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Recycled Video Tape Purse

Cindy — Mon, 09 May 2011 01:47:00 +0000

If you are into recycled crafting, you might want to try crafting with vcr video tapes. The beauty is using these reels of pre-made materials is that you simply just need to open up the cases and away you can go with your crafting. You can use my tutorial on how to turn vcr video tape into “yarn” to craft your projects.

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 […]

Spool Knitter & VCR Tape

Cindy — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:43:16 +0000

I purchased a new craft tool recently. It’s called a Spool Knitter. This little plastic weaving tool is so handy for making purse straps that I wanted to share it with you.

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.[…]

VCR Tape & Ribbon Sling Bag

Cindy — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:12:56 +0000

Here is my latest VCR tape sling bag crocheted along with some ribbon yarn. A local group is making purses for girls in foster care in my area. I crocheted several different purses and decided that I would create one sling bag using recycled VCR tape for the purse drive. It has that funky teen-look so I hope some young lady enjoys it.

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 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 […]

Vcr Tape Ribbon Tote

Cindy — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 04:17:59 +0000

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 […]

Vcr V Evening Bag

Cindy — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 02:48:39 +0000

Check out the latest in Vcr video tape fashion. It’s a little black evening bag crocheted from video tape. I have named this pattern the V Evening Bag because of the V-shaped flap and in honor that it is made from Vcr video tape. This bag features my seamless purse technique. No side seam stitching necessary in this quick and easy pattern. If you are new to using Vcr tape as yarn here is the link to the picture tutorial on how to use the tape as yarn. This is a great way to recycle those old Vcr tapes that you probably still have lying around the house somewhere. So create yourself a nice little evening bag and use up some of those tapes at the same time.

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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. […]

Vcr Video Tape Motif Bag

Cindy — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:48:33 +0000

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 […]

Crocheted Vcr Tape Tote Bag

Cindy — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 03:38:38 +0000

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 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 […]

Crocheted Sling Bag of Recycled VHS Tape

Cindy — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 18:44:00 +0000

VHS Tape Sling Bag

Now here is the same bag with some red fun fur added

This little sling bag is crocheted using old VHS tape. It’s a great way to recycle those old VHS tapes that you may have stashed away and you don’t know what to do with. If you haven’t read my blog about how to use VHS tape to crochet click here for the link.
It will explain how the whole process works so you too can crochet with VHS tape.

Next I used a thrift store button for a closure but my sling bag just needed something more. I had a bit of red fun fur and thought it just might be the answer. What do you think? Should I add more along the bottom edge?

I conducted a recent poll and many people liked the bag without the fun fur. You can embellish the bag if you want. The complete free pattern is below.

Enjoy this recycled bag project!
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Crocheted VHS Tape Sling Bag Pattern

Purse measures 8 inches wide and 8” long.
Strap length is 45 inches

Material: 2 VHS Tape Reels
One button: 1” button shown on bag

Hook: Metal “N” hook

Chain 18

Round 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 chain stitch.

Round 2 – 13
Hdc in each st around and do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc in rounds until 13 rounds are completed.

Round 14
Mark front center of bag. Hdc in each st to within 3 sts at center front. Ch 4 and leave the 3 center sts unworked for buttonhole. Then Hdc in each st around.

Round 15
Hdc in each st around to buttonhole opening. Work 4 Hdc in opening (around the chain) for buttonhole then Hdc in each remaining st around to finish round.

Round 16
Hdc in each st around and finish round at side of bag to make strap. Make sure your buttonhole is centered and your strap beginning is at the side of bag. Do not finish off. Leave attached to begin strap.

Strap:
Start strap at side of bag. Chain until strap measures 44 inches. Attach strap to opposite side of purse with a Sl St. 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 you started the strap. Fasten off and weave ends under on inside of the bag.

Sew button on purse under buttonhole space.

Optional embellishments: Add fun fur around the top edge of bag by working 2 Sc in […]

Crocheted Round Recycled Motif Purse

Cindy — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 22:54:17 +0000

This week’s recycled bag is made with two different recycled materials. First plastic bags were used for the center Motif using pink and grey retail bags. Next an old recycled VHS tape was used for the black yarn in this project. I call this my diversified recycling craft idea. It uses several items that many of us having lying around and don’t know what to do with. If you didn’t already read my blog about how to use old VHS tape as yarn, just click on this link to get the full details on how it is done.

I am attempting to take recycling to a new crafting level and make extra eco-friendly products. I am experimenting using new materials and putting together different things to create new looks and ideas. I hope you enjoy this free pattern and challenge yourself to try a recycled craft project today! It is a lot of fun and very rewarding.

Free Recycled Round Crocheted Motif Bag Pattern

Materials: Plastic bags and VHS tape
Size: 9 inch round bag with 2-1/2” center Motif if using ¾” to 1” strips of cut plastic bags. Strap 38 inches long when not tied.
Hook: N metal crochet hook used in this pattern.
Click on the read more link below for complete pattern.

Motif: (Make 2) Using pink plastic bag yarn (center color) Ch 4, Sl St to form ring.

Rnd 1: 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: Using grey plastic bag yarn, 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.
Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.

Rnd 3: Using black VHS tape, attach in any corner with a *Sl St.
Sc, Hdc, Dc, in next 3 stitches. (Dc should be done in center space of last round so this round is centered even.) Then Hdc, Sc and St Sl in corner space*.

(FYI: Just to clarify, you should have completed 7 stitches around one side of Motif — one Sl St in beginning corner, then Sc, Hdc, Dc, Hdc, Sc, and ending with Sl St in next corner.)

Repeat between * above 3 times across each side of Motif to made round.
Ending with the Sl St to top of 1st Sl St in corner.

Rnd 4: 2 Hdc in each stitch around. Work in continuous rounds marking the beginning of each round so you know where round ends.

Rnd 5-6: Hdc in each stitch around. (Tip: If your work is […]