I have been saving grey plastic bags for several years until I had enough to crochet this recycled plastic bag (plarn) net market bag. I’m happy to say that I was finally able to finish the bag using this unique colored plastic bags. You may recognize this open netted bag as it is a variation of another market bag I crocheted that had long straps. Both recycled bag patterns feature an expandable sturdy bottom and an open netting look for the main body of the bag.
If you prefer the longer straps on your market bag, here is the free pattern link for the white market bag with 18 inch long straps that is pictured below.
So mix and match the straps or bag colors as desired to create your eco-friendly market tote bag. Below is the pattern for the grey market bag with 8 inch handles. Enjoy the project and happy recycled green crafting to all!
Free Recycled Plastic Net Market Bag Pattern
Bag measures 14 inches wide and 14″ long with 8 inch handles
Materials: One large ball of plarn (plastic bag yarn) Appox. 45 bags
My picture tutorial is found here on how to make plarn yarn from plastic bags
Hook: Metal N (9 mm) US size hook
Chain 24
Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook in each chain.
Continue to the corner end st, work 2 Hdc in end st. Continue around and down the back side of chain by working a Hdc in every stitch of chain, work 2 Hdc in end st.
Rnd 2
Hdc in each st down to first end. Work 2 Hdc in the two end sts, and then Hdc in ea st down to other end. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the two end sts. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc in ea st to create a seamless bag bottom.
Rnd 3 – 5
Hdc in each st down to first end. Work 2 Hdc in the two end sts, and then Hdc in ea st down to other end. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the two end sts.
Rnd 6 – 7
Hdc in ea st around entire bag. Finish rnd at side of the bag.
Rnd 8 (Netting Stitch)
Sc in the 1st st at the side of the bag. *Ch 3, sk 2 sts, Sc in next st*. Repeat between * to end of rnd. Ch 3 and join with a Sc to top of 1st Sc.
Rnd 9
*Ch 3, Sc in next chain 3 space*. Repeat between * to end of rnd and then continue with this pattern until bag length measures 12 inches long. Finish at side of the bag with a Sl St into a Sc.
(Appox. 18 rounds of the netting stitch which are worked without joining, Just continue working Ch 3, Sc in next chain 3 space around and around until bag measures the desired length.)
Top Edging:
Row 1
Ch 1, *3 Sc in next chain 3 space, sk Sc*, Repeat between * to end of rnd and join with Sl St into Sc at side of bag.
Row 2
Ch 1, Sc in ea st around. Join with Sl St in top of Ch 1.
Handles:
Mark center 10 sts on both sides of bag for handle opening.
Rnd 1
Sc in each st to mark for handle opening. Ch 14, leave 10 stitches un-worked for handle, then Sc in remaining stitches and across other side to mark for handle opening. Ch 14, leave 10 stitches un-worked for handle opening on other side of bag to match front side. Sc 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.
Rnd 2
Sc in each st around to handle opening. Work Sc’s around the chain of handle evenly (appox. 18 SCs), then Sc around in each stitch until you reach handle on other side. Work Sc’s around chain of other handle evenly to match the other side, then Sc around in each remaining st of rnd.
Rnds 3-4
Sc in each st around to handle. Work one Sc in each st of handle, then Sc in each st of bag to other side’s handle. Work one Sc in each st of handle, then work one Sc in each remaining st of rnd.
Finish off and weave under ends.
If you have any questions or find discrepancies in this pattern, please email me using contact tab above.
Abbreviations:
Ch – Chain
Dec – Decrease
Ea – Each
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Plarn – Plastic Bag Yarn
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sm – Same
Sp – Space
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 of this pattern or photos are permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable and appreciated. ©2009-2016
****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.
I like this one better. I started the one with long handles, but didn’t finish, so I’ll finish it like this one. 🙂
I am so happy that you made a crocheted bag out of plastic bags. I had that idea a few months ago, so I attempted to make one, but it was very difficult to get enough strips of plastic to crochet with. Then I lost patience. If only we could stop using plastic bags altogether and convert the old ones into beautiful recycled bags like yours.
That is a very cute ‘plarn’ bag! I am currently trying to make a bag out of plastic yarn, (thanks to your tutorial).
I have been making bags like these for years and always have great response from everyone who finds out what my bag is really made out of. I would encourage everyone to make these or similar bags. Usually I wing it and work without a pattern (it’s easy once you get the basic idea down) and come up with something new all the time. I still use my large “market bag” constantly. I put a strap that is about forty inches so it would hang across my chest at hip level. I am able to carry two gallons of milk up the stairs to my 3rd floor apartment easily with it.
I love it! when I saw it, I didn’t realize that it was crochet, and I was like “wha?” but its incredibly cool. I’m from my eco action blog, and my friend Katou Natsumi’s friend’s blog, Division X. lol, I think I’ll add this website to both of their blog lists, since they are both about being green. =D
Angela’s last blog post..Thrift stores and garage sales.
I learned to crochet this fall so I could make plarn bags. I regularly raid the recycle bins (with permisssion) at local grocery stores and tell folks i meet how to make these bags. Next thing I’m going to do is write up a quick description and include links to a few patterns like yours so when people ask i can just hand them info.
Last week I picked up a bag full of bags from the recycle bin, got home and opened it, and realized it was a bag full of bag scraps: someone else in my town is making plarn! HOORAY! Let’s start a movement.
OK, this is an odd question. Could you do a bag with both handles? I know that I find myself using the long handles sometimes and at other times, using the small/short handles. I bought a market bag from Sam’s that has both and love it! I have the option to throw it over my shoulder OR carry it with the short handles.
If it would be possible, do you think that you could post those directions, please?
Thanks so much!
@Allison:
I haven’t done a bag with both handles but I do think its possible. I will
make a note of this and maybe try and get a sample done after the holidays and post the instructions. I think its a wonderful idea and this would work well for people who want it both ways.
You can visit/join me at my blogspot.com. I liked this pattern a lot and linked your pattern on my blog.