Recycled Grocery Tote Bag
Need another idea for a handmade Christmas gift? Well how about crocheting a grocery tote bag from recycled plastic bags. Gifts that are handmade are very popular this holiday season. What better idea is a handmade, reusable, and eco-friendly gift all in one! You can add a holiday trim to your bag as shown.
Or just plain as shown here. Either way it’s a wonderful gift that can be used over and over.
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Free Pattern for Crocheted Grocery Tote Bag
Materials needed:
One very large ball of plastic bag yarn “Plarn”
Approx. 60-70 plastic grocery bags
Hook: “N” U.S. size metal hook
Description: Grocery Tote Bag
Bag measures 13” wide and 13” long with 9” handles
Directions:
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 – 4
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in ea of the two end sts, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in ea of the two end sts. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag.
Rnd 5 – 25
Hdc in ea st around the entire bag bottom. Mark center 12 sts on bag for handle opening.
Rnd 26
Hdc in each st to mark for handle opening (approx 10 sts.) Ch 20, leave 12 stitches un-worked for handle, then Hdc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 20, leave 12 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. Check your work to make sure the back opening and handle matches the front of bag. Adjust your sts as needed to match.
Rnd 27
Hdc in each st around to handle opening. Work Sc’s around the chain of handle evenly, then Hdc around in each stitch until you reach handle on other side. Work Sc’s around chain of other handle evenly, then Hdc around in each remaining st of rnd.
Rnd 28
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 remaining st of rnd.
Rnd 29
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
Plarn – Plastic Bag Yarn
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 – 2010
****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.
Tags: crocheting, free-pattern, plarn, recycling
December 2, 2007
Ooh, nice thick handles that won’t cut into your hands when you carry heavy groceries in them. Excellent design – and so cute with the holiday bauble on it!
December 2, 2007
Nice Christmas gift Cindy..
December 3, 2007
I LOVE this! Thanks for the idea!!!
December 5, 2007
CUTE, CUTE!
A GREAT IDEA FOR XMAS!
December 5, 2007
Well that is awesome! How do you keep it looking so neat though?
December 6, 2007
Talina:
Thank you! Here is a link to some tips for crocheting with plastic bag yarn “plarn” which helps keep the work even and smooth looking. Hope this helps.
December 11, 2007
I suppose knowing what it’s made of has me even more surprised that that tote is so darn stylish and cute! And I crochet, so I just might give this a try!
December 11, 2007
[...] Making a recycled bag by My Recycled Bags (probably best for people with crocheting experience). [...]
December 12, 2007
Love the festive addition adorning this bag!
December 15, 2007
You are very talented. It has been forever since I crocheted anything – but you are an inspiration. I’m going to find some hooks and get on it asap. Beautiful job.
July 5, 2008
[...] bags as I leave on my errands. I’ve decided I’m going to have to make some of those bags from plarn to use up some of the plastic ones I’m bringing home. I keep finding more [...]
November 18, 2008
Wow, I just found this site and am truly amazed! A client told me she purchased a tote made from recycled grocery bags at a craft festival recently. She described it as being very attractive and sturdy. Well, I am a sucker for anything crochet-able and immediately did a search online upon getting home from work. I never have a shortage of grocery bags…I guess you could call me a grocery bag junkie, but its clear they are being stuffed away for a good purpose and here it is!!
Your items are simply amazing! I am so excited to get started on this Recycled Grocery Tote Bag as I plan to give one to each of my 3 sisters and my Mom for Christmas.
Could someone please tell me approximately how long it takes to make one, not including the time to make plarn?
November 18, 2008
@Hope,
It’s wonderful to meet another plastic bag junkie as that is what I am too! I hope you’ll enjoy making my bags, and while I haven’t ever really timed the production of this bag — I’m going to say 3 hours. But it really depends on how fast you crochet and lots of other factors.
Best wishes and happy green crafting!
December 14, 2008
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
These will always come in handy. Who wouldn’t love a gift that can be used all year?
May 22, 2009
[...] orders for schools or civic groups to sell reusable bags as a fundraiser. *Make your own. Click here for instructions, using what else? Those hated plastic grocery bags. posted under [...]
November 29, 2009
I LOVE RECYCLED MATERIAL. I WISH I CAN DO THAT!!