How to Crochet a Tote Made From Plastic Bags

Eliminating the use of disposable plastic bags is a hot topic in the movement toward green, eco-friendly living. Even if you've converted to reusable tote bags for all of your shopping needs, chances are you still have some plastic bags. Because plastic shopping bags do not biodegrade well, reusing them is a much greener method of disposal than simply throwing them away. One creative way to do this is to find a new way to use them for their original purpose--by crocheting a sturdy tote bag out of them.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic shopping bags
• Scissors
• Size I crochet hook
• Yarn needle

Instructions

1. Cut the bottom and handles off of each plastic bag. Cut the remainder of the bag crosswise into strips about 2 inches thick. Each strip should make a loop of plastic.

2. Chain the plastic loops together. Begin by laying one loop flat. Lay a second loop on top so it is centered over the bottom end of the loop. Pass the top of the second loop through the bottom of itself, tying it to the first one. Continue until all of your loops have formed one chain. Treat this as one thick thread.

3. Use a size I crochet hook to chain approximately 25 stitches. This will serve as the center of the bag's base. As you work around, this base will increase in both width and length, so make your beginning chain slightly shorter than you intend the bag to be.

4. Make a single crochet stitch in the second chain from your hook. Continue, making a single crochet in each chain of your beginning chain. Make three single crochets in the last chain.

5. Work a single crochet in the back side of each of your original chain stitches, working around the opposite side of the piece. Continue down to the final chain stitch, making three single crochets.

6. Continue around, making one single crochet in each single crochet, with three single crochet in the end stitch of each row. This will be the center of the previous three single crochets made in the same stitch. Repeat this pattern four or five times, or until you have the desired length and width for the base of your bag. Slip stitch in the last single crochet of the previous round to finish off your base.

7. Chain three from the point of your slip stitch. Make a double crochet in each single crochet around. Slip stitch in the top of the starting chain three. Chain three again and repeat this pattern. Continue around, creating the bag's sides until you have achieved the desired height. Finish off.

8. Make a chain with your plastic thread the desired length of the bag's handle. Chain two, turn and single crochet in the second chain from your hook. Continue making a single crochet in each chain. At the end, chain two, turn and continue in the opposite direction. Make as many rows of single crochets as needed to create the strap. Finish off.

9. Use a yarn needle to stitch the handle on to the tote bag with the same plastic thread. Weave any loose ends into the bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use your favorite new crochet hook for this project, as the ink on the plastic bags can stain and damage a hook over time.

References

• Crocheting Bags
• Marlo's Crochet Corner

Resources

• Basic Crochet Stitches