EyeLoveKnots

  • Home
  • Crochet
    • Free Crochet Patterns
    • Crochet Pattern Reviews
    • Crochet 101
  • Knitting
  • Crafting
    • Plastic Canvas DIYs
    • Jewelry DIYs
    • Sewing
    • Cross Stitching
    • Upcycling
    • Other DIYs
  • Seasonal DIYs
    • 4th of July DIYs
    • Back to School DIYs
    • Christmas DIYs
    • Easter DIYs
    • Fall DIYs
    • Halloween DIYs
    • Spring DIYs
    • St. Patrick’s Day DIYs
    • Summer DIYs
    • Thanksgiving DIYs
  • Holidays/Seasonal
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Spring
    • Easter
    • Summer
    • 4th of July
    • Fall
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Winter
  • Home DIY & Decor
    • In the Bathroom
    • In the Bedroom
    • In the Dining Room
    • In the Kitchen
    • In the Living Room
    • Kids Room
  • Fashion
    • Nail Art
  • Recipes
  • Living the Dream
  • Fun Finds Around the Web
  • Linking Up To…
  • Latest News & Links
  • Privacy and Sharing Policies
  • About Our GREAT Team!
  • Latest News & Links

Crochet Plarn Handbag – FREE Pattern

November 20, 2014


For anyone looking to make a cute, new handbag and to use of some of the millions of plastic shopping bags you have around your house, here is a free pattern for you!

This handbag looks great at the end of each stage – you could leave it without the buttons, and/or you could leave it without the wrist strap. You’re the artist – it’s up to you!

Materials:

     – *N15/10mm Crochet Hook – I used Boye brand
     – Less than 25 plastic shopping bags (Less than 4 Gray bags)
     – Tapestry Needle for Weaving in Ends – I used a #18
     – Stitch Marker, Optional
     – **1 Button – I used a 7/8″ (22m) Black Colored Button from Crafting with Buttons [found at JoAnn’s, but not available for purchase online from JoAnn’s.]

Pattern Notes:
I do have a DIY Plarn tutorial should you be interested in making your own plarn, or if you just need a refresher!

*I would recommend using a hook that is more open. I tried a K10.5/6.5mm, a L11/8mm and the N15/10mm. The 6.5mm and the 10mm were of the same brand – Boye – with a more open mouth so they worked better than the 8mm – Susan Bates.

**Usually I go to Hobby Lobby for my buttons – the Sewology brand. They are available in multiple sizes and shapes in each color, available in any color, great price and sturdier. When I went to buy buttons for this project (and a few others waiting on buttons), I happened to be going to a restaurant that was in the same plaza as JoAnn’s and I ran in five minutes before closing. I quickly grabbed three packages of different colors and raced to the register.

When I got them home, I was disappointed. These buttons are halves. They have a regular smooth top side, and a flat bottom side, which made me feel like these weren’t as sturdy. I ended up having to use two of them held together to complete one full button.
I’m sure for many other projects in which you need a flat back button with holes (ie sewing a monogram or picture on a pillow or hoop art), these buttons would be great but I wouldn’t buy them again to use for closures.

Time Spent:

     It took me about an hour and 15 minutes to work up this bag from start to finish, not including making the plarn. 
It took me about an hour to make the plarn used for this bag.

Measurements:
     This handbag measures 9″ wide by 6″ in length with no stretch, and the optional wrist strap measures 10″ around.

Abbreviations
   SC – Single Crochet
   CH – Chain
   ea – each
   st/ST – stitch
   BLO – Back Loop Only
   sl st – Slip Stitch
   sc2tog – Single Crochet Two Stitches Together/Decrease
 
Pattern Notes:
 
     Join to 1st ST, not beginning chain.
 
     Beginning in Round 4, you will work your rounds in a continuous manner.  

     *If you run out of yarn while working this handbag, don’t fear! I did. Simply, attach another strip (or two, or three) to the remaining loop of plarn you have left. If you do not have a loop remaining, pull out some of your work, cut the last strip remaining so you can get to the loop of the strip right before it. Sorry, no photo!
 
