This week I broke down some old vcr tapes that I had to crochet this purse. I added some lacy ribbon yarn that I got at the dollar store for 99 cents to add a different look to the project. Below is closeup of my finished project.

Recycling video tapes into craft projects is always fun and while it’s not the easiest material to work with, the results are very pretty. The unique shine of the tape is beautiful and the ribbon yarn gives it a colorful finish. Plus its a great way to recycled those old video tapes that so many people just have laying around and can’t figure what to do with them. Well here ya go!

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Free Crocheted Video Tape Purse Pattern

Purse measures 9 inches wide and 7” long
Strap length is 32 inches long

Materials:
2 VCR VHS Tape Reels (only used about ¼ of each reel)
One 3/4” button
3/4 oz Lion Brand Trellis Lacy Ribbon Yarn (“Pastel Garden” shown)

Hook:
“N” (9 mm) US size hook for main purse
“J” (6 mm) US size hook for flap trim

Using 2 strands of VCR tape held together, Chain 20.

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.

Rnd 11 – 15
Add ribbon yarn along with the 2 strands of VCR tape, Hdc in ea st.

End at side of bag with sc into last stitch. Leave tape and ribbon yarn attached to begin strap.

Strap: Start strap at side of bag where your 2 strands of video tape and ribbon yarn are attached. Chain until strap measures 32 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 […]

This is my first vcr tape designer bag. This bag was a custom order from a customer of mine that sent me a picture of a specific purse she wanted crocheted from recycled vcr tape. I crocheted the shell and added the two handles as outlined in the description that accompanied the photo. I lined the purse and also added a removal insert that I created from plastic canvas to give the bottom of the bag a sturdy base.

I took several photos of the project as it progressed. I hope you will find the photos useful as you craft this recycled vcr tape bag. You could also use the crochet pattern below to make the bag using plastic bags (plarn) or bulky yarn. Just adjust your gauge and work the pattern to create your own unique recycled designer bag.

Free Pattern for Crocheted VCR Designer Handbag

Materials needed:
2) Vcr video tapes recycled into yarn
4) ¾” D rings
1) 1” Button
2/3 yards of fabric for lining
50 inches of 3/8” cording
1) Magnetic closure
1) 15″ long by 4″ wide piece of plastic canvas for bottom insert
Small amount of super glue

Hooks: “N” and “J” size metal hooks
Description: VCR designer handbag measures 15-1/2” wide, 10” tall and 4-3/4” wide
at base with 22” handles.

Directions:
Using N hook with 2 strands of vcr tape held together, Ch 28.

Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea chain st down to end st. Work 2 Hdc in end st. Then continue around other side of chain by working a Hdc in ea st down to other end st. Work 2 Hdc in end st.

Rnd 2
Hdc in ea st down to the two end sts. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the two end sts. Hdc in ea st down the other side of chain to the 2 end sts. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the two end sts. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag

Rnd 3
Hdc in ea st down to the three end sts. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the three ends sts. Hdc in ea st down to the other end. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the three end sts.

Rnd 4
Hdc in ea st and work 2 Hdc in the four end sts. Hdc in ea st down to the other end, work 2 Hdc in ea of the four end sts.

Rnd 5
Working in back loops only, add another strand of VCR tape and Sc around the strand and into ea st of round to create bottom of bag. This will help create a strong bag bottom. Drop extra strand of VCR tape at end of round. (This is an option to make your bag bottom stronger, you can skip this option if you want.)

Rnd 6 – 25
Hdc in ea st working in both loops now. […]

Once you have the little basket crocheted, insert the yogurt cup inside and you can fill it with treats. These also would make wonderful Halloween party favors. Please enjoy this recycled craft project and Happy Halloween!

Recycled Halloween Treat Cup Pattern

Materials needed:
¾ oz Orange Yarn
Small amount of recycled Vcr video tape
Yogurt cup

Hook:
“N” US size metal crochet hook

Description:
Halloween Treat Cup – measures 3” wide and 3” tall with 9” handle strap

Directions:
Rnd 1
Holding one strand of vcr tape together with orange yarn, Ch 4 and join with a Sl St to form a ring.

Rnd 2
Ch 2, then work 6 Hdc in ring, join with a Sl St to top of Ch 2. (7 sts)

Rnd 3
Ch 2, Hdc in same st, *2 Hdc in ea st*. Repeat between * – * to end of round, joining with a Sl St to top of Ch 2. (14 sts)

Rnd 4
Ch 2, working in BLO, Hdc in ea st and join with Sl St to top of Ch 2.

Rnds 5-9
Ch 2. working in both loops now, Hdc in ea st around. Join with a Sl St to top of Ch 2.
Leave vcr tape and yarn attached to begin handle.

Handle:
Using vcr tape & yarn still attached from last round, chain 17 for handle. Attach with a Sl St into opposite side so handle in centered and matches other side.

Turn and working back up chain with a Sc around the chain evenly. (Approx. 23 sts)
Finish with a Sl St into base of handle at other side.
FO and weave ends under. Cut and trim any loose ends too.

