Recycled Plastic Plarn Handbag
Check out my latest recycled plastic bag “plarn” handbag.
This was crocheted from some recycled Walmart plastic bags. The white with black lettering isn’t the most attractive material but I added just a bit of ribbon and it really made the bag look cute. This bag measures 9″ by 9″ and was created for a promotional giveaway that will be going on at the Birmingham City University in the UK. The event is to raise awareness for Aids and HIV and to incorporate fashion. I hope their event is a big success and that recycled crafting can be recognized as a green fashion alternative.
**************************************************************************************
Free Recycled Plastic Plarn Handbag Crochet Pattern
Materials needed:
One ball of plastic bag yarn “Plarn” (approx. 25-30 bags)
1-1/2 yards of ribbon yarn (1/2″ or 3/8″ wide)
Hook: “N” size U. S. metal hook
Description: Tote Handbag
Bag measures 9” wide and 9” long
Directions:
Ch 24 with white plarn
Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea chain st down to end. Continue around other side of chain by working a Hdc in ea st to other end.
Rnd 2 - 16
Repeat round 1. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag. End at side to begin handles. Mark center 10 sts on bag for handle opening.
Rnd 17
Hdc in each st to mark for handle opening (approx 7 sts.) Ch 10, leave 10 stitches un-worked for handle, then Hdc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 10, leave 10 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 18
Hdc in each st around to handle opening. Work Sc’s around the chain of handle evenly (approx. 12 Sc), 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 19
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 until the last 3 sts. 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.
Weave the ribbon around the base of Hdc sts as shown in picture and tie a bow at front.
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. ©2008
Filed under: Crocheted Bags, Great Sites & Causes, Plastic Bag Crafts on May 3rd, 2008
[…] See more here: Recycled Plastic Plarn Handbag […]
How creative! It’s cool to see someone making use of items that you would think would just end up being waste… the ultimate recycling!
That ribbon certainly made all the difference. It sure is a pretty little bag now.
I really like this one!
Very cute - that ribbon certainly adds a lovely touch.
Cindy, I’ve been practicing crocheting with my “plarn” but I seem to keep getting areas where the plarn stretches to much. Am I cutting my strips too thin? Is my tension just too tight? Any advice? Thanks! Kristen
@Greenstyle,
Don’t cut your strips any less than 1 inch wide. Some bags do stretch more
than other others so use care with those if you make plarn. Also crochet a
bit loose so you don’t pull on your plarn.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
I’ve been back after a long time and I apologize….The new classes and the enhanced burden of studies has been taking a toll on me!
But it’s always rejuvenating to see a blog owned by as creative as a person as you….I loved the ribbon bow in the centre…
BTW, wouldn’t you gift one of these lovely bags to me on one of my birthdays
Just kidding
What a great idea - I’n not very good with crochet but my mum is and I’ve kept you instructions for when she next visits.
Gave one to each daughter for Mother’s Day with some other little goodies. They love and use the bags and get lots of positive comments. Thank you for your directions. I will have a go at it. I have been making up my own.
I remember doing this with plastic wrap when I was a kid on the 70’s!
It was lots of fun, and I had something extra for the dress~up box.