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Crocheted Denim Rag Bag

Posted on March 21, 2007

Denim Bag

This week I have been working on a new recycled idea. A crocheted rag bag using recycled denim. I had a few old denim shirts that I didn’t want to throw away so I decided that I needed to get the ole’ creative juices flowing and use them in a project. It turned out to be a really heavy duty bag. I didn’t trim or fold the strips so that’s why you see the fibers from the material. But I think it turned out cool with the fibers kinda sticking out as they do.

So… this is the result, a recycled denim rag bag!

I used one of the pockets from the shirt to create an inside pocket as shown below.

Denim Bag Inside

I hope you enjoy trying this week’s recycling craft idea and as always — here’s the free pattern.

Free Crocheted Recycled Denim Rag Bag Pattern

Bag measures 11 inches wide and 10 inches long.

Material: Two denim shirts cut into 3/4 inch strips (See notes below on different methods.)

For complete pattern click on read more link below.

Hook: Metal N (9 mm) crochet hook

Chain 24

Round 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook in each chain stitch to end, work 3 Hdc around the corner. Work Hdc in each stitch down the back side of chain, ending with 2 Hdc at end of round. Do not join rnds.

Round 2 – 15
Hdc in each st around and do not join rnds, just continue working Hdc in each stitch in rounds until you have desired length (approx. 16 rnds.)
Mark center 8 stitches on each side of bag for handle opening.

Round 16
Hdc in each stitch to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 8 stitches un-worked for handle, then Hdc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 8 stitches un-worked for handle opening on other side of bag to match front side. Hdc in each stitch around until you reach side of bag. Do not join rnds.

Round 17
Hdc in each St around to handle. Work 10 Sc around the chain of handle, then Hdc around in each stitch until you reach handle on other side. Work 10 Sc around chain of handle, then Hdc around in each remaining stitches of round. Do not join rnds.

Round 18
Hdc in each St around to handle. Work one Sc in each St of handle, then Hdc in each St of purse to other side’s handle. Work one Sc in each St of handle, then work one Hdc in each St to remaining last 3 stitches at side. Sc, Sl St, and end with Sl St at end of round at side of bag. This should blend the edge so round ends with edge being even with last round.

Fasten off and weave ends under on inside of the bag.

Attach removed denim pocket to inside of bag by hand stitching down at top and side edges to secure the pocket.

Notes: Tips on creating fabric strips.

Cut strips of fabric 3/4 inch wide in long continuous strips. If you cut in an oval pattern you will cut down on the number of splices you have to make to connect two strips together. For example, cut your strips up the long edge of the sleeve, then around the shoulder, back down around to cuff and then back around. This eliminates having so many splices in your project.

Splice strips together by either hand or machine stitching the ends together.

Another method that doesn’t require sewing the strips together is to make a small slit hole at the end of the two strips you need to splice together. The slit should be cut lengthwise only about 1/2 inch from the end of the strip and should only be big enough to allow the next strip to pass through it. Hold the two strips with the holes together then take the uncut end and lace it through two holes. Pull the strip completely through the holes and pull tight to make the splice as small as possible.

If you have any questions or find discrepancies in this pattern, please email me using contact tab above.
Abbreviations:

Ch – Chain
Ea – Each
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch

This pattern is copyrighted by Cindy of My Recycled Bags {dot com} and may only be used for private individual use. No commercial sales or use of this pattern or photos are permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable and appreciated. ©2007-2016

****Please do not copy my patterns on your blog site or post my patterns on Internet sites. I do not allow my patterns to be republished without expressed written permission. Posting of my patterns, without written permission is in violation of my copyrights and is content theft.




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54 Responses to “Crocheted Denim Rag Bag”

  1. Angela
    Mar 22, 2007

    This is really great! I have a silk blouse that I can’t wear any longer, would this technique work with the silk?


