Here is my recycled plastic bag tote that features a crocheted sunflower. The tote bag is crocheted using recycled plastic bags or plarn and then the sunflower embellishment is added. I created the sunflower crochet pattern using both plastic bags and regular cotton yarn so it could be done in either type of material. Here is the recycled plastic tote bag pattern and below you will find the free pattern for the sunflower.

Closeup of the plastic sunflower

Recycled plastic bag tote with crocheted cotton sunflower

Here is sunflower I crocheted using just a bit of brown and yellow cotton yarn. So whether you are working with recycled plastic bags or regular yarn, you can crochet this cute sunflower to attach to a tote bag, purse or even use it as a hotpad.

Crocheted Sunflower Pattern

Description: 6-1/2″ wide crocheted Sunflower

Materials:
For recycled plastic sunflower: plastic bags cut into 1 inch plarn strips – 4 dark brown bags and 3 yellow bags
For yarn sunflower: 1/2 oz of brown and yellow cotton yarn

Hook: Metal H (5 mm) crochet hook

Round 1

With brown plarn or yarn, use magic circle or slip knot and Sc 6 times into circle. (6)
This project is worked in the round without joining unless otherwise advised to do so. Use stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round so you know where each round ends.

Round 2
Work 2 Sc in ea st around. (12)

Round 3
Work *Sc in next st and then 2 Sc in next st*. Repeat between * back to the beginning. (18)

Round 4
Work *Sc in next 2 sts and then 2 Sc in next st*. Repeat between * back to the beginning. (24)

Round 5
Work *Sc in next 3 sts and then 2 Sc in next st*. Repeat between * back to last st, work Sc in last st. (29)

Round 6
Sc in each st loosely and join with Sl St into beginning Sc. Weave in tail in next st to finish with a smooth edge for your brown center. Leave a length of the tail under the center so you can use it to attach to your tote bag later.

Petals
Row 1
The petal portion of this pattern varies if you are using plastic bag yarn (plarn) or regular cotton yarn. Please read carefully row 1 as you proceed. I have written the changes for regular cotton yarn steps after the plarn pattern instructions.

Join yellow plarn in the last st with a Sl St *Ch 6, in 2nd chain from hook Sc in next 5 sts of yellow chain, then Sl St into the brown beg st of row (same st here you began petal). Sl St in each of the next 4 sts along the brown edge*. Repeat between * back to the beginning and end with Sl St in the 2nd to last stitch and skip last st in brown so your spaces are even around 7 petals.

Row 1 Cotton yarn instructions:
Join yellow cotton yarn in the last st with a Sl St *Ch 6, in 2nd chain from hook, Sc in next 5 sts of yellow chain, then Sc into the brown beg st of row (same st here you began petal). Sc in the next 4 sts along the brown edge*. Repeat between * back to the beginning and end with Sl St in the 2nd to last stitch and skip last st in brown so your spaces are even around 7 petals.

The remaining rows are all worked the same regardless if you are using plarn or regular yarn.

Row 2
*Sc in 1st st of petal, Sc in next st, Dc in next 2 sts, 2 Dc in top st, Dc in next 2 sts, Hdc in next st, Sc in last 2 sts of petal. Sl St into 1st beg st and Sl St over to next petal*. Repeat between * back to the beginning and join with Sl St at end.

Row 3
*Sc loosely in ea st of petal and Sl St across to next petal*. Repeat between * back to the beginning and join with Sl St at end of last petal. Petals curl as designed to in this pattern.

Weave ends under and leave a tail so you can attach your sunflower to the tote bag or other item that you may want to embellish.

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
Sm – Same
St – Stitch
Tog – Together

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. ©2011-2012

****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.