Creative Crochet Tote: Transforming Plastic Bags Into Fashion

Plastic bags are harmful to the environment if discarded, but crocheting them into tote bags is a great way to upcycle. Plarn, or plastic bag yarn, is created by cutting plastic bags into strips and stringing them together. This material can be used to crochet surprisingly pretty and sturdy tote bags.

How to make 'plarn'

Making plarn (plastic yarn) from old plastic shopping bags is an easy process that can be done in a multitude of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make plarn using two different methods: the spiral method and the slit skirt method.

Prepare the Plastic Bag:

First, you will need to prepare the plastic bag by cutting off any seams or extra parts that are not part of the main tube of the bag. Cut off the bottom seam and the handles at the top of the bag, as close to these areas as possible to avoid wasting material.

The Spiral Method:

This method of cutting the bag into strips has fewer steps but requires more attention to control the cuts.

• Turn the bag so that one of the open sides is on top and the other is below.
• Choose a starting point at one of the side seams and cut diagonally through a single layer of the bag to a depth of about 1/2 to 1 inch, or your desired strip width.
• Continue cutting around the bag in a spiral, maintaining the same width for your strips.
• Be careful not to veer off the bag and accidentally detach the strip. If this happens, simply restart cutting from the beginning.
• You may find it helpful to work with the bag over your knee or with a piece of cardboard between the bag layers to ensure you are only cutting through one layer at a time.

The Slit Skirt Method:

This method is similar to the process of making T-shirt yarn and results in more even yarn strips.

• After preparing the bag as described above, turn the bag so that the closed ends are at the top and bottom, and the open ends are on each side.
• Cut the bag into strips about 1/2 to 1 inch wide, working from the bottom fold up to about 1 inch short of the other fold.
• When you are done, the bag should resemble a hula skirt with the top edge closed. Don't worry if the cuts are not perfectly straight.
• Open the bag to a single layer, with the uncut section in front of you.
• Cut diagonally from the end of one slit to the start of another, working across the uncut space. Start with the lower first slit and the second top slit, then continue cutting diagonally from lower slit to upper slit all the way across.
• At the beginning, you will have an extra loop hanging off the strand. Cut this at an angle to open it up, and trim any odd bits of plastic to smooth the edge.

Winding the Plarn:

Once you have cut your plastic bag into strips using either method, you can wind your new plastic yarn into a ball. This will make it easier to knit, crochet, or craft with.

Now you are ready to start crafting with your plarn! You can substitute plarn for yarn in any pattern, such as a coupon pouch, bracelet, crochet bowl, or even a bag for holding plastic bags. Get creative and enjoy the process of turning recycled plastic bags into something beautiful and useful!

Crocheting with plarn

Plarn is a popular choice for crochet bag patterns because it adds an extra element of strength and durability. It is created by cutting plastic grocery bags into strips and stringing them together in a long single strand. This material can be used to make a variety of sturdy and surprisingly pretty projects, such as tote bags, purses, and floor mats.

To make plarn, first, prepare the bag by fan-folding it several times and smoothing it out. Cut off the handles at the top and the seam at the bottom. Then, fold the bag so that the top half is within one and a half inches of the bottom half. Open up the folds and smooth out the bag, which is now a tube. Fold up from the bottom, leaving the top one and a half inches sticking out. Cut the bag as if you were cutting a fringe through the folds and within half an inch of the top. Unfold the folds, and you will have a fringe that is still connected to the top. Open the tube slightly at the top and slide your hand into it, separating the front and back portions of the bag and letting the strips hang free. Make the strips into a continuous string by sliding your hand through the tube to separate the front of the tube from the back. Begin cutting from the outside right edge to the first cut strip. Continue cutting from the outside edge to the next cut until done. If done properly, you will have one long continuous strip of plastic "yarn".

When crocheting with plarn, it is important to note that it is thicker than most yarns. Therefore, you may need to use a larger hook size to account for this difference. Additionally, plarn is quite hard and does not feel great against the skin, so it is not ideal for garments or items that will come into direct contact with the skin. However, it is perfect for sturdy and durable items like tote bags, purses, and floor mats.

Plarn is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize waste. By upcycling plastic grocery bags into plarn, you can create beautiful and functional crochet projects that are also environmentally friendly. So, get creative and give crocheting with plarn a try!

Tote bag patterns

Rainbow Plarn Tote Bag

This bag is made by weaving plarn from plastic bags of various colours. You can either make the bag outlined by Solicroch or use their plarn idea to crochet your favourite super bulky weight crocheted bag.

Plastic Bag Backpack

This backpack is quite generously sized and can be carried over the shoulders. The pattern, from Crochet Pattern Ideas, is crocheted using plarn, with straps that are durable and comfortable.

Striped Plarn Hand Bag

This bag is made using mostly white bags with coloured logos printed on some parts, giving it a speckled effect. The pattern, from My Recycled Bags, is more open and sprawling, like classic beach bags.

Drawstring Top Plarn Bag

This bag is closed at the top with a drawstring. The pattern, from Bags Be Gone, shows you how to make a striped bag and how to put the drawstring in.