  2. Cindy
    Mar 22, 2007

    Angela,
    I believe you could use any material to make this bag. The gauge would need to be adjusted as your silk strips will probably be much thinner than the denim I used. You might also need to use a smaller hook but experiment with your silk to see what works best for you to create a rag bag.


  3. Stephanie
    Mar 26, 2007

    you are too cool!


  4. Lori
    Mar 27, 2007

    Thanks for your sharing your bag. Way cool!


  5. Juanita
    Mar 28, 2007

    Fabulous bag! I love the texture and that you put the pocket
    on the inside…great idea.
    Thank you for sharing the pattern.


  6. Nancy
    Mar 30, 2007

    Love this bag idea. I have posted the story about it on my blog.


  7. Tami Steptoe
    Apr 06, 2007

    What a SUPER cute bag, love the pocket inside…I have to make myself one very soon! Thanks so much for sharing with us!!


  8. meg
    Apr 06, 2007

    I love this bag. This is one of my favorite kind of bags to crochet too, I just never thought of deninum before.


  9. Tirzah
    Apr 06, 2007

    I love it!! I found you from Crochet Me. I have made a purse out of recycled denim. I have another denim project in the works (or on hold since it hurt my hands too work with it for very long.) I love the idea.


  10. Marlene McDonald
    Apr 19, 2007

    awesome bag, i wish saw the thing about using the tape from cassettes b4 i got rid of all of mine. i have a ton of fabric so i’m gonna try the bag with that. i’m also gonna repurpose a sweater into a bag. it’s a boxy shape. i think i’ll pull the sleeves thru and use them and the turtle neck as pockets, what do u think. i think the yarn would unravel an pocket wud be handy. i’ll crochet the handles on using similar yarn.


  11. Cindy
    Apr 19, 2007

    Marlene,
    Sounds like a great recycled project. Please let me know how it comes out. I want to try recycling a sweater into a bag too. Haven’t tried that yet but it’s on my list!


  12. Craftzine.com blog
    Apr 24, 2007

    Crochet Denim Bag…

    My Recycled Bags has a pattern on a fun crochet bag that you can make from strips of your old denim. [ via ] Link…….


  13. […] fun crochet bag that you can make from strips of your old denim. [ via ] Link. […]


  14. Kathy
    Apr 24, 2007

    I wonder if you could do this with denim jeans – or would the material be too heavy?


  15. Cindy
    Apr 24, 2007

    Kathy,
    I believe denim from jeans would be too heavy of material. The denim shirts were pretty tough to crochet with and it is much lighter material. You might try cutting your denim jeans into really narrow strips and try crocheting with it.
    Good luck in your future recycling projects!


  16. yenny
    Apr 26, 2007

    What a wonderful idea to make use an old jeans, creates a unique texture, love your work!


  17. Photo Jewelry
    Apr 27, 2007

    Cute purse! Great idea!


  18. […] bags , totes, purses and the like, although I must admit to being tempted towards making a crocheted denim bag what for – to keep my crocheting in of course! […]


  19. […] enough bags , totes, purses and the like, although I must admit to being tempted towards making a crocheted denim bag what for – to keep my crocheting in of course! I think however that strips of denim would be hard […]


  20. Lindsy
    Sep 10, 2007

    i am doin a project in school (textiles) all about recycling and and we are going to be making a bag out of recycled denim. I had to do so research and your site helped so thank you very much


  21. Viviana
    Sep 22, 2007

    I love this crocheted denim rag bag!

    Super ideas):


  22. Duckie
    Oct 04, 2007

    This rag bag is so pretty! I’ve also loved all your other projects, they’re a great way of making this world a better place. Thank you for all the tips!
    I recently began to recycle, too.
    In my country there’s a lot of fabric industry, and they sell those loooong stripes that become useless at the end of the fabric making procedure. Most of them have elasticity, which makes them easier to work with and allows many different kind of patterns. It’s not too expensive and we can make so many things with them! The only problem is that these rags are very dusty and it’s a pain to make the yarns. Nevertheless, it’s extremely addicting! I’ve created some patterns and am full of new ideas. The only thing I lack now is time, my house is full of rag, lol.


