VCR Tape & Ribbon Sling Bag
Here is my latest VCR tape sling bag crocheted along with some ribbon yarn. A local group is making purses for girls in foster care in my area. I crocheted several different purses and decided that I would create one sling bag using recycled VCR tape for the purse drive. It has that funky teen-look so I hope some young lady enjoys it.
If you are new to the concept of crocheting with recycled VCR or VHS tape here is the link to the picture tutorial which shows how this process is done.
Creating purses and bags from recycled materials is always fun. Try adding different yarn or ribbon together with the VCR tape to accomplish different looks. Add additional embellishments to your finished bags to create that unique one-of-a-kind look.
Have fun and happy green crafting to you all!
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Free Crocheted VCR Tape and Ribbon Sling Bag Pattern
Purse measures 8 inches wide and 8” long
Strap length is 44 inches
Materials:
2 VCR VHS Tape Reels (only used about ¼ of each reel)
One button – 1-1/2” button shown on bag
Small amount of Lion Brand Incredible Ribbon Yarn (“City Lights” shown)
Hook: Metal “N” US size hook
Using 2 strands of VCR tape held together, Chain 18.
Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook in each chain. Continue around the corner and down the back side of chain by working a Hdc in every stitch of chain.
Rnd 2
Hdc in each st down to first end. Work 2 Hdc in end st, and then Hdc in ea st down to other end. Work 2 Hdc in that end st. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc in ea st to create a seamless bag.
Rnd 3 – 10
Hdc in ea st of ea rnd until 10 rounds are complete.
Tip: Always end and begin new rounds at side of bag so color change is at side edge of bag.
Rnd 11 – 12
Add ribbon yarn along with the 2 strands of VCR tape, Hdc in ea st. Drop ribbon yarn at end of rnd 12 and FO ribbon yarn only.
Rnd 13
Continue now with just the 2 strands of VCR tape, Hdc in ea sts of rnd.
Rnd 14
Mark 2 center sts of bag at center front. Hdc in each st to within the 2 center front sts. Ch 2 and leave the 2 center sts unworked for buttonhole. Then Hdc in each st to complete the rnd.
Rnd 15
Hdc in each st around to buttonhole opening. Work 3 Hdc in opening (around the chain) for buttonhole then Hdc in each remaining st around to finish rnd.
Rnd 16
Add ribbon yarn and along with 2 strands of VCR tape, Hdc in each st of rnd. Drop VCR tape at end of rnd but don’t FO. Leave VCR tape attached for strap.
Rnd 17 (edging)
Using just ribbon yarn, * Ch 3, Dc in sm sp, Sk 1, Sl St in next st *. Repeat between * to create a scallop edging. Join into base of first Ch 3 to finish edging rnd. FO ribbon yarn only.
Strap: Start strap at side of bag where your 2 strands of VCR tape are attached. Chain until strap measures 44 inches. Attach strap to opposite side of purse with a Sc. Turn and work back up the chain by working a Sc around the chain until you get back to opposite end of strap handle. Adjust your Sc stitches around chain as needed to provide a smooth strap for your bag. Make sure your strap is not twisted before attaching the strap end to the opposite side of bag. Attach your yarn with a Sl St next to the st where you started the strap on the inside of bag. Fasten off and weave ends under on inside of the bag making sure you secure the strap to the bag.
Sew button on purse under buttonhole space.
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
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sk – Skip
Sm – Same
Sp – Space
St – Stitch
Rnd – Round
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. ©2008
March 23, 2008
I never would of guessed that this is VCR Tape. Wonderful!!
March 25, 2008
Hi Cindy,
Every time I visit your blog, I’m like” Wow! I wish I could do that” I didn’t know you could make such a cool purse out of only VCR tape and ribbons. It has got a funky look and I’m sure the girls will like it!
Best wishes
March 30, 2008
Yet another great idea!!
April 1, 2008
Hi Cindy:
You must be the most creative individual I’ve seen in a long time. Your yarning ability is amazing. Have you ever thought of using sustainable materials for your creations, like hemp or bamboo?
Dagny McKinley
http://www.onnotextiles.com
organic apparel
April 1, 2008
Wow! That is so cool. Great recycling.
April 1, 2008
@Dagny:
I haven’t tried hemp or bamboo as I don’t have any. I try and use materials I have on hand and bags or tapes that get sent to me. Appreciate the wonderful comments.
Thank you for stopping by.
April 2, 2008
I’m sure that bag was a hit!
April 3, 2008
Thanks for participating in this week’s Make It From Scratch Carnival #58 at
http://lifelessonsmilitarywife.blogspot.com/2008/04/make-it-from-scratch-58-april-fools.html
April 4, 2008
I love the things you make. I can’t wait to try some of the things you suggest.
April 4, 2008
Wow that is really creative and fun!
April 17, 2008
Hi, I’m wondering if I can make the sling bag using the plastic bag yarn instead?
March 19, 2009
This is SUPERCOOL! I promote all manner of recycling on my blog – http://www.conscious-cow.org, but this is one project I NEVER would have thought of. I’m going to try it!
Thanks!
June 8, 2009
Love the projects! Thanks for sharing the link during our “conversation” on Ravelry.