Using VHS tape to crochet an evening bag
Crocheted Evening Bag made of VHS Tape
I first saw a posting at a popular Crochet board where a board member asked the question if anyone had ever tried to crochet using old VHS tape. After reading the post, it inspired me to look into the possibility. Being a recycling craft enthusiast, I had never heard or tried crocheting using VHS tape. I quickly decided that I had to try out this new and interesting idea.
I first found an old VHS tape. After dusting it off and deciding this old blank tape wasn’t something I’d ever view again, I went to work. I had to figure out how to get the tape out and not make too big a mess. After a bit of a struggle, I pried open the case with a screwdriver and was able to get to the tape itself. (Some tape cases have small screws which can be removed making it much easier to open the cases.) I should say that the tape really needs to be completely rewound as you don’t want to have tape on both reels. I removed the reel with the tape on it from the tape case and discarded the remaining stuff. What I now had was this beautiful shiny black tape that was ready to be used in my crochet project. Unlike the plastic grocery or retail bags, I didn’t have to fold, cut, and tie together the strips to create the yarn. The reel of black VHS yarn was already prepared for me!
Next I got my favorite metal size N hook out that I do most of my plastic bag crocheting with. Taking the single strand of VHS tape, I started by chaining a simple Sc chain stitch to see how this was going to work. The VHS tape is only about ½ inch wide and my chain was pretty loose and thin. I turned at the end of my chain and started doing a Hdc stitch into the chain and quickly found out this wasn’t going to work. I am used to crocheting using plastic grocery bags that I cut in 1 inch strips and create double strand “yarn.” I find the double strand plastic bag yarn gives me a nice sturdy yarn. The single strand of VHS tape was too narrow and lightweight for my use.
So I found another VHS tape and repeated the process so that I now had two reels of ½ inch tape. I doubled the tape by holding two strands together from the two reels. I started my chain again and this time it went much better. My chain was sturdy and was about the same thickness I was accustomed to using when I crochet with plastic bag yarn.
The VHS tape is not quite as smooth to use as plastic bags. I had to somewhat manhandle it which tends to make my fingers and joints sore. So just beware of that and don’t pull too hard on your work as you crochet or knit with the VHS tape.
The tape has a wonderfully pretty shine to it. It provides an excellent sheen for a purse or evening bag. Here is my finished product – a cute evening bag that I added a recycled button for the front closure. The evening bag is a very sparkly black and the picture doesn’t really do it justice. My camera flash takes away the natural shine.
Give this idea a try yourself and I think you will find that you are pleased in the final product.
Tags: crochet, crocheting, vcr-tape-purse
February 23, 2007
Love it!! have a few wips to finish then I am most definately digging out and dusting off 2 tapes!! hmmm we have a million cassette tapes too…does that work as well?
February 24, 2007
This is a very creative idea. You have inspired me to find recycled materials to crochet.
February 24, 2007
Yes cassette tapes work too but the gauge is much smaller. Therefore use a smaller hook and check your gauge on the project so it works for what you have in mind.
March 1, 2007
Another cool recycled craft. It is Great! Thanks!
March 4, 2007
Great stuff, recycling is good for everyone and for future generations. Congratulations on ur beautiful designs!
March 6, 2007
That is really awesome. I don’t know how to crochet, but I may have to try a little VHS knitting. Thanks for the idea.
March 6, 2007
That is SOO CUTE! What are your final dimensions? I might have to try this.
March 16, 2007
I definately need to try this. I wish I had thought of this before I dumped a bunch of old tapes, but don’t worry I still have more.
May 29, 2007
Great idea, I can’t wait to try it.
June 4, 2007
Umm… just wondering about how practical these bags are – wouldn’t they be squeaky when used? Other than that great idea!
June 4, 2007
Yes, just a bit squeaky but not really that bad. They are really pretty looking though and a great way to recycle those old vhs tapes!
April 7, 2008
me encanta tu bolso, yo ya probe y senti que me costo mucho hacerlo yo helabore un joyero,pero siento que para teuer esta cinta es mu dificil, pues termine con mis dedos morados, pues hay que hacer fuerza para que pase el hilo, es mas facil la cinta de casseth. he hecho varios tapetes y quedan muy bien, te saludo desde el salvador cuidate mucho.
July 29, 2008
Just wondering how you cleaned the tape to remove the chemicals. I did not see that part mentioned.
Thanks for the great idea
July 29, 2008
@Christine:
I tried emailing you back but your email was returned as a bad email so I’m not sure if you really wanted an answer to your question but here is the email I sent to you about your concern.
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Dear Christine:
I did not clean the tape. I did put water on it and nothing happened to test that because people asked about it getting wet. I did research on the Internet on using, touching, and handling the vcr tape and couldn’t find any health concern. I don’t know for sure. I’ve tried to research this but didn’t find any for-sure answers. Do you have any links that you found or hard evidence? I’d love to find something for sure so I could document it and share it. Let me know what you found. Thanks.
Cindy
July 23, 2009
was looking for a recycling craft for my girl scout troop. this is perfect. they can learn a new skill and recycle.
January 7, 2010
Has anyone tried to make slipper soles with video tape? Would they be too slippery (no pun intended) for safe walking?
January 7, 2010
@Frances,
I haven’t tried making slipper soles but it might work if you combined the vcr tape and yarn. This way it wouldn’t be slippery or rough on your feet. Another idea may be to cover up the tape with fabric for padding.