Recycled Plastic Bag Shell Purse
As promised in my last post, here is my striped shell handbag purse that is crocheted from recycled plastic bags. I changed colors of plastic bags every round to create this unique looking shell stitch purse. I did 16 rounds and each round takes about 2 to 2-1/2 bags to complete each different colored row. Also this is my first experience using store purchased purse handles. I splurged and bought these as they were on clearance for $2.00. I think they really compliment the handbag and along with the lining, make this a really beautiful and fashionable upcycled handbag.
Here is a closeup on the inside of the bag. Click to supersize
Free Striped Shell Handbag Crochet Pattern
Materials needed:
14-16 different colors of plastic bags made into plastic bag yarn “Plarn”
Approx. 35-40 plastic grocery bags in different colors
1 Set of Bamboo handles
Small amount of fabric for lining
Magnetic clasp closure
Hook:
“N” U.S. size metal crochet hook
Description: Striped Shell Handbag
Bag measures 13” wide and 9” long with bamboo handles
Directions:
Here is the tutorial on how to make plastic bag yarn if you need it.
Rnd 1
Ch 29, work 3 Hdc in 3rd ch from hook * Sk 2 sts, work 4 Hdc in next st*. Repeat between * to end of chain. Ch 2, working back down backside of chain, repeat between * to end.
(Work 4 Hdc in large hole where 4 Hdcs were worked on the other side of chain so clusters are centered.)
Ch 2 at end, Sl St to top of ch 2 beg st. (9 clusters made.)
Change color every round now to create a striped handbag.
Rnd 2 Cluster Shells
Change color and Sl St over to top of 2nd Hdc St of last rounds cluster (center st), ch 2, 3 Hdc in same st, *sk to 2nd Hdc of next cluster,work 4 Hdc in top of 2nd Hdc of that cluster (center of cluster.) *Repeat between * to end. Work 4 Hdc in the ch 2 end st. Continue around corner to other side working in established pattern to end of round. Work 4 Hdc in ch 2 st at end of rnd. Join with a Sl St to top of ch 2.
Rnd 3
Join new color to middle (top) of cluster, ch 2, then 3 hdc in sm st, *sk 2 sts and work 4 Hdc in top of center of next cluster. *Repeat between * until end and join with a Sl St to top of ch 2.
Repeat Rnd 3 until measures 9” long or your desired length for handbag.
Add lining and purchased bamboo handles as shown in closeup.
If you have any questions or find discrepancies in this pattern, please email me using contact tab above.
Abbreviations:
Beg – Beginning
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Dec – Decrease
Ea – Each
FO – Finish Off
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Plarn – Plastic Bag Yarn
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
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. ©2009
****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: crochet, crocheting, free-pattern, handbag, plarn
August 14, 2009
Wow! Look at all those colors!!! Nice job Cindy
Rachel´s last blog ..Inspiration to Crochet
August 14, 2009
I can definitely see this with a pair of jeans.
Clara´s last blog ..Tips To Avoid Heat Exhaustion
August 15, 2009
It looks great!
What a smart thing to do.
Maria
maria´s last blog ..Making Your Own Reusable Bags Is Being Green updated Fri Aug 14 2009 2:21 pm CDT
August 15, 2009
Gorgeous!!So fun and colorful
August 15, 2009
Bright and cheerful. Great bag Cindy
SewDelish´s last blog ..Flower Girl Dress with Stitched in Keepsake Pendant
August 17, 2009
Wow! Your recycled purse came out awesome! I love the colors and I love that it is made out of recycled materials! Very clever and very cute!
Jessica´s last blog ..Eco Friendly Reusable Snack Sack/Sandwich Sack
August 17, 2009
[...] presents Recycled Plastic Bag Shell Purse posted at My Recycled Bags.com. RecycleCindy says, “Crochet this fashionable purse using recycled [...]
August 18, 2009
You’ve outdone yourself this time!
Beautiful!
Stephanie´s last blog ..Denim Wallet Project
August 19, 2009
Great idea! Granted I’m a guy and don’t use purses, but I’ll let my girlfriend know about this… as I HATE seeing a bunch of plastic bags sitting around with nothing to use them for!
Travis´s last blog ..Boredom Eating
August 26, 2009
What a wonderful and creative idea. It is beautiful.
DaisySoapGirl´s last blog ..Growing My Lunch
September 11, 2009
Absolutely beautiful!!! I love this bag!! I really like how the colors work together! I would never thought of combining these colors together
drenka´s last blog ..Socks..Socks and more socks
December 4, 2009
Wow….that is a very nice bag. Especially since it’s from recycled material. I bet it’s easy to clean too. I also design handbags from recycled materials. Check out my site. Keep recycling and being creative!!!