Pattern:
CH 19. SC in the 2nd CH from the hook and in ea CH across. Add 2 more SCs in the last st, then begin to SC on the opposite side of the foundation chain. Add 1 more SC in the last st (to make 3). Join to the 1st SC. (38 SC)
R2: CH 1. SC in ea SC around. Join.
 
R3: BLO, SC in ea SC around. Join.
 
R4 – 13: In both loops, SC in ea SC around. DO NOT JOIN.
 
R14: SC in ea SC around. Sl st in next ST.
 
     Change color.
 
R15: CH 1, SC in ea SC around. Join.

R16: sl st into next ST. sc2tog, SC in the next 14 STs, sc2tog. (16 SC)


R17 – R19: CH 1, SC in ea ST across. 

R20: CH 1, sc2tog, SC in the next 12 STs, sc2tog. (14 SC)

R21: CH 1, SC in ea ST across.

R22: CH 1, sc2tog, SC in the next 10 STs, sc2tog. (12 SC)

R23: CH 1, SC in ea ST across – Continue on to the border.

Border: Add 1 SC in the last ST to form a rounded corner. Evenly SC down the side (I made 7), then sl st to into the the next ST – skipping the ST where the flap and bag meet. Sl st in the next 17 STs, skip the ST where the flap and bag meet on the other side, evenly SC up the side and join to the 1st SC.

Fasten Off and Weave in Your Ends. 
*Use caution when weaving in your ends to ensure that your needle makes it all the way through the section you’re weaving through and does not get caught in the plastic.

   Button Closure:

I added a button to mine. I was afraid that the use of the button would stretch out the plastic and it wouldn’t go back to size, but it all has held up really well. 
Alternatively, you could sew on a snap button with a bigger button on the outside as decoration, you could add a button hole/tie to go around the button, or you could add a magnetic closure.


   Optional Wrist Strap – 10″ around:

Lay bag flat so you can find the edge part of the bag on your side of choosing. I put mine on the right side.
Insert your hook to join the plarn. 
Chain desired length – I chained 20. Then slip stitch into the same stitch that the chain is coming out of, chain 1, turn and single crochet back across. This will give you a nice, sturdier strap.
Fasten Off and Weave in Your Ends.

 

This bag is the perfect size for travel sized containers.
And it’s waterproof so no big deal if something spills inside!
Here, I have a bottle of lotion, shampoo, and conditioner, tube of toothpaste, toothbrush and a container of Aspirin.
You could also use it as an every day purse, but I would recommend sticking in a smaller bag for things like pens/pencils, change, keys, make up brushes, etc. These items may slip or poke out of the holes.
Here, I have a container of Aspirin, bottle of lotion, smaller bag containing my ID, bank card, keys, and pen.

Please feel free to make and sell your own Plarn Handbags, but please DO NOT claim this pattern as your own nor should you sell my pattern, and DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, link to it instead.

Linked Up To…
Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party #33 – Lou Lou Girls
243rd Inspire Me Tuesday – A Stroll Thru Life
Awesome Things Tuesday Link Party – Krafting Kreations
The Sunday Showcase No. 267 – By Stephanie Lynn
Christmas Decor Tutorials – Link Party – Oh Everything Handmade
Wow Me Wednesday #181 – Ginger Snap Crafts
Yarn Fanatic Party #14 – The Philosopher’s Wife
Share Your Creativity Link Party No. 138 – It’s Overflowing
Tutorials & Tips Link Party {184} – Home Stories A to Z
*The Party Bunch Link Party – The Idea Room
*Best DIY Projects & Recipe Party –  The 36th Avenue
The Creative Collection Link Party – The Cards We Drew / Blooming Homestead
The Handmade Hangout #23 – Too Much Time on My Hands
Thanksgiving Crafts and Treats I’m Lovin’ It – Tidy Mom
Link Party Palooza – Tatertots and Jello / I Heart Naptime
November 2014 Sharing Time Week 3 – Raising Memories
Hookin’ on Hump Day #83 – Moogly Blog / Petals to Picots
Make it Monday – Etcetorize
Craft Schooling Sunday – Creative Jewish Mom
Think Pink Sunday No. 192 – Flamingo Toes
12 Delicious Holiday Cookie Recipes  + Monday Funday Link Party – Club Chica Circle
Hit Me With Your Best Shot #46 – One Krieger Chick
Your Whims Wednesday #190 – My Girlish Whims
Inspire Me Wednesday #48 – Seven Thirty Three
Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party #9 – Live Randomly Simple
Just Only Home Link Up – Just Only Home
The Creative Exchange Link Party #29 – The Happy Scraps
Share Your Inspiring Creations FDTR #145 – The DIY Dreamer
Kitchen Fun and Crafty Friday Link Party #142 – Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons
Link Party 69 – Link and Share Wednesdays – Oombawka Crochet Design
Best of the Weekend! – Little Miss Celebration
Inspiration Monday – Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Create Link Inspire #53 Linky Party – The Crafty Blog Stalker
Nifty Thrifty Sunday #183 – Nifty Thrifty Things
Time to Sparkle #89 – Inside BruCrew Life
Take a Look Tuesday – Sugar Bee Crafts


