Plastic Bags Crocheted Into a Clutch

You will need:

Plastic Bag String, or plain yarn (I used standard plastic bags. You can learn how to crochet with plastic bags here)
Crochet Hook (I used size I. You can adjust as needed)
Tapestry Needle (the super cheap, big plastic kind)
Button (I used a cover-your-own so it would match)
Scissors

I used 9 bags for this project. The strips shown above are from just 4 bags.

The crochet stitches used are chain stitch, single crochet, and double crochet. A whip-stitch is also used.

Step 1: Making the Body

Row 1: Chain 21
Row 2-13: Chain 3, Double Crochet 20 (this will bring you to the end of the row)

Step 2: Making the Flap

Row 14: Chain 3, Double Crochet 20 (this will bring you to the end of the row)

Row 15: Single crochet in the second stitch of row 14 (don't chain up). Single Crochet in the next stitch. Double Crochet 7, Chain 1*, Double Crochet 7. Single Crochet 2. Put the needle in the top of the last stitch of row 14, and pull through. 

Row 16: Double Crochet 4 stitches in the top of the last Double Crochet Stitch you did. (It should make a quarter circle) Double Crochet 13. Double Crochet 4 in the next stitch. Insert the needle in the base of the last row, then pull through.

To finish, I usually just pull the leftover strand through the loop, then pull it tight. Keep the leftover string to sew up the sides.

*The chain forms a button hole. You may need to substitute a chain for two or even three double crochets, depending on the size of your button. Just make sure they are centered in the row.

Step 3: Sewing the Sides

Using the tapestry needle, weave the string down to the base of the flap. Then line up the edges of the purse.

Whip-stitch down the sides. When you get to the end, tie off in a knot, trim the ends, then weave them in. 

To sew down the other side, attach a loop to the base of the flap in the same manner you link them together.

Attach the button where you want it, and now you're done!

Step 4: All Done!

If you want, you can crochet a handle so you have an over-the-shoulder bag, not just a clutch. 

Feel free to experiment with patterns made from different bag colors, or to change the size. If you change the size, just make sure the edges follow that pattern. 

Enjoy your new, free bag!

Comments

[SuzyMac]

Hhmmm? I love the design & idea! Not so sure about buying the bags strictly to make the purse. Maybe use, dump, wash, rinse & dry first, then they will truly be a re-cycled item. We need to cut down on the amount of new plastic materials, I think these are made from new, so we should at least use them twice. With this beauty, they have a permanent purpose!!! Go Forth & Wash Those Trash Bags (say she who would be Re-Purpose Queen!)

[dancer31415]

Thanks!! These actually aren't new, I used bags we had around the house that hadn't been taken to recycling yet. Normally we use reusable bags to shop, but every so often we forget, and have to get the plastic ones. This particular project used relatively few bags, so it was possible to have them all from the same store. I actually had to put one of my other projects, a tote bag, on hold for a few months before I could collect enough bags. I've also made things from produce bags (a different kind of plastic), which you do have to wash.

[SuzyMac]

Very cool! I was going by the pic of the garbage bags which were all folded & looked like they just came out of the box. I will definitely be making one of these. Begin collecting bags now! I also use mostly re-usable bags & don't have many plastic ones lying around anymore.