Thursday, July 4, 2013

Plarn Shopping Bag-Recycling with Crochet

Have you heard of Plarn? It's a fun 'green' craft that uses strips of cut up plastic bags to crochet a sturdier (and cuter:@) Reusable Shopping Bag. The bag is worked in a continuous round and depending on the size you make comes together fairly quickly. I think these bags would be really cute little gifts, especially if you know someone that's passionate about recycling.
 
As usual I started with a great detailed tutorial HERE and kinda veered off in my own direction...
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Tips:
  • One thing I read over and over was "keep the stitches loose", I echo that.
  • I used bags that all came from one store so the colors worked together. I did start another bag using all different colors from different stores and it didn't take long to see that was, um... really ugly!
  • For this bag I chose an N hook and worked most of it in half double crochet, the very top and handle was double crochet. The tutorial uses a K hook.
  • I do recommend two handles for stability (one on each side) instead of one across the middle.
  • I'd say the bag is great for medium weight items and can carry a decent amount of things, it does stretch.
  • Want a beach bag that the sand can be shaken out of and then hosed down? I think this would work...
  • When the bag gets too beaten up and dirty, simply drop it into the recycling bin at the supermarket. 

24 comments:

  1. What goes around comes around. I remember doing this 40 years ago to make rain hats and shopping bags. To make the plastic easier to cut and handle, sprinkle it and your hands lightly with baby powder.

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  2. I love this!!! I have so many bags, I use them for everything and always appreciate another idea. This is a crochet project that I might even 'complete'. Thanks for sharing another fun project.

    Happy 4th my friend. xo

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  3. What a great idea! But then you have lots of those. I hope you have a great holiday. Blessings...Mary

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  4. I like this idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. So adorable and green Lynn! From one of my favorite stores too, I have a stock pile if only I could crochet :) Happy 4th!

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  6. Fabulous idea, Lynn. I have been good with using the canvas ones, but throwing them in the washing machine can wear them out. Some stores give the option of paper, I take that over plastic. But this is a cute, cute project. Happy 4th! xo

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  7. great idea! Thanks for sharing, And Happy 4th of July :)

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  8. Now look at that cute project!! I love it, Lynn, and it looks like the bag might be made from Target bags?? I have plenty of those. Happy 4th to you and Earl.

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  9. I take recycling very seriously, so this just might be my #1 reason to finally learn how to crochet!
    Happy 4th of July!
    Carol

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  10. You are always coming up with a clever idea. '-)
    Happy 4th to you and Earl.......Sarah

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  11. that is too too cool! :) happy independence day!

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  12. Lynn, I've seen them before ~ but your version is my fav, it is too darn CUTE!

    Love the color and the proportion of yours ~ Kudos to you that you made those old ugly plastic bags into something pretty and useful (and gave them one more life!)

    Happy Independence Day! xo

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  13. I really like this dyi, Lynn! What a great idea!!!

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  14. Really cute project! and a great way to "recycle"! =)

    Have a great weekend!

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  15. Happy 4th of July! God BLess America. That was made out of bags! Awesome. sandie

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  16. I've seen these bags and think they are awesome! Great recycling!

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  17. Great project and a way to have your own unique shopping bag.
    Sam

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  18. Fantastic. I like to take one of my market baskets with me when I shop, but sometimes they are cumbersome. I'm all about the BYOB (Bag, not booze. Who brings booze on a shopping trip? HA)

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  19. I have some plan rolled up and have been putting off using it. Great job on the shopping bag! :-)

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  20. What a cool idea to crochet with plastic bags! Recycling at it's best.

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  21. Wow..this looks like a fun and useful craft!

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  22. Great work Lynn - what a cool upcycle!

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  23. Putting this one in my crochet board for a winter project! This would be perfect for the farmers market too.

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  24. Super cute idea! Love it!
    Hope you have a good week!
    Hugs from Portugal,

    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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