Recycled Video Tape Purse
If you are into recycled crafting, you might want to try crafting with vcr video tapes. The beauty is using these reels of pre-made materials is that you simply just need to open up the cases and away you can go with your crafting. You can use my tutorial on how to turn vcr video tape into “yarn” to craft your projects.
This week I broke down some old vcr tapes that I had to crochet this purse. I added some lacy ribbon yarn that I got at the dollar store for 99 cents to add a different look to the project. Below is closeup of my finished project.
Recycling video tapes into craft projects is always fun and while it’s not the easiest material to work with, the results are very pretty. The unique shine of the tape is beautiful and the ribbon yarn gives it a colorful finish. Plus its a great way to recycled those old video tapes that so many people just have laying around and can’t figure what to do with them. Well here ya go!
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Free Crocheted Video Tape Purse Pattern
Purse measures 9 inches wide and 7 inches long
Strap length is 32 inches long
Materials:
2 VCR VHS Tape Reels (only used about 1/4 of each reel)
One 3/4 inch button
3/4 oz Lion Brand Trellis Lacy Ribbon Yarn (Pastel Garden shown)
Hook:
N (9 mm) crochet hook for main purse
J (6 mm) crochet hook for flap trim
Using 2 strands of video tape held together, Chain 20.
Rnd 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 stitch of chain.
Rnd 2
Hdc in each st down to first end. Work 2 Hdc in end st, and then Hdc in ea st down to other end. Work 2 Hdc in that end st. Do not connect at end of rounds, just continue working Hdc in ea st to create a seamless bag.
Rnd 3 – 10
Hdc in ea st of ea rnd until 10 rounds are complete.
Rnd 11 – 15
Add ribbon yarn along with the 2 strands of VCR tape, Hdc in ea st.
End at side of bag with sc into last stitch. Leave tape and ribbon yarn attached to begin strap.
Strap: Start strap at side of bag where your 2 strands of video tape and ribbon yarn are attached. Chain until strap measures 32 inches. Attach strap to opposite side of purse with a Sc. 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. Make sure your strap is not twisted before attaching the strap end to the opposite side of bag. Attach your yarn with a Sl St next to the st where you started the strap on the inside of bag. Fasten off and weave ends under on inside of the bag making sure you secure the strap to the bag.
Center Flap
Row 1
Using 1 strand of video tape along with the ribbon yarn, attach with Sc into approx 3 inch mark from the side.
Flap is 3 inches at center. Sc across in ea st. (6 Sc)
Row 2-5
Ch 1, turn, Sc in ea st across.
Row 6
Ch 1, turn. Work 2 Sc tog over the first 2 sts, then Sc in ea st across to the last two sts. Work 2 Sc tog over the last 2 sts. (1 Dec worked on both ends of flap.)
Row 7
Ch 1, turn. Sc in ea st across.
Row 8 (Buttonhole row)
Ch 1, turn. Work 2 Sc tog over the first 2 sts, Ch 2, then work 2 Sc tog over the last 2 sts. Sc into top of chain at end of row. FO.
Gently shape the flap by stretching the stitching so if lays flat and evenly for buttonhole.
Flap edging
Using J hook
Attach your yarn (1 strand of vcr tape along with 1 strand ribbon yarn) at top edge of flap with right side facing you.
Sc evenly around edge of flap to make a nice even edge. FO 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
Ea – Each
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Rnd – Round
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sm – Same
Sp – Space
St – Stitch
Tog – Together
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. Ā©2011
****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: crochet, free-pattern, vcr-tape, vhs-tape, video-tape-purse
May 08, 2011
It looks great Cindy! I love where you added the novelty yarn.
May 10, 2011
Absolutely LOVE this! I had not heard of using vcr tape for yarn but love the idea. Thank you for sharing. š
May 13, 2011
Wow, that’s really pretty with the ribbon yarn added.
And I just threw out a box full of old videos… drat!
– Thank you for sharing your pattern š
May 13, 2011
That is a pretty neat idea. Who would have thought. I don’t think I have any more old tapes, but if I find some, I will keep this in mind.
May 20, 2011
This was an idea that I made and sold 2 years ago. Guess the rest of the world is finally catching up.
May 21, 2011
Phyllis: So glad you enjoy crocheting with vcr video tape too. When I first tried it back in 2007, I found it so cool as the material on the reels was pre-cut and ready to go unlike plarn where you have to cut the bags and assemble. Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting to you!
Jun 14, 2011
This is really cool….imagine how can someone find a use of those old vcr tape…amazing!
it takes a lot of patience before finally completing a project though, but that is besides the point.
For me, the happiness of just doing it, and the contentment it gives is a pleasure.
Recycling can really be fun and a good habit too, I also could do some of these stuffs if my time would allow.
I do admire you for sharing this,it’s just one of a kind!
Aug 28, 2011
Please be very careful before crafting with video tape itself.
Read this discussion for more info here.
Aug 28, 2011
This issue has been discussed and I do warn people of the concerns. While I have not had any issues with flaking tapes, I would advise not to craft with any tapes that have powder or are flaking. Over at Ravelry we have discussed this issue. You can read about it here.
Aug 11, 2013
Purses are not exactly my passion since I’m a guy, but this is a really cool idea! Especially if you make it from the tape with your favorite movie.
Sep 04, 2015
Hi, I would love to make this but I can only knit.Please translate into knitting pattern
Sep 07, 2015
@Julie – I do not knit but if you have any basic knitted bag patterns using a chunky weight yarn, those would work. You can also search at Ravelry for plarn knitted patterns and those would be a good substitute also.
Aug 06, 2020
I have some VCR Tapes and would be willing to mail them to you if you like. I have cassette tapes too but not sure of your interest in those. Let me know.
Cool site. I have saved it and shared with others.
Aug 09, 2020
@Lisa – Thanks so much for the offer but I have so many tapes now that I don’t need any. I hope you will try out a pattern or two and use your stash. Best wishes.