Recycled Plastic Bag Shell Purse

As promised in my last post, here is my striped shell handbag purse that is crocheted from recycled plastic bags. I changed colors of plastic bags every round to create this unique looking shell stitch purse. I did 16 rounds and each round takes about 2 to 2-1/2 bags to complete each different colored row. Also this is my first experience using store purchased purse handles. I splurged and bought these as they were on clearance for $2.00. I think they really compliment the handbag and along with the lining, make this a really beautiful and fashionable upcycled handbag.

Here is a closeup on the inside of the bag. Click to supersize

Free Striped Shell Handbag Crochet Pattern

Materials needed:
14-16 different colors of plastic bags made into plastic bag yarn aka Plarn
Approx. 35-40 plastic grocery bags in different colors
1 Set of Bamboo handles
Small amount of fabric for lining
Magnetic clasp closure

Hook:
N 9 (mm) metal crochet hook

Description: Striped Shell Handbag
Bag measures 13 inches wide and 9 inch long with bamboo handles

Directions:
Here is the tutorial on how to make plastic bag yarn if you need it.

Rnd 1
Ch 29, work 3 Hdc in 3rd ch from hook * Sk 2 sts, work 4 Hdc in next st*. Repeat between * to end of chain. Ch 2, working back down backside of chain, repeat between * to end.
(Work 4 Hdc in large hole where 4 Hdcs were worked on the other side of chain so clusters are centered.)
Ch 2 at end, Sl St to top of ch 2 beg st. (9 clusters made.)

Change color every round now to create a striped handbag.

Rnd 2 Cluster Shells
Change color and Sl St over to top of 2nd Hdc St of last rounds cluster (center st), ch 2, 3 Hdc in same st, *sk to 2nd Hdc of next cluster,work 4 Hdc in top of 2nd Hdc of that cluster (center of cluster.) *Repeat between * to end. Work 4 Hdc in the ch 2 end st. Continue around corner to other side working in established pattern to end of round. Work 4 Hdc in ch 2 st at end of rnd. Join with a Sl St to top of ch 2.

Rnd 3
Join new color to middle (top) of cluster, ch 2, then 3 hdc in sm st, *sk 2 sts and work 4 Hdc in top of center of next cluster. *Repeat between * until end and join with a Sl St to top of ch 2.

Repeat Rnd 3 until measures 9 inches long or your desired length for handbag.

Add lining and purchased bamboo handles as shown in closeup.

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

Abbreviations:
Beg – Beginning
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Dec – Decrease
Ea – Each
FO – Finish Off
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Plarn – Plastic Bag Yarn
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
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 is permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable. ©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.