.



Next Lay the onion bag over the lining fabric on the fold as shown. Mark a line on both sides (the size of the onion bag.) 

This will allow a 1/2 inch seam allowance on each side of the bag.  My onion bag has a 1/2 inch seam allowance, that is why I cut the fabric the exact size of the onion bag and will sew the side seams at 1/2 inch so it will fit inside the onion bag perfectly.
I added 2 1/4 inches at the top to allow for turning under a 1/4 inch hem and turned over again this time over the onion bag pinning it in.


Cut the lining out remembering to add 2 1/4 inches extra at the top.

Step 3: Sew Side Seams

 Sew the side seams of both the printed fabric and the lining.
Trim loose threads.
Press the seams open.
Press a 1/4 inch hem at the top of the lining bag toward the wrong side of the lining bag.

Turn the printed fabric right side out and press well.
Place the lining inside the printed fabric bag matching the seams.

Step 4: Place the Printed Bag Inside the Onion Bag

Place the Printed bag inside the onion bag.
Fold the lining down covering the raw edge of the onion bag.
Pin into place.
Sew all around the top of the bags overlapping your beginning stitch.

Step 5: Handles

Put three bags together  and tie a flat knot.  Place them under a heavy object as shown in picture and make a tight braid all the way down. Tie a flat knot at the end. 

Step 6: Cut Out Handle

The braided bags will become the stiffener inside the handle for support.


Cut out a piece of the printed fabric 17 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Fold it in half lengthwise with right sides together and press.
Place one end of the braided bags at one end of the purse handle (placing it close to the handle's folded edge,) and and stitch as shown in the picture.

Then sew the open edge as close as you can to the handle support, leaving the end open for turning it right side out.


Turn the handle right side out.


Turn the end under forming a nice finished edge.

Step 7: Sew the Handle Into Place

Next pin the handles to each side of  the side seam,  (pin it on the back side of the seam.) 

This will give you a little more room to open the bag.  

Sew securely.


Step 8: Finished!

Here is a picture of the finished bag. 

Step 9: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

I have enjoyed making this bag. I am thrilled to be able to make things as pretty as this with plastic bags and fabric that I already have. They make very nice gift bags instead of buying them at the store. I have had many compliments on this bag. In fact I am making different variations and will share them here on this fabulous website.


Thank you for visiting and please,  do stop in again soon!