Insert cleaned yogurt cup inside and stretch as needed to make fit inside the cup holder you crocheted. Fill with treats!

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

Abbreviations:
BLO – Back Loop Only
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Dec – Decrease
Ea – Each
FLO – Front Loop Only
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sm – Same
St – Stitch
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 […]

Libby’s Motif Tote Bag

Libby from Texas used my colorful granny square motif pattern to crochet her bag. She did put one more row of sc around the top before starting the handle. You can find the free pattern link for this recycled plastic tote bag here.

Libby’s Cassette Tape Beaded Bag

Libby’s brown evening purse was made with two strands of cassette tape and two strands of brown ribbon that came from a sweater she unraveled. How cool is that its double recycled! She wanted a purse with beads in the strap, so she added some beautiful beads and used a nifty knitter for the rest of the strap. A magnetic button closure was added with beads glued to cover the prongs on the outside.

Another reader Diane has been busy creating several of my recycled bag patterns. First she shared with me the hobo bag that she made using this recycled plastic bag pattern. She tweaked the pattern by adding a cell phone pocket, used a zipper instead of a magnetic snap and put other pockets in the lining.
Diane’s Blue Ribbon Hobo Purse

Diane also crocheted a plastic tote bag using my colorful motif pattern. She completed her tote bag by lining it with some pretty material that matched her motifs.

Then Diane used my green shopping bag pattern found here to crochet her yellow reusable grocery bag.

Thanks to all my readers who sent in photos sharing their recycled crafting projects. I really enjoyed all your beautiful work with upcycled materials. Keep those great green craft projects coming![…]

My first test was to weave a purse strap using recycled VCR tape. Here is a closeup of my strap which you can click on to view full sized.

Here is a photo of the completed VCR / VHS tape purse with my woven strap.

Like this little red fun fur VCR bag? If so here is the free pattern which has a crocheted strap or you can use a Spool Knitter to create a woven strap. This tool also works wonderfully to weave with regular yarn and recycled plastic bag yarn or plarn. Whatever your material, you can create nice sturdy straps quickly with this gadget.[…]

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 […]

Do you have some old vcr tapes wasting away around the house? Well crochet yourself a recycled tote bag using those old tapes. This bag was crocheted from vcr tape and Lion Brand ribbon yarn. I made this tote bag for a co-worker for Christmas after she saw a prior bag I crafted and really wanted one. So I got busy and crocheted this tote for her for the upcoming Christmas gift exchange.

If you are new to crocheting with vcr tape here is the link for using vcr tape as yarn. It is a great way to recycle those old vcr vhs tapes into a wonderful reusable product.

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Free Pattern for a Crocheted Vcr Tape – Ribbon Tote Bag

Materials needed:
2 Vhs Vcr long play tapes (T-120)
2 rolls of Lion Brand ribbon yarn – City Lights #21008, 110 yards ea

Hook: “N” size metal hook

Description: Tote Bag
Bag measures 13” wide and 14” long

Gauge:
7 Hdc = 3”
2 Rnds = 1”

Directions:
Using 2 strands of vcr tape with one strand of ribbon yarn, Ch 28.

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
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in 1 end st, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in 1 end st. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag.

Rnd 3
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in 1 end st, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in 1 end st.

Rnd 4 – 10
Hdc in ea st around the entire bag bottom. (End so that you are at side of bag.)
Drop and cut off ribbon yarn leaving an end to weave under on inside of bag.

Rnd 11 – 19
Using just 2 strands of vcr tape, Hdc in ea st around bag for the next 9 rounds.

Rnd 20 – 24
With new roll of ribbon yarn and 2 strands of vcr tape, Hdc in ea st around bag.
Mark center 7 stitches on each side of bag for handle opening.

Rnd 25
Hdc in each st to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 7 stitches un-worked for handle, then Hdc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 7 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.

Round 26
Hdc in each st around to handle. Work 10 Sc around the chain of handle, then Hdc around in each stitch until you reach handle on other […]

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Free Pattern for Crocheted “V” Evening Bag

Materials needed:
(2) Vcr video tapes
(1) 1-1/8” Button

Hooks: “N” and “J” size metal hooks

Description: Evening Bag measures 9” wide at bottom and 6” long

Directions:
Using N hook with 2 strands of vcr tape held together, Ch 20.

Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea chain st down to end. Then continue around other side of chain by working a Hdc in ea st to other end.

Rnd 2 – 6
Hdc in each st around entire bag. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag. (End so that you are at side of bag.)

Rnd 7
Beginning at side of bag, work 1 dec Hdc st over the next two sts (1 dec made). Then Hdc in ea st around to other side edge, work 1 dec Hdc st over the next two sts (1 dec made). (Decreases are made at side edges on both sides of the bag.) Now Hdc in ea remaining st of rnd, finishing back at side of bag where you began.

Rnd 8
Hdc in ea st of entire round.

Rnd 9
Beginning at side of bag, work 1 dec Hdc st over the next two sts. Hdc in ea st around to other side of bag. Work 1 dec Hdc st over the next two sts at side of bag, then Hdc in ea remaining st of round, finishing at side of bag.

