My Recycled Bags.com

This is my latest recycled bag project which is crocheted from Vcr Vhs tapes and ribbon yarn. Here is the link for the tutorial on how to use Vcr tape as yarn. This tote bag measures 13″ by 12″ and has a handy grip handle. You could also crochet this bag using recycled plastic bags. If you use plastic bag yarn or plarn, you only need to use one ball of plarn and the strand of ribbon yarn as you work the pattern. Vcr Vhs tape is much lighter which requires the double strand (2 reels) to be used in this project.

Here is a closeup of the combination of Vcr tape and ribbon yarn.

Free Pattern for Crocheted Vcr Tape Tote Bag

Materials needed:
2 Vhs Vcr long play tapes (T-120)
2 rolls of Lion Brand ribbon yarn – Incredible #51659, 110 yards ea roll

Hook: “N” size metal hook

Description: Tote Bag
Bag measures 13” wide and 12” long with 4” oval expandable bottom

Directions:
Using 2 strands of vcr tape with one strand of ribbon yarn Ch 28.

Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea chain st down to end. Work 2 Hdc in end st, then continue around other side of chain by working a Hdc in ea st to other end then work 2 Hdc in end st.

Rnd 2
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in 1 end st, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in 1 end st. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag.

Rnd 3
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in 1 end st, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in 1 end st.

Rnd 4 - 9
Hdc in ea st around the entire bag bottom. (End so that you are at side of bag.)
Drop and cut off ribbon yarn leaving an end to weave under on inside of bag.

Rnd 10 - 18
Using just 2 strands of vcr tape, Hdc in ea st around bag for the next 9 rounds.

Rnd 19 - 22
With new roll of ribbon yarn and 2 strands of vcr tape, Hdc in ea st around bag.
Mark center 7 stitches on each side of bag for handle opening.

Rnd 23
Hdc in each st to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 7 stitches un-worked for handle, then Hdc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 7 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.

Round 24
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 st of round.

Round 25
Hdc in each St around to handle. Work one Sc in each st of handle, then Hdc in each st of bag 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. Work Sc, Sl St, and Sl St in the last 3 sts of round ending 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.

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

Abbreviations:
Ch - Chain
Hdc - Half Double Crochet
Dc - Double Crochet
Rnd - Round
Sc - Single Crochet
Sl St - Slip Stitch
Sk - Skip
St - 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 is permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable. ©2007

Filed under: Crocheted Bags, Vcr Video Tape Crafts on June 22nd, 2007