I have been working for several weeks now on a custom-ordered recycled bread bag project. The client wanted a fat bottom bag (FBB) crocheted from bread bags. What made the project unique was that the bread bags are from her husband’s bread factory. She collected bread bags from the factory’s floor of damaged products and mailed them to me to crochet her FBB.
I cut the bread bags into strips about 1/2 inch wide and created plarn using the same method I do for plastic grocery bags. I didn’t count the number of bags used but I believe its around 50 bread bags. I used the FBB English pattern here. I added the flap and button option which is detailed at my plastic fat bottom post link which also has the English chart link as the original pattern is written in Portuguese.
Working with the bread bags was much harder than the thin newspaper bags that I used in my first plarn FBB. The bread bags are so stiff making it difficult to do the gathering portion of the bag. But I was able to get it accomplished and lined the bag for my special order customer.
Here are some photos of the project as it progressed.
Beginning of crocheted shell of FBB
Shell and lining completed
The final photo shows the flap with the button sewn in place. I am excited for my customer to receive her custom-made repurposed bread bags. I hope she enjoys her unique recycled fat bottom purse.
Here is a quick little crochet project using recycled plastic bread bags. I cut the bread bags into strips just as I do here in my tutorial to create what I call plarn (plastic bag yarn.) I used about 5 or 6 different colored bags to crochet this coaster. It’s a great way to upcycle bread bags and other heavier plastic into a useful item that otherwise might end up in our landfills.
I used an aluminum “H” crochet hook and cut my plastic bags about 3/4″ wide. Starting with a magic circle, Sc 6 times into circle. Don’t join but just mark the beginning of round so you know where it is. Next round, work 2 Sc in each stitch. Next round, work a Sc in next stitch, then 2 Sc in next stitch and repeat around. Next round, work a Sc in the next two stitches, then 2 Sc in next stitch and repeat around. Next round, work a Sc in the next 3 stitches, then 2 Sc in next stitch and repeat around. (Each round increase the number of Sc’s and then do your 2 Sc’s.)
Continue working in rounds and adjust stitches as needed so your coaster lays down flat. I did 6 rounds and finished with a few Sl Sts on last round so my edge was smooth and the coaster is round. I used scraps of plastic about 1-1/2 inch long to make my fringe around the outside of the coaster. I then trimmed the edges so the fringe measures about an inch long. My coaster’s middle is about 4-1/2 inches wide. You can make smaller or larger coasters as desired. Remember when crafting with recycled materials, it’s not an exact science so adjust your pattern as needed. The important thing is to recycle or upcycle that old plastic!
I’m back to share this colorful crocheted recycled tote bag. It’s been awhile since I completed a bread bag project and I’m excited to share this free pattern with you all. In this project I used plastic bread bags including bagel bags, taco shells, pita bread, muffin bags, hot dog and hamburger bun bags.
All the different recycled plastic bags makes for a very colorful and unique tote. This tote bag features a sturdy bottom made with half double crochet stitches and then an open netting type stitching for the main body of the bag. This recycled plastic bag project would make an excellent market tote or beach bag.
(Click to Supersize Photos)
Free Recycled Bread Bag Tote Pattern
Bag measures 12 inches wide and 13 inches long with 6 inch handles
Materials: Bread bags cut into 1/2 inch wide strips to create plarn (Appox. 50 bags)
Picture tutorial is found here on how to make plastic bags into plarn (plastic bag yarn)
Hook:
Metal N (9 mm) crochet hook
Chain 24
Here’s my little cosmetic bag I crocheted from old recycled bread bags. I’ve had this on my to-do list for quite a while and finally got it done.
Here is a picture taken with the flap open.
Here is the bottom of the bag.
This very durable cosmetic bag can hold several things and easily fit into your purse or overnight bag. Below you will find the free pattern for this bread bag project. If you don’t want to use bread bags, just substitute plastic bags for your cosmetic bag.
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Pattern for Crocheted Cosmetic Bag
Materials needed:
One ball of plastic bread bags cut into 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch strips
Approx. 15-18 bags
One small button
Hook: N (9 mm) size metal crochet hook
Description: Cosmetic Bag
Bag measures 6 inches wide and 4 inches long with 2-1/2 incches bottom
Directions:
Ch 11
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!
Click to view larger size
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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
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