Rnd 10 – 12
Hdc in ea st of entire round. (End so you are at side edge of bag to begin flap.)

Flap
Row 1 – 2
Ch 2, turn, Hdc in each st across back half of purse for flap.

Row 3
Ch 2, turn, Sk 1st st, then Hdc in ea st across to 2nd to the last st. Sk 2nd to the last st, and then Hdc in last st. (1 Dec worked on both ends of flap.)

Row 4 – 6
Ch 2, turn, Sk 1st st, then Hdc in ea st across to 2nd to the last st. Sk 2nd to the last st, and then Hdc in last st. […]

Here is yet another great looking tote bag you can crochet from recycled trash. This granny square motif bag was created using plastic bags for the center and 2 reels of old vcr tapes. The tote bag measures 11 inches square with a 26 inch strap handle.

As always, here is the free pattern.

Vcr Video Tape Motif Tote Pattern

Size: 11″ square bag with 26” long strap
Hook: N metal crochet hook used in this Motif pattern
Materials: Yellow and Grey plastic bags cut and tied into yarn (plarn)
2 Vcr video tapes (T-120s)

With center color (Yellow shown) Ch 4, Sl St to form ring.

Rnd 1
Using Yellow plastic bag yarn, Ch 2, (counts as 1 Hdc) in ring work 2 Hdc,
Ch 1, 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, Ch1, 3 Hdc
Ch 1, Sl St to top of Ch 2. (4 corners & 4 shells made)
Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.

Rnd 2
With next color (Grey) attach in any Ch 1 corner space.
Ch 2, 2 Hdc, Ch1, 3 Hdc, all in the same ch 1 corner space.
*Sk next 3 Hdc, 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the next Ch 1 corner space.*
Repeat between * 2 more times, Sl St to top of the beginning Ch 2. FO.

Rnd 3
Using 2 strands of vcr tape as yarn, attach in any Ch 1 corner space.
Ch 2 (counts as 1 Hdc) 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the corner space.
*Sk 3 Hdc, make 3 Hdc in between shells, Sk next shell, make 3 Hdc, Ch 1,
3 Hdc in corner.* Repeat 2 more times then Sl St to top of first Hdc.

Rnd 4 – 8
Sl St across remaining Hdc’s to corner.
Ch 2 (counts as 1 Hdc) 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the corner space.
Continue working in established pattern of Sk 3 Hdc (shell), 3 Hdc in between each of the shells, Sk next shell, until you reach the corner again and then make 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc in each corner.
At the completion of each rnd, Sl St to top of the beginning Ch 2 and Sl St to corner space.
Then begin again with Ch 2 (counts as 1 Hdc) 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the corner space and so on.
Complete 8 rnds.

Top Edge
Work Sc in ea st along top edge of bag.

Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.

Make two Motifs panels.

Tip: At end of second Motif panel, leave your video tape attached. Sl St to corner.

With wrong sides together, weave them together by attaching 2 strands of video tape yarn (or using tip above) at corner and work 1 rnd of Sc around 3 sides of the bag with 2 Sc’s at bottom corners. (The right sides of the bag should be facing out when you […]

This is my latest recycled bag project which is crocheted from Vcr Vhs tapes and ribbon yarn. Here is the link for the tutorial on how to use Vcr tape as yarn. This tote bag measures 13″ by 12″ and has a handy grip handle. You could also crochet this bag using recycled plastic bags. If you use plastic bag yarn or plarn, you only need to use one ball of plarn and the strand of ribbon yarn as you work the pattern. Vcr Vhs tape is much lighter which requires the double strand (2 reels) to be used in this project.

Here is a closeup of the combination of Vcr tape and ribbon yarn.

Free Pattern for Crocheted Vcr Tape Tote Bag

Materials needed:
2 Vhs Vcr long play tapes (T-120)
2 rolls of Lion Brand ribbon yarn – Incredible #51659, 110 yards ea roll

Hook: “N” size metal hook

Description: Tote Bag
Bag measures 13” wide and 12” long with 4” oval expandable bottom

Directions:
Using 2 strands of vcr tape with one strand of ribbon yarn Ch 28.

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
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in 1 end st, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in 1 end st. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag.

Rnd 3
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in 1 end st, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in 1 end st.

Rnd 4 – 9
Hdc in ea st around the entire bag bottom. (End so that you are at side of bag.)
Drop and cut off ribbon yarn leaving an end to weave under on inside of bag.

Rnd 10 – 18
Using just 2 strands of vcr tape, Hdc in ea st around bag for the next 9 rounds.

Rnd 19 – 22
With new roll of ribbon yarn and 2 strands of vcr tape, Hdc in ea st around bag.
Mark center 7 stitches on each side of bag for handle opening.

Rnd 23
Hdc in each st to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 7 stitches un-worked for handle, then Hdc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 9, leave 7 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.

Round 24
Hdc in each st around to handle. Work 10 Sc around the chain of handle, then Hdc around in each stitch until you reach handle on other side. Work 10 […]