How to Crochet with Plastic Grocery Bags

Interested in a craft that will keep you entertained and recycle, all at the same time? Then give crocheting with plastic bags a whirl. Never heard of it? Neither have a lot of people, but don't let that stop you! Crocheting with plastic bags creates a unique fabric that is washable and durable, and reuses plastic that would otherwise be thrown away. Crafting supply of plastic grocery bags, and lets get started!

Preparing the Bags

First, take one plastic grocery bag. Fold it lengthwise, several times, making pleats. Do this until you have one long folded strip, with the bottom at one end and the handles at the other. Now, cut off the handles, and cut off the bottom. Then cut the long strip into one inch lengths. Unfold each one, and you should have a pile of small grocery bag loops.

Take these loops and link them together by pulling one through the other. As you do so, you'll end up with a long string of loops. This is your "yarn". Continue to link, and roll the "yarn" into a ball as you go. Continue this process with each of your plastic bags.

As you make your plastic bag yarn, keep like colors together. For example, if you have blue bags, yellow bags, and brown bags, roll each one seperately. This will allow you to work color variations such as stripes into your work. I prefer to cut a few bags and then crochet a few rows, as the "yarn" making process can be a bit tedious, but this is an individual preference.

Crocheting with the Plastic "Yarn"

If you've only crocheted with normal, fiber yarn, crocheting with plastic is a very different experience. Experiment, and choose a hook that allows you to achieve the guage you have in mind. The plastic stretches and gives as you work, so it may take a bit of practice to achieve an even stitch. However, once you do, the possibilities are endless!

Pick a pattern, either from a book you already own, or from the internet, where there are many free pattern resources. Some types of patterns are better suited than others. For example, one would probably not want to make a plastic bag afghan! However, rugs, tote bags, etc. should all work fine. Just imagine - a reusable grocery tote made from recycled grocery bags, striped plastic rugs that can easily be wiped clean of spills...the possibilities are endless!

And there you have it. Your new, environmentally savvy craft of choice. Sooner than you think you'll be asking your friends and family to save you their bags. Just tell them that they're helping do their part to reduce, reuse, and recycle.