Recycled Bread Bag Handbag
If you’re into recycling and crafts, try out this crocheted handbag using bread bags. I saved about 30 or more bags to make this multi-colored handbag. It’s really durable and will definitely be a conversation piece when you use it. Crocheting with bread bags is a bit tougher on the hands and joints but makes are very unique bag. Because the plastic is heavier you need to cut the strips a bit narrower and remember to not over-pull on your work.
The finished product which I posted pictures of both sides is so colorful. My camera pictures don’t really capture the pretty multi-colors but I hope you’ll be inspired to give this crocheted project a try so you too can experience the beauty of recycled bags!
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Free Pattern for Crocheted Bread Bag Handbag
Materials needed: One very large ball of plastic bread bags cut into 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch strips
Hook: N (9 mm) size metal hook
Description: Tote Bag
Bag measures 9 inches wide and 11 inches long
Directions:
Ch 20
Rnd 1
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea chain st down to end. Work 2 Hdc in end st, then continue around other side of chain by working a Hdc in ea st to other end then work 2 Hdc in end st.
Rnd 2
Hdc in each st around to first end, work 2 Hdc in 1 end st, then Hdc in ea st to other end, then work 2 Hdc in 1 end st. Do not join at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc’s in rounds as this creates a seamless bag.
Rnd 3-14
Hdc in ea st around the entire bag bottom. After 14th rnd, measurement should be approx. 7 inches.
Rnd 15
Working front first and then back to match, Sc in next 4 sts, Hdc in next 4 sts, Dc in next 2 sts (middle of front), then Dc in next 2 sts, Hdc in next 4 sts, Sc in next 4 sts ending at the side of bag. Then working around back side of bag, work Sc in next 4 sts, Hdc in next 4 sts, Dc in next 4 sts, Hdc in next 4 sts, Sc in last 4 sts of rnd. End at side of bag.
Rnd 16-19
Repeat rnd 15.
Rnd 20
Sc in ea of the next 4 sts, Hdc in ea sts around to last 4 sts on front, then Sc in ea of the last 4 sts. End at side of bag on front.
Sc in ea of the next 4 sts, Hdc in ea sts around to last 4 sts on back, then Sc in ea of the last 4 sts of rnd.
Rnd 21
Sc in ea of the next 3 sts, Hdc in next 3 sts, Ch 9 for handle opening, Sk 7 sts, Hdc in next 3 sts, then Sc in last sts on front.
Working around back of bag, Sc in next 3 sts, then Hdc in next 3 sts, Ch 9, for handle opening, Sk 7 sts, Hdc in next 3 sts, then Sc in last sts on back.
Rnd 22
Sc in next 3 sts, Hdc in next 2 sts, then work 12 sc around the chain for handle opening. Hdc in the next 2 sts, after the handle, Sc in the last remaining sts on front of bag.
Work Sc in ea of the next 3 sts on back side, Hdc in next 2 sts, then work 12 sc around the chain for handle opening. Hdc in the next 2 sts after the handle, Sc in the last remaining sts on rnd.
Rnd 23
Sc in ea st to handle, work Sc in ea st of handle, then continue working Sc in ea st to other side’s handle. Sc in ea st of handle and in ea remaining st until the last st of rnd. Work Sl St in last st and weave under ends to make a smooth edge to end bag.
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
Dc – Double Crochet
Ea – Each
Plarn – Plastic Bag Yarn
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sk – Skip
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. ©2007-2010
****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: bread-bags, crocheting, free-pattern, recycling
Oct 19, 2007
Hi, beautiful colors! The bead bags are of low density polyethylene? (sorry, I’m from another country)
I made one of your bags, I’ll post a picture soon to show you 🙂
Oct 19, 2007
Wen Rou,
I believe bread bags fall under the polyethylene category. I’d love to see your bag. Please email or post a picture for me to see. I really enjoy seeing other people’s recycled crafts.
Oct 20, 2007
Very nice post!! Thanks for this information….
Oct 20, 2007
what a beautiful bag. i love all of that color!! Great job!
Oct 22, 2007
Love it – and the colours – you are sooooo clever Cindy!
Oct 23, 2007
Cindy- your stuff is always so cool. I don’t know the first thing about knitting but I love the bags. I actually saw someone carrying a purse made from recycled bags (or maybe even VCR tapes) just the other day. Very cool. Thanks for sharing your ideas each week!
Oct 23, 2007
Well Cindy, you’ve grabbed my attention again. This time I just had to share your wonderful bags on my “grammy” blog. ( if you don’t remember, last week I shared your wheelchair tote bag on my COPD blog) I just love your ideas and…
you’re giving me Great blog posts!
Thanks, Cindy!
Oct 23, 2007
Karen,
So glad you stopped by again. Yes, I saw your post at COPD and thanks again for featuring my walker-wheelchair tote.
Oct 23, 2007
Bread bags?! Your great ideas never end.
Oct 24, 2007
Very creative, I love the colors in this, great work.
Jun 29, 2008
I am sooooo impressed with this site which I stumbled upon. I can’t wait to try this out. One question though, so you make the bread bag strips like you to the plarn? or are they just strips you connect together as you go?
keep thses great ideas coming!
Thanks again for such a great job
Jun 29, 2008
@Ms Caz,
Yes I cut the bread bags just like the plastic bags in circular strips. Then I intertwine them together in the same manner.
Best of luck and so glad you stumbled upon my site.
Sep 17, 2009
hi!! i love your bag! its a great idea! my teacher wants to make 1 the same. if you dont mind me asking, how much would you sell it for?? sorry, its for my school work. xx
Sep 18, 2009
@Bethany,
Crocheting with bread bags is very time consuming and very hard on ones hands too. I have this priced at $29.99 at my products page which includes shipping in the USA.
Oct 05, 2010
HI!
Thankyou for making this product, this will help the environment alot.
We need people like you to this world.
Amelia howes
Environmental solution manage
Oct 07, 2010
this bag is very colourful
May 18, 2011
I have wanted to make one of these bags for a long time BUT I have never crocheted before and I’m clueless;(
Jun 05, 2011
Hi,
I was wondering if the bread bags are cut and prepared the same way that the grocery bags are cut? I would love to try this pattern.
Jun 05, 2011
DC:
Yes I assemble the cut bread bags in the same way as regular plastic bags but these were cut only about 1/2 inch wide. It makes it easier to crochet as the bread bag plastic is so much thicker and more difficult to crochet with if very wide. Just remember to take lots of breaks as you work this pattern so your hands don’t get sore.
Dec 23, 2014
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