This week I present my recycled plastic flat bottom tote bag. This tote bag features a wide flat bottom so it is very roomy and can stand up. I also added regular worst yarn to the handles for color and to make the handles more comfortable when you carry this bag on your shoulder or by hand.

Here is a closeup the bag bottom so you can see how this bag is worked in rounds, without seams and is flat.


You can add a piece of cardboard or plastic canvas for extra strength and stability to the bottom. Here is a photo with a piece of cardboard added. You can click on any of the photos to super-size them for more details.

So this wraps up this week’s recycled bag project. Below you will find the complete free crochet pattern and details. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you make it a great day today!

Flat Bottom Recycled Tote Bag Pattern

Materials needed:
One very large ball of plastic bag yarn “Plarn”
Approx. 60 plastic grocery bags
Here is my picture tutorial on how to make plarn from plastic bags
1 oz worst yarn for trim

Hooks: “N” U.S. size metal hook for bag
“H” Hook for trim

Description: Recycled Flat Bottom Plastic Tote Bag
Bag measures 15” wide and 13” long with 14” handles and 6″ wide at base

Directions:
Using N hook, Ch 22.

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 -3
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in ea of the three end sts, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in ea of the three end sts. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag.

Rnd 4 – 5
Hdc in ea st down to the three end sts, work 3 Hdc in ea of the three end sts. Hdc in ea st down to other end’s three sts and work 3 Hdc in ea of the three end sts.

Mark beginning of the round so you know where it starts before doing next round.

Rnd 6
Working in back loops only (BLO), Sc in ea st of rnd. Don’t join but just finish at mark for this round.

Rnd 7 – 33
Continue working in rounds and in both loops now, Hdc in ea st around entire bag bottom. You will see that your bag begins to turn up from the flat bottom as you work up the bag.

Rnd 34 (Handles)
Depending on the number of sts you have and the length and width of your bag opening, adjust your sts so your opening is balanced on both sides of the bag. Also adjust your chain if you want a longer strap. This pattern is easily adaptable to longer or shorter handles.

Hdc in each of the next 9 st sts, Ch 30, leave approx. 22 stitches un-worked for handle, then Hdc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 30, leave 22 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 each side to each other.

Rnd 35
Hdc in each st around to handle opening. Work Sc’s around the chain of handle evenly (approx. 33 Sc), then Hdc around in each stitch of bag 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 36
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 of rnd to the last three sts of round. 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.

Handle Trim:
Using the H hook and worst yarn, attach yarn with a Sl St at side of bag at top edge of bag. Sc in ea st around the outside of handle evenly. FO.

Attach worst yarn at inside edge opening of bag with a Sl St and Sc around in ea st of opening and work 3 Sc in corners. Repeat for other side opening. FO.

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

Abbreviations:
BLO – Back Loops Only
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Dec – Decrease
Ea – Each
FO – Finish Off
FLO – Front Loop Only
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Plarn – Plastic Bag Yarn
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sm – Same
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Tog – Together

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 of this pattern or photos are permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable and appreciated. ©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.