  23. Tracy Moyer
    Oct 08, 2007

    I also make purses out of recycled items.
    Thanks
    Tracy


  24. […] for the crocheters out there, here is a pattern for a rag bag made using denim cut into strips to create a long strand of material which you can […]


  25. Great job! You should make up a bunch of your bags and sell them at a craft fair.


  26. Kathy D
    Nov 30, 2007

    do you have any patterns for tote bags made from the tops of soda cans? I’ve seen websites where they make them and have started collecting the tabs hoping someone somewhere would know how to make one…


  27. Cindy
    Nov 30, 2007

    I don’t have a pattern for a soda tab bag but here is a link to one from Craftsters. I haven’t tried one of these yet but they are cool! Good luck on yours.


  28. homes-n-gardens
    Jan 27, 2008

    Great idea. Many thanks!


  29. jean
    Jul 19, 2008

    GREAT PATTERNS AND IDEA, WOULD THIS WORK WITH OLD T SHIRTS


  30. Cindy
    Jul 19, 2008

    @Jean,
    Yes, I’m sure you could use t-shirts cut into strips to crochet this. It’ll probably be easier on the hands too as this denim was a bit tough on my hands and fingers.


  31. jean
    Jul 20, 2008

    thank you for your prompt reply. a started using t shirt strips in the same manner as plastic bag strips by looping them through and using a p hook. thanks again jean


  32. gingerbreadgirl
    Oct 03, 2008

    I love your sight, I have just started crocheting and love to “reuse and renew” whenever I can, your ideas are terrific and much appreciated. you are “sew” in my favorites:)


  33. Celticsconer
    Oct 22, 2008

    I love everything on your site!!! You are so creative, yet practical. So many projects that I need to make for holiday gifts that I had better get to it. I was wondering about a recent post about selling the purses at a craft fair. If these patterns are copywrited, is that allowed?
    Again, thanks so much for all the great ideas, my fingers are itching to get started. where did I put that denim shirt…………….


  34. Cindy
    Oct 23, 2008

    @Celticsconer:
    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a nice comment. Yes my patterns are protected by Creative Commons license. It is fine to sell at craft fairs your own crafted bags but not my patterns. I hope I inspire people to design bags so they create something that is unique. Take care and I hope you find that denim shirt.


  35. […] Like to crochet? I found a great pattern online for making a denim rag bag out of denim strips. It looks […]


  36. Ado Annie
    Oct 25, 2009

    I have seen fabric ribbon made from old silk kimono fabric, wound into balls and then used for crochet yarn. Scrumptious stuff. I was also thinking of another way to make fabric strips with fewer connects. It is the way we used to make paper decoration for the Christmas tree way back when I was a child. I don’t know if I can describe this adequately without pictures, but I will try.

    Fold a square of rectangle of cloth in half. From the ‘selvedge’ edge make cuts towards the folded edge but stop the cut before reaching the fold. The width of the cuts should be twice the width you want for the fabric ribbon and the width from where you stop the cut to the fold of the fabric should be the exact width you want the fabric ribbon. Beginning at one edge make these cuts across the length of the folded fabric. It will look like fringe hanging from the fold. Now turn the fold towards you and make a second set of cuts; this time from the folded edge to the selvedge stopping just short of the selvedge as you did when making cuts to the fold (the width you want the fabric ribbon). You will make one of these cuts in between every cut you have made from the selvedge. You begin to get an accordion effect. When finished cut through the fold line lengthwise down the fold. This will give you two long strips of fabric ribbon from a square of cloth.

    When I was a child we did this with construction paper to make garlands for the tree and other decorations. Thanks for bringing back a fond memory.