Dual Coloured Plarn Floor Mat

This floor mat is made using a crocheter plarn floor mat pattern. The pattern, from Prosperity Stuff, guides you through the process of making a classic ringed floor mat.

Multi-Coloured Kitchen Mat

This rectangular floor mat is made using multi-coloured bags to get a trendy speckled effect. The pattern, from Stephsyaya, is simple and suitable for beginners.

Simple Crochet Gingham Tote Bag

This tote bag showcases the timeless beauty of half double crochet stitches, elegantly woven into a classic gingham pattern. The pattern, from HayHayCrochet, offers both fashion and functionality.

Magnolia Granny Square Bag

This bag is crafted from durable washable cotton and can be used as a market tote, spacious purse, or grocery bag. The pattern, from Mama in a Stitch, is ideal for summer getaways and can be customised.

Four Strand Crochet Tote

This tote bag is made by handling four strands of plarn at once. The guide, from Delia Creates, uses simple stitches like double crochet and single crochet.

Kensington Tote Bag

This tote bag is perfect for carrying a laptop or books. The pattern, from TL Yarn Crafts, is ideal for beginners who want to try Tunisian crochet.

Blue Blossom Crochet Tote Bag

This tote bag has a soothing blue hue and an intricate design. The pattern, from Nicki's Homemade Crafts, is both a stylish accessory and a functional companion for everyday adventures.

Simple Striped Tote Bag

This tote bag has clean lines and tranquil stripes, ensuring you carry your essentials in style. The pattern, from A Crocheted Simplicity, is suitable for beginners.

The Lucy Tote

This bag is perfect for the beach or a market haul. The pattern, from Evelyn and Peter Crochet, has a delightful stripe pattern and charming embellishments. It is a bottom-up, in-the-round project.

Oversized Tote Crochet Pattern in Diamond Stitch

This spacious tote marries elegant diamond stitching with practicality. The pattern, from Craft Passion, is ideal for all your adventures.

Other plarn items

There are many other items you can make with plarn, besides tote bags. Here are some ideas:

Baskets

You can make plarn baskets in different shapes and sizes, with or without lids. These can be used to store toys, hats, mittens, and other small items.

Purses

Plarn can be used to create purses in different styles, such as envelope purses or those with functional shoulder straps.

Bottle holders

Create a bottle holder sleeve to easily carry your water bottle, which can be clipped to your bag.

Flowers

Make simple plarn flowers to use as embellishments for your other crochet projects.

Floor mats

Plarn floor mats can be made in different shapes, such as circular or rectangular, and in different colours, such as dual-coloured or multi-coloured mats.

Kitchen mats

Similar to floor mats, kitchen mats can be made using plarn in different shapes and colours.

Fruit baskets

The structured nature of crochet allows you to create fruit baskets with a unique shape.

Coasters

Coasters are a quick and easy project to make with plarn. Keep your stitches tight to prevent liquid from seeping through.

Place mats

Create fun and colourful place mats to decorate your dining table. You can even make mini ones for children's tea parties.

Sleep mats

Crochet a large rectangle to create a sleep mat for the homeless, using a stitch such as the Thermal Stitch for a thicker fabric.

Where to find plarn patterns

Plarn, or plastic yarn, is a popular choice for crochet bag patterns because it adds an element of strength and durability. It is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint by making recycled crafts.

There are many online resources that offer plarn patterns and instructions on how to make your own plarn. Here are some websites where you can find plarn patterns:

AllFreeCrochet.com

This website offers a collection of 25 recycled plastic bag crochet patterns. Most of the patterns are made using plarn, but t-shirt yarn is another popular option for crocheting with upcycled materials. The website also provides instructions on how to make plarn. Some of the plarn patterns featured on this website include:

• Large Durable Plarn Tote
• The Cutest Plarn Grocery/Beach Bag
• Upcycled Plarn Grocery Tote
• Recycled Plarn Backpack Pattern

DIYs.com

This website offers 15 stunning plastic bag crochet projects, including plarn patterns with instructions. Some of the plarn patterns featured on this website include:

• Rainbow Plarn Tote Bag
• Plastic Bag Backpack
• Striped Plarn Hand Bag
• Drawstring Top Plarn Bags
• Dual Coloured Plarn Floor Mat
• Multi-Coloured Kitchen Mat
• Crochet Plarn Fruit Basket
• Circular Plarn Floor Mat
• Mesh Plarn Grocery Bag

FeltMagnet.com

This website features a blog post by Stephanie Henkel, who shares some basic instructions and tips for crocheting fun beach bags and totes from recycled plastic bags. She provides details on how to prepare the plastic bags, the continuous strip method of cutting bags, and basic instructions for crocheting plastic beach bags. She also shares some of her own creations, such as:

• Crochet Beach Bag
• Medium-Sized Tote Bag (Tan)
• Medium-Sized White and Black Beach Bag
• Water Bottle Holders

These websites offer a variety of plarn patterns and instructions to get you started on your recycled plastic bag crochet journey.

Frequently asked questions