My Recycled Bags.com

Here is my messenger bag crocheted using recycled plastic bags. I am tempted to call this my ultimate recycled bag because it is so big and could be used for so many different purposes. This was a fun and challenging project as it fulfilled a request I had received.

Awhile back someone asked me to make a bag big enough to hold a scrapbook album. Well, I think this recycled bag would work wonderfully to hold your scrapbooking projects along with extra supplies. I added a plastic canvas sheet to the bottom of my bag to provide more stability. I just placed it inside rolled over at the center in the base of the messenger bag.

Clickable

I hope you enjoy this messenger bag project and happy green crafting!

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Free Crocheted Messenger Bag Pattern

Bag measures 15-1/2 inches wide and 13” long
Strap length is 42 inches

Materials: One large ball of plarn (plastic bag yarn) Appox. 60 bags
Picture tutorial is found here on how to make plarn

Hooks:
Metal “N” US size hook for main bag
Metal “J” US size hook for edging

Chain 32.

Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook in each chain.
Continue to the corner end st, work 2 Hdc in end st. Continue around and down the back side of chain by working a Hdc in every stitch of chain, work 2 Hdc in end st.

Rnd 2
Hdc in each st down to first end. Work 2 Hdc in the 2 end sts, and then Hdc in ea st down to other end. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the 2 end sts. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc in ea st to create a seamless bag.

Rnd 3
Hdc in each st down to first end. Work 2 Hdc in the 3 end sts, and then Hdc in ea st down to other end. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the 3 end sts.

Rnd 4 - 30
Hdc in ea st around entire bag. End so at side of bag to begin flap.

Row 1 (Flap)
Ch 2, turn. Hdc in ea st across back of bag only to create flap.
(Crochet less one st on either side of back to bag to create a smooth flap overlay.)

Row 2 - 15
Ch 2, turn. Hdc in ea st across for flap. ( I did 15 rows before dec’s to create a tapered flap.)

Row 16 - 26
Ch 2, turn. Work 2 Hdc together over next sts (1 dec made) then Hdc in ea st to lasts 2 sts of row. Work 2 Hdc together over last 2 sts to create one dec.

Row 27
Ch 2, turn. Work Hdc in ea st. Finish off and weave under ends.

Edging:
With right side facing and using J hook, attach plarn with a sl st to right side of upper edge of flap.
Sc evenly around complete edge of flap to create smooth edge. Finish off.

Strap:
Using N hook, start strap at side of bag by joining plarn with sl st with right side facing out 5 sts from flap. Sc across top edge of bag in the next 5 sts (toward flap.) Ch 2, turn. Work Hdc in ea of the 6 sts. Repeat until strap is 42” long. (Make sure your strap is straight and not twisted.)

End so your strap can be attached to other side of bag. Working from the inside Sc in ea of the 6 sts across the top edge of bag at opposite side to attached strap. This way your work doesn’t show the attaching of sts.
On the outside press down to flatten your strap attaching sts so it lays flat.
Leave long your end so you can reinforce your attaching sts of the strap by intertwining through your attaching sts to strengthen.

Finish off and weave under ends.

Attach a velcro strip under flap if desired.

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

Abbreviations:
Ch - Chain
Dec - Decrease
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

Filed under: Crocheted Bags, Plastic Bag Crafts on April 4th, 2008