Crochet a Recycled Plastic Shoulder Bag
Recycled Shoulder Bag
This is one of my all time favorite bags that I have created. It’s a crocheted shoulder bag made of recycled tan plastic grocery bags. It is a quick and easy crochet project to try if you are just starting out doing recycled crafts. If you need to know how to create yarn from plastic bags, here is my link to the step by step process to make the plastic bag yarn. If you want a larger bag, just add more stitches to your beginning chain and if you would rather have a deeper bag, just increase your rounds as desired. This pattern is worked in rounds and you do not join at the end of each round. Because of this you do not need to sew side seams together. As you work the first few rounds, the bag will turn up at the sides. Just continue working one Hdc in each stitch around and it naturally forms your purse without having to sew any side seams.
Enjoy this fun eco-friendly project!
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Crocheted Recycled Plastic Shoulder Bag Pattern
Purse measures 9 inches wide and 6 inches long.
Strap length is 42 inches when not tied.
Material: One large ball of plastic bags cut into 1 inch strips.
One button 7/8 inch button shown on bag.
Hook: Metal N (9 mm) crochet hook
For complete pattern just click on read more link below.
Chain 23
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 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 Sc 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 yarn with a Sl St to spot where you want to start strap on side of purse next to flap. Chain until strap measures 42 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
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sk – Skip
Rnd – Round
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. ©2007
****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.
Tags: free-pattern, plarn, recycled-purse
Apr 04, 2007
[…] Kevin Funnell wrote an interesting post today – Here’s a quick excerpt It’s a crocheted shoulder bag made of recycled tan plastic grocery bags. It is a quick and easy crochet project to try if you are just starting out doing recycled crafts. If you need to know how to create yarn from plastic bags, … […]
May 24, 2007
See what you have inspired me and neighbour to create at this link:
http://greenbeingnancy.blogspot.com/2007/05/free-tutorials-here-do-they-work.html
Jul 31, 2007
Hey there fellow ‘bag lady’ visit my blog and scroll down, and see the kind of purses I make out of the same material! It really is fun, been doing it for a couple of years now and just finding out others do the same thing! I have 3 different posts on my blog about the purses, if you are interested, you might need to check the older posts section to see the first time I posted one. Now if I can just get my new e-friend to send me the rest of the instructions on the candy / chip wrapper purse she is helping me understand how to make. I just want to scream “Why all the secrecy, just share how it’s done for crying out loud!” I mean I write to people all the time that write to me and ask for further help in making the plastic sack purses!
Jul 31, 2007
oops! Forgot to send you my blog address! 😉
http://nannybird.blogspot.com/
Aug 20, 2007
Thank for the pattern. I’m going to try and make it tonight.
Apr 26, 2008
Re: shoulder bag made of plastic shopping bags…
I have this free pattern available for a shoulder bag made from recycled plas……
Jan 22, 2009
[…] Here is a nice pattern for a shoulder bag/purse: http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/03/29/crochet-a-recycled-plastic-shoulder-bag/ […]
Mar 19, 2009
I love the color of the bags, where did you find them? When I finish a bag I include the names of all the stores where the bags came from. My bags are great conversation starter. I use plastic table cloths as well as bags, all recycled. Frankie
Mar 19, 2009
Frankie:
These bags are from my local Safeway grocery store. Fred Meyers also has a shade of tan like this too. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Mar 03, 2010
[…] She is focusing on going green this month so I decided to post my Plarn shoulder bag. I was getting a little bored with pot scrubbers. Not incredibly fashionable but I think I will make several Plarn bags to keep my tote bag organized. I’m usually carrying a craft project or two as well as children’s activities and my normal purse items so it needs more organization than just ziploc bags. I got the pattern at My Recycled Bags. […]
Jun 06, 2011
how would I be able to attach a liner to the inside of the bag?
Jun 06, 2011
Suzy:
Here is my plarn purse lining tutorial that shows how I line a purse. Hope you find this useful.
Jan 03, 2012
Hi, I love your purses. I will try to make one today. I have lots of bags and it’s a great idea to recycle these bags as they accumulate quite quickly. I love recycled treasures! Thanks, hope there will be more. Sandy
Sep 12, 2013
[…] http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/03/29/crochet-a-recycled-plastic-shoulder-bag/ […]