It’s been quite a while since I crocheted with cassette tape and created a recycled bag from it. So I figured I’d better break out some of those old tapes that I have been storing and get busy with a new recycled craft project. I call this the clam shell clutchClam Shell Cassette Tape Clutch Pattern
Clutch measures 10 inches wide and 5-1/2 inches long at mid point.
Materials:
2 cassette tapes (60 min. tapes)
1 ball Lion Brand Trellis Pastel Garden lacy ribbon yarn (1-1/2 ozs)
1 Velcro button
1 Gold button for embellishment
Hook: Metal J (6 mm) crochet hook
Ch 10 using 2 strands of cassette tape and one strand of Lion Brand yarn.
Pattern is crocheted using 3 strands of material held together throughout project.
Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st of chain. Work 2 Hdc in the end st and then continue around the corner and down the back side of chain by working a Hdc in every stitch down to the end st. Work 2 Hdc in the end st.
Rnd 2
Hdc in each st down to the two end sts. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the two end sts and then Hdc in ea st down to the other end. Work 2 Hdc in the other two end sts.
Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc in rounds as this creates a seamless bag.
Rnd 3-5
Hdc in ea st down to the three end sts. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the three end sts and then Hdc in ea st down to the other end. Work 2 Hdc in the other three end sts.
Tip: Lay your bag down flat and make sure your end sts are at the end of the bag so your increases are made so your bag is shaped correctly. Stagger your increases of that it works out evenly on the ends (curve) of the bag. It should be shaped like a clam shell.
Rnd 5-7
Hdc in ea st down to the four end sts. Work 2 Hdc in ea of the four end sts and then Hdc in ea st down to the other end. Work 2 Hdc in the other four end sts.
Rnd 8-14
Work Hdc in ea st of entire round. End at back side edge of bag to begin flap.
(Bag approx 5 inches long)
Flap:
Row 1-5
Ch 2, turn. Working across back of bag only, Hdc in ea st for flap.
Row 6-7
Ch 2, turn. Work 1 Hdc over the next two sts (1 dec made), then Hdc in ea st down to the last two sts. Work 1 Hdc over the last two sts (1 dec made).
Row 8
Ch 2, turn. Work 2 Hdc dec’s over the 1st four sts, then Hdc in ea st down to the last four sts. Work 2 Hdc dec’s over the last four sts. Finish off.
Edging:
Attach just ribbon yarn at upper beginning edge of flap. Sc in ea st around the entire edge of flap evenly to make a nice edge on your clutch flap.
Attach Velcro button under flap for closure. I added a gold rose button for embellishment.
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
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 of this pattern or photos are permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable and appreciated. ©2009
This bag looks gorgeous! Does the tape give it a glittery effect?
Hey, Anita over at Prairie Dreams is trying to raise funds for an Educational Garden Project at Greensburg…
http://prairiedreams.blogspot.com/2009/04/corporate-sponsors-needed.html
…would you be willing to do a giveaway of one of your projects with a drawing for donations to help her out? Any amount of money collected would be a big help.
Thanks Bunches!
Moonshadow
Moonshadow’s last blog post..Blizzard of 2009
@Moonshadow:
Its the combination of the cassette tape and the colorful ribbon yarn that provides the unique glittery look. I’ll send you an email about the giveaway.
What a fantastic idea, very nice !!
bernie kasper’s last blog post..“Clifty Falls Wildflowersâ€
Love the clamshell clutch (though, at first glance, it looked like fancy bikini bottoms :o) The colors are SO pretty! Not quite certain how I wandered in, maybe a link through Make It From Scratch.
Victoria
30 Days of Junkin’ in April
victoria ~ auction girl vintage’s last blog post..Pink Saturday & 30 Days of Junkin’ Day 4 ~ Vintage Jewelry
Looks fabulous Cindy. Love the effect with the ribbon!
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Very pretty. Love the color intertwined with it!
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I can’t believe you found that much cassette tape! Cool bag.
Hi Cindy, Thanks for sharing this idea! I have a stash of tapes even though there’s no tape player in sight. It never would have occurred to me to crochet with the ribbon. Fun idea 🙂
Of all the things to recycle through crochet I never would have though cassette tapes. I have something like 100 I’ve yet to let go…
Shirley’s last blog post..My Thoughts Always: My Advice
I never would have thought of crocheting with old tapes, but what a clever idea! They sure didn’t hold up very well with their original job, did they?
I’ve chosen you to receive the ‘Honest Scrap’ award. Please stop by my blog at http://marieannesmissives.blogspot.com/2009/04/honest-scrap-la-marie-anne.html to collect it and pass it on!
Marie Anne’s last blog post..Honest Scrap a la Marie Anne
Is there no end to your cleverness?!
what gorgeous colours! love this!
Bev’s last blog post..Growing things….
Hi Bev,
Thanks for the kind comment and glad to see you back at my blog site. Take care of those beautiful babies of yours.
Looks very nice~ Hope to try it someday by myself.
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Great looking bag! I like the use of the ribbon yarn with the tapes…very pretty!
if you can get them give 8track tapes a try. The tape has a kind of velvety feel – at least the 3 I have do – and it doesn’t stretch as much as cassettes or vcr. I picked some up at a thrift market for only a few cents each.
the tapes can also be used to make outlined picture frames – wall hangings. take a simple outline figure of animals / things / flowers – make it simple if possible with straight lines not too many curves , trace on to the card / paper. outline th efigure with super glue, then carefully start sticking tape (still in its case so that u can handle it without problems) all over the outline one part at a time, and trimming the tape and then starting over the next part of the figure. it is a small vacation project i did when i was just a kid, about maybe about 15 – 20 years back. let it dry well and then frame the picture and Show off ur recycling skills!!!!!
LOVE the cassette tape clutch. I have made two & will make more. You can see a pic on my blog: http://barefootbeader.blogspot.com/
Lyn,
Thanks so much for sharing your cassette tape clutch projects. I just love seeing everyone’s creations using my patterns. My favorite is the shaggy-look purse. Very cool looking!
I love it! Hey, I got a stack of VHS tapes if you have something bigger in mind!