Crocheted Plastic Bag Patterns
Welcome to plastic bag pattern headquarters! I am building a library of patterns here for crocheting with plastic grocery bags and other recycled materials. Currently I have free patterns available for purses, a plastic bag keeper, shoulder bags, coasters, and other bags.
If you are new to crafting with plastic bags here is the tutorial on how to create yarn from plastic bags.
You may also want to read my tips on crafting with plastic grocery bags, just click here.
I love to share my free patterns and recycling ideas with others to promote recycled crafting. My plan is to continue building this website blog into one of the best resources for crafting with plastic bags as well as covering other materials that can be used. More patterns are being added all the time so please make sure you check back often.
September 2014 update:
It has been over 7 years since I first wrote this post and over the years I have added many new recycled plastic bag patterns to my blog. You can find a list of all the patterns with thumbnail photos of each project at my free patterns page.
Thanks for visiting My Recycled Bags!
Tags: crochet, free patterns, plarn, recycled-crafting
Apr 20, 2007
I love your site and bags! I want to learn how to make the plasic yarn. When I click on the link to your tut, I get the dreaded page can not be displayed message. Please help!
Apr 20, 2007
Carmela,
The link has been corrected and I just sent you a PM with the info.
Cindy
Aug 02, 2007
I’m so glad I ‘Stumbled Upon’ your site! We have a rug in our bathroom that my mom made using blue bags that she’d recycled. It’s in the shape of a heart. I thought I would never find a way to find patterns on how to make things now that she’s gone. (I don’t know if she had a book or how she came up with the pattern for our rug.) Thanks for an awesome site! I cannot wait to have some free time so I can continue the plarn crocheting tradition! š
-Amy
Aug 05, 2007
I’ve made a small shoulder bag, a large tote bag, and a round rug out of plastic bags. I made up the crochet patterns to the size I wanted. They are machine washable, cold water, gentle cycle, air dry. I was taught by an elderly lady that said back in the day, they used the empty bread sacks to crochet their rugs out of. She was very helpful in my learning of making the ball of plastic yarn. I ruined many bags in the beginning by folding and cutting in the wrong direction, but you get the hang of it fast. I’m always looking for new ideas, so glad to find your site, thank you.
Dec 24, 2007
I LOVE THESE!!!! It is such a conversation starter and is something different from just the usual yarn. I keep coming back and looking at how you have done something or other and then adjust it to create the actual item I am after.
This is GREAT fun and a good way to make all those bags useful again. I even gave one to my sister as a Christmas present and she loves it. She uses it to carry her grocery list, coupons and ads whenever she goes shopping.
Feb 28, 2008
I am so glad I came across this website! I too hate those plastic bags and now have a use for them – think I will try the milk bags as well! I will let you know how I make out. These totes will be perfect for my candle business!
Thanks loads,
Rose
May 04, 2008
I am so impressed with your website and appreciate the information you are offering to other people! It’s so awesome to see this level of recycling and that your creating something really useful. I haven’t crocheted for years but I have become inspired. Thank you so much!
Jan 07, 2009
Awesome site! You are an inspiration to all. I work in a grocery store and try to get my customers to use recycled bags and SLOWLY it is working. The only plastic bags I get now are on my newspaper, but they are a beautiful blue and work up nicely! Thank you for your dedication. Althea in Idaho, USA
Sep 24, 2010
Thanks for a wonderful site. I heard about doing this, but have trouble with learning how, so the pictures you showed about how to cut the bags was great. I wanted to make a rug for outside on my deck, one that I wouldn’t feel too bad if it got wrecked with all the dirt and water. I am starting on this project tonight.
Jun 27, 2012
I think this site is awesome I have a client that uses this as one of her coping skills, and she has made some beautiful bags! So much that I am going to try it.
Mar 31, 2013
I crochet car mats. plastic bags are always on hand and when the mat gets dirty, u throw them out. Great for when my grandchildren are in my car with dirty sneakers
Aug 26, 2014
where can I get patterns for using plastic bags
Aug 26, 2014
@Christine – You can find all my free crochet patterns for using plastic bags here.
Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you with any of my patterns instructions.