Many of my recycled bag projects involve taking traditional yarn patterns and converting them into items made from recycled materials. This little cluster stitch bag is just such a project. One of my on-line friends Helen created this adorable gift bag pattern using a medium weight yarn.
With Helen’s permission, I used her pattern for the basis of making this cute little bag project using recycled plastic bags. I then used some scrap yarn to make the top trim and handles to finish off this recycled bag project.
Here is a closeup photo of the handles that I crocheted onto the bag.
Click to supersize
This little plarn bag would make a great gift bag or purse. By adding a ribbon or bow to the bag, you create a re-usable gift bag that can be used over and over. The pattern works up very quickly and because of the pretty stitch pattern, I think it makes an adorable purse too.
Enjoy the free recycled crafting pattern below and happy crocheting to all!
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Cluster Stitch Plarn Bag Pattern
Materials needed:
Ball of plastic bag yarn “Plarn” about 10-12 plastic grocery bags
Here is my picture tutorial on how to make plarn from plastic bags
1/2 oz worst weight yarn for handles
Hooks:
J (6 mm) metal crochet hook for bag
H (5 mm) hook for handles
Description: Recycled Plastic Bag Cluster Stitch Gift Bag or Purse
Bag measures 6″ wide and 5″ tall with 7″ handles and 5-1/4″ wide at base
Cluster Stitch Details:
Beg Cluster: Ch 2, (Yo, insert hook into sp indicated, yo and pull through, yo and pull through 2 lps on hook) 4 times, 5 lps on hook, yo and pull through all 5 lps, Ch 1.
Cluster: (Yo, insert hook into sp indicated, yo and pull through, yo and pull through 2 lps on hook) 5 times, 6 lps on hook, yo and pull through all 6 lps, Ch 1.
Directions:
Using J hook, Ch 11
Rnd 1
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in ea chain st down to end. Work 3 Sc in end st, then continue around other side of chain by working a Sc in ea st to other end then work 2 Sc in end st. Join with a Sl St into beg Sc st. (24)
Time to kick of the holiday crafting with this little plarn Christmas bag I crocheted. Isn’t it adorable and guess what — its free to make. All you need is a few recycled plastic bags to create this cute little striped gift bag. So grab about 3 red, green, and a white plastic bag and cut them into plarn. For this project you want your plarn to be real thin so I cut my strips only about 1/2 inch wide.
With the built-in handle, you have a ready made gift bag perfect for that special little gift item or you can slip a gift card into your recycled plastic gift bag. My inspiration was Kristy’s ornament pattern as I tried doing it in plarn (plastic bag yarn) and it came out way too big. So I just modified the top and added the handle for a closure.
My little plarn Christmas bag is 6 inches wide by 3 inches tall. The handle is 3 inches long. Using a H crochet hook, I basically followed the pattern by Kristy until row 18 which was my last row to work. I marked the center of my bag by laying it down flat. Sc around in each stitch of this last row — at the center chain 3 and skip 2 stitches to create your hole for the handle. Then Sc in each stitch around to other center mark for the handle, chain 22 for handle. Skip 2 stitches and Sc into last stitches of row and finish off.
Volia — Your recycled Christmas gift bag is complete. You also can come and join the fun over at Retro Housewife’s Green Holiday Carnival that I am participating in this weekend.
What better way to have a green Christmas than to handcraft your own Christmas gift bags from recycled materials. Maybe you need a small bag for a gift card. Well check out this cute little gift bag crocheted from recycled plastic bags.
Crafting with recycled plastic bags is also known as plarn. If you need to know how to make plarn, check out this picture tutorial. You can crochet this gift bag using plarn with this free pattern .
Maybe you need a larger gift bag. If so, here is a Christmas tote bag crocheted from recycled plastic grocery bags. This roomy tote bag would make a wonderful gift bag for a book or other flat items. Here is the link to the free crochet pattern for this tote bag.
Please consider this eco-friendly way to gift wrap your presents this year. Recycling plastic bags, upcycling them into reusable bags, and not using traditional gift wrap does truly make it a greener Christmas for everyone.
Need a quick little Christmas gift bag? Check out this cute crocheted gift bag made from recycled plastic grocery bags.
I added a bit of fun fur on the drawstring and a candy cane to complete this unique bag. You can be creative and add trim around the top edge or just tie a bow as shown below.
This gift bag measures 6 inches wide by 8 inches long with a drawstring closure. Fill your gift bag with candy or maybe even a handcrafted item. Either way it’s a wonderful eco-friendly gift idea that can be reused after Christmas as a little ditty bag or even as a small handbag.
Free Crocheted Recycled Gift Bag Pattern
Materials needed:
One ball of plastic bag yarn aka plarn cut into 1 inch strips
Small amount of fun fur for drawstring (approx. 40 inches long)
Hook:
N (9 mm) size crochet hook for bag and smaller hook for drawstring
Description: Gift Bag
Bag measures 6 inches wide and 8 inches long
Directions:
Ch 3, join with a Sl St to form a ring.
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