  37. BonnieBlue
    Oct 27, 2009

    ohhhh my – now this is what I’m talking about – wow, nope, I mean W-O-W!!! I love it love the strings and the unfinished look – this is just love it… I want to make a cute denim backpack purse – seen several of these on Ebay – for $50-75!!! and this technique would be just sooo neat … so here’s a challenge – help me with a pattern for it using this crocheting denim.. also, for the lining, use bandanna material!!! I think that would be just toooo cute. love it Cindy – you did good sister.


  38. Cindy
    Oct 27, 2009

    Bonnie:
    I used two denim shirts to crochet this bag as the material isn’t a thick as recycled denim jeans. Find a few shirts and then use one of my plarn patterns that suits you to make your denim purse. Lining it with a bandanna would work wonderfully. If you want to use recycled denim jeans for your purse then I would suggest that you sew your purse rather than crocheting the strands. Good luck and email me back if I can help further.


  39. Reborns
    Feb 02, 2010

    Have tried crochet when I was teenager, because of it’s a requirement on one of our projects. I found it very interesting though time consuming for someone like me who is always in the go. I have made one crochet shirt and very happy I’ve finish one.


  40. Audrey
    Feb 19, 2010

    I use old jeans for rag quilts. I put flannel on the back and machine embroider the squares of denim. People watch for them when I donate my quilts to a cause. They all want one!!!


  41. Danielle C
    Apr 20, 2010

    Just wish I knew how to crochet!



  42. Lisa Lemos .. TX
    Feb 06, 2011

    cool. I liked it. It gave me an idea of what I could do with some of my old favorite pieces of clothing that I can not seem to part with simply because I like the fabric. I love old soft used vintage fabrics. thanks.


  43. robin spanke
    Feb 06, 2011

    I used several old denim skirts, they worked out great. they were the longer A line style and had plenty of material


  44. Naheeda Anjum
    May 04, 2011

    the instructions are very clear and easy, i am excited to try the pattern
    thanks Anjum


  45. ernst
    Sep 27, 2011

    nicely done!


  46. tooge4
    Dec 14, 2011

    I did not know what to make my daughter for Christmas and now I know!!!! Thank you sooooo much. Wendy is bohemian sheik and will love this.


  47. WANDA
    Jul 12, 2015

    I NEED YOUR PERMISSION TO DUPLICATE YOUR PATTERN WHICH I LOVE YOUR JEAN BAG, I LIKE TO CROCHET IT.

    SINCERELY


  48. Cindy
    Jul 14, 2015

    Wanda- You have my permission to use and copy off my pattern for your personal use. I always allow my patterns to be used for personal or charity work. Best wishes and thanks for stopping by to visit.


  49. Isaac
    Jul 21, 2015

    This is a very good way of putting old stuff into use. Thanks myrecycledbags for educating



Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Crochet Denim Bag…

    My Recycled Bags has a pattern on a fun crochet bag that you can make from strips of your old denim. [ via ] Link…….

  2. […] fun crochet bag that you can make from strips of your old denim. [ via ] Link. […]

  3. […] bags , totes, purses and the like, although I must admit to being tempted towards making a crocheted denim bag what for – to keep my crocheting in of course! […]

  4. […] enough bags , totes, purses and the like, although I must admit to being tempted towards making a crocheted denim bag what for – to keep my crocheting in of course! I think however that strips of denim would be hard […]

  5. […] for the crocheters out there, here is a pattern for a rag bag made using denim cut into strips to create a long strand of material which you can […]

  6. […] Like to crochet? I found a great pattern online for making a denim rag bag out of denim strips. It looks […]

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About Me

Hello, I’m Cindy or aka RecycleCindy. Welcome to my blog site that is dedicated to recycling and crafting. I love to crochet and create crafts and other useful things from recycled materials. I share many free tutorials and patterns for creating recycled projects as well as other handmade items.


Here is a direct link to all my free patterns available here on My Recycled Bags.


Thank you for stopping by to visit and for your interest in My Recycled Bags!