How to Make Rice Bag Purses

If you eat a lot of rice, perhaps you have wondered what you might do with those large plastic bags that bulk rice comes in. Even if you do not have any large plastic rice bags, you may be able to get some by inquiring at an Asian restaurant. It may be worth the effort when you realize what an interesting purse you might make from two plastic rice bags.
Sewing on plastic is not difficult and this simple purse can be made quicky. The purse you will make will surely be a one-of-a-kind tote bag that will earn you compliments and comments when you use it.

Things You'll Need

• 2 plastic rice bags
• Tape measure
• Sewing machine
• Sewing notions (scissors, thread and pins)
• Size 11 sewing needle

Instructions

1. Cut down the sides and across the bottom of two rice bags. Select the most attractive portions of the rice bags and cut two 17-by-11 3/4 inch pieces.

2. Turn under a short edge of both pieces 1/2 inch. Stitch along this fold to create the top edges of the purse.

3. Cut two 16 1/2-by-3 inch pieces from the leftover rice bags. Fold these pieces in half lengthwise with the right sides facing out and stitch along the raw edges to create the purse handles.

4. 

   Position the handles on the inside of the hemmed edges of the purse. Center them and pin them to secure. Sew them in place according to the illustration.

5. Pin the sides of the bag together with right sides facing in. Sew around both sides and the bottom of the purse. Trim off excess seam allowances.

6. 

   Make a gusset for the bottom of the purse. Match up the bottom seam with the side seam at a bottom corner and pin in place. Sew 1 1/2 inches across this triangle and trim off the point. Repeat with the other bottom corner.

7. Turn the purse right side out to finish.