*Same Party, Two Different Names

Filed Under: Free Crochet Patterns, Uncategorized, Upcycling Tagged With: 10/N15 Hook, Alexandra Original Crochet, Buttons, Crochet, Earth Day, Eco-Friendly, Gift for Her, Gray, Joann, Plarn, Purse, Traveling, White

❮ PREVIOUS POST

Blogging World – Please Don’t Pin My Image! How to Prevent Your Images From Being Pinned

NEXT POST ❯

How to Change Yarn Colors in Crochet the EyeLoveKnots Way

Comments

  1. Jenny Guldin says

    November 20, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Great pattern!

    Jenny at crochetistheway.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      November 22, 2014 at 4:46 pm

      Thanks Jenny!

      Reply
  2. Rachel @ The Philosophers Wife says

    November 24, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    I think this is one of the cutest things made out of plastic bags that I've seen! I've come across other crochet patterns, but they looked, well, not so nice. This is super cute!

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      November 25, 2014 at 2:22 am

      That means a lot, thank you.

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Lewis says

    November 24, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    Hello gorgeous! So cute! Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see on Monday at 7 pm. We love to party with you! Happy Monday~Lou Lou Girls

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      November 25, 2014 at 2:19 am

      Wouldn't miss it.

      Reply
  4. creativejewishmom.com says

    November 25, 2014 at 7:05 am

    Fabulous, thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      November 25, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      Thank you for visiting!

      Reply
  5. Anne Krietlow says

    November 27, 2014 at 12:25 am

    This is one of the neatest upcycle tutorials I've seen yet! Thank you for linking up on Just Only Home!

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      November 27, 2014 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks Anne! I was going for something different.

      Reply
  6. Etcetorize says

    November 27, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    I love this idea for travel. This little bag will fit perfectly in my backpack on my next big trip 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing at the Make it Monday Party! Hope to see you again next week.

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      November 27, 2014 at 5:12 pm

      I'd be glad to make you one 😉 I've got plenty of bag colors to choose from. hehe Can't wait for the next party!

      Reply
  7. Jane H says

    December 1, 2014 at 6:26 pm

    This is adorable! Love the color & it is the perfect size.

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      December 1, 2014 at 10:37 pm

      Thanks Jane! It really is the perfect size – a happy accident, hehe.

      Reply
  8. Unknown says

    March 15, 2016 at 1:39 am

    Just found your pattern.. I'm really confused about pattern after round 15. Do you repeat? How do you go from 38 to 16 St? Thank you

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      March 15, 2016 at 1:43 am

      Row 16 begins the flap, that's why it's only a partial row.

      Reply
    • knots1prime says

      March 15, 2016 at 1:44 am

      Row 16 begins the flap, that's why it's only a partial row.

      Reply
    • Kim Hergenrather says

      March 15, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks for your quick response. So 1-15 are rounds, then #16 on are rows? So I would turn before each row.. Right?

      Reