How to Crochet a Purse From Yellow Newspaper Sleeves

You can make crocheted items from plastic bags as well as plastic newspaper sleeves.

You can help save the environment by recycling some of the yellow plastic sleeves that hold daily newspapers into a colorful crocheted purse. The plastic sleeves are cut into 2-inch strips prior to beginning the crochet process. You can then make a basic purse using a single crochet stitch, although you can use any stitch. Other items you can easily make from plastic sleeves include place mats, rugs and hats.

Things You'll Need

• 100 yellow plastic newspaper sleeves
• Washable marker
• 18-inch ruler
• Scissors
• Size N/13 9mm crochet hook

Instructions

1. Place a yellow sleeve on a flat work surface so the bottom of the sleeve is on a horizontal axis. Measure and mark the right and left side of the sleeve every 2 inches.

2. Position the top edge of the ruler with the bottom right hand corner of the yellow sleeve and the first 2-inch mark on the left hand side. Draw a line along the top of the ruler to connect the two points.

3. Move the ruler up to the next 2-inch mark. Line the top of the ruler with the marks. Draw along the top edge of the ruler. Repeat the process until the last 2-inch mark remains on the right hand side.

4. Line up the top of the ruler with the last 2-inch mark on the right side and the top left corner of the yellow sleeve. Draw a line along the top of the ruler. Flip the yellow sleeve over and repeat Steps 1 through 4.

5. Cut along the first drawn line that connects the bottom right corner to the first 2-inch mark on the left hand side. Cut from the bottom right hand corner up the side of the yellow plastic sleeve 2-inches.

6. Lift the top piece of plastic and cut along the drawn line. Flip the yellow bag over when you reach the left side. Continue to cut along the line to create one long yellow plastic strip that is 2 inches wide. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for the remaining 99 yellow newspaper sleeves.

7. Draw a 3/4-inch long line on both ends of each 2-inch strip parallel to the long edge. Place the cut approximately 3/4-inches from the 2-inch end. Repeat the process with all yellow strips.

8. Pick up two strips. Match the 3/4-inch cuts on the two strips. Insert the opposite 2-inch end of the top strip through the bottom of the two matched 3/4-inch cuts. Pull the end of the strip through the hole.

9. Continue to pull the strip to create a loop knot connection to create one long strip. Repeat the process with all strips connecting one to another to create one continuous yellow strip. Roll the continuous strip of yellow plastic into a ball.

10. Tie a slipknot approximately 3 inches from the end of the yellow strip. Slide the slipknot on the end of the crochet hook. Chain 27 stitches. Double crochet in the top loop of the first chain from the hook. Double crochet in the next stitch and every stitch thereafter for a total of 23 stitches.

11. Crochet three double crochets in the last chain. Turn the chain and work on the opposite side. Double crochet in each stitch until the last chain. Make two double crochet stitches in the last chain stitch. Slip stitch the last stitch to the first stitch in the row.

12. Chain three stitches. Double crochet in each stitch round for a total of 40 stitches. Slip stitch to the first stitch in the row. Repeat for a total of 12 rows. Tie off the last stitch. Cut the yellow strip approximately 3 inches from the crochet hook. Do not cut off the tail.

13. Tie a slipknot approximately 3 inches from the end of the yellow strip. Count two stitches from the cut yellow strip on the purse base. Slip stitch to that stitch. Turn the purse and stitch toward the cut yellow strip. Chain one stitch. Single crochet in the next four stitches for a total of five stitches. Chain one stitch. Single crochet across. Repeat the process until the strap is the desired length. Strap length is between 18 to 36 inches long.

14. Attach the strap to the opposite side of the handbag. Position the strap in the desired location. Slip stitch the handle to the last row of single crochet stitches around the top of the purse. Complete the last slip stitch. Cut the yellow strip approximately 4 inches from the end of the crochet hook. Loop the strip around the crochet hook. Pull the cut end through the loop. Pull it tight to form a knot. Weave the end back and forth through the stitches along the top of the purse.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a flap to the purse by single crocheting between the two straps on one side of the handbag only. Make the flap between 6 and 8 inches long.

References

• Needlepointers; Crocheted Beach - Craft Tote Bag Pattern; Beverly A. Qualheim; 2010
• Marlo's Crochet Corner; Plastic Bag Tote; Marlo D. Cairns
• Plastic Bag Bag: Save the Planet