For many of you that have been following me or my blog site, you will recognize this bag immediately. It is my avatar that I use for all my postings and to identify me on many of the crafting and social websites that I participate at. It’s one of the first recycled bags I ever crocheted. It represents my beginning in what has become such amazing journey.
When I first started making recycled bags, I couldn’t find very many patterns and there was not much information out there on the process. Through trial and errors, I began to create many different projects using plastic bags, vcr tape, cassette tape, denim, and other recycled materials. My goal was to have a one-stop website where people could come and learn and share ideas about recycled crafting. Oh and I wanted everything to be free so everyone could take advantage and enjoy what I call green crafting. Anyway that is basically my story about the origins of my recycled bags.
So today, I share with you my signature recycled shoulder bag pattern. It is a bit ironic but I had never written up this pattern or posted it here for everyone’s use. It is like coming full circle as I share this pattern now. As always I hope you enjoy the project and happy green crafting to all!
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My Signature Recycled Shoulder Bag Pattern
Purse measures 10 inches wide and 6 inches long
Strap length is 38 inches when not tied
Materials:
One large ball of plastic bags (plarn) cut into 1 inch strips (appox. 30-38 bags)
One button 7/8″ button shown on bag
Hook: Metal N (9 mm) crochet hook
Chain 26
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 chain stitch.
Rnd 2 – 13
Hdc in each st around and do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working
Hdc in rounds until 6 inches are completed.
At desired length of main body of purse, stop doing rounds at side mark of purse. (Then only Hdc across back side of purse to create flap for purse.)
Flap:
Row 1 – 4
Ch 2, turn, Hdc in each st across back half of purse for flap.
Row 5
Ch 2, turn. Hdc across row to center, skip one st at center for buttonhole, then Hdc
in each remaining st across row. Ch 1, turn.
Row 6
Sc in each st across to center opening for buttonhole. Work 2 Hdc in skipped space for
buttonhole and then Sc in each remaining st across row.
Fasten off and weave ends under on inside of the bag.
Strap: Create strap by attaching your plarn with a Sl St to spot where you want to start strap on side of purse next to flap. Chain until strap measures 38 inches or desired length. 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. The Sc’s slide a bit and this allows for you to adjust your stitches as needed. 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.
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
Rnd – Round
Plarn – Plastic Bag Yarn
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch
This pattern is copyrighted by Cindy at 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. ©2008-2016
****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.
Love your latest purse.:)
What a great idea! I’ve often wondered about what can be done with plastic bags! I love the rug too! I think I have to make one of those for my new home!
Followed you here from C’ville. What a neat purse!
Hi Cindy,
Long time……I love you and your creations….am really proud to be your friend 🙂
What a wonderful Ideal. I love creative way to save thing from land fills.
Grammy
Thanks for sharing your craft. I am amazed at what people can do with trash. My blog is also dedicated to artists that use recycled materials. Check it out. Right now I have a giveaway for a necklace made of an old record. http://www.ourgreatgreenglobe.com
I left you a note about the crochet stitch beneath your comment on my blog.
I still have find an aluminum hook so I can try these bags!
Hi, Please stop by my blog and pick up a copy of the award I have waiting for you! I love your ideas to re use those plastic bags!
Hey I wanted to invite you you to a crochet board I have running. Take a look join if you like. http://womenthatcrochets.ning.com/
I love the things you create! I have chosen you as 1 of 7 blogs I tagged. You can read more about it here: http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-have-been-tagged.html
I finished my first “plarn” bag last night!! It is 20 x 15 to use as a grocery bag! what fun, thanks so much for the great ideas.
Hi Danielle:
Thank you for thinking of me and tagging me. I have made a decision not to participate in memes at this time. I do appreciate you and enjoy reading your blog. Take care,
Cindy
@D Chapman:
Your bag sounds like its nice and roomy. So glad you enjoyed making a plarn bag. Best wishes,
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
How do you creat a button hole space? I would appreciate very much if you will direct me.
@Otence:
In regards to this pattern, Row 6 – Sc in each st across to center opening for buttonhole. Work 2 Hdc in skipped space for buttonhole and then Sc in each remaining st across row. This creates the buttonhole. Let me know if this helps or email me back.
Cindy,
I will try it and let you know.
One more question. How do you get a zipper in the bag without tearing it with the machine needle?
Otence,
When I do a zipper in a lining I always make it separate from my plastic bag purse. I make my liner and put in the zipper then once its all done, I insert it inside my plastic bag. I stitch it in place by doing a hand stitching which is hidden from the outside of my purse. Let me know if you have any questions.
Beautiful items on your website – Congratulations!
Can you please advise me as to how I could donate quite a large amount of audio cassette tape/film towards craftspeople like yourself? I really don’t want to have them end up in a landfill site!! I’m thinking of all my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews etc etc! It’s a great shame that more people do not care.
Thank you for any help you can give. I’m happy to pay postage, of course.
Ann French
Wembley
Middx
UK
@Ann,
I have several “boxes” of tapes that people have already sent to me. I don’t have anymore storage for them. You might try putting them up on freecycle or craig’s list in your area and see if you get any takers.
Also check out this link to GreenDisk and you can choose to use
your own box (20 lbs or less) and it costs 6.95 only for the Technotrash Pack-IT. Put all your tapes in there and ship them off. Best wishes and thanks for thinking recycling.
Amazing post,I am amazed at what people can do with trash.
Hi Cindy, thank you so much for showing how to do this. I was once in a seminar about recycling old materials but never paid attention. That purse is nice and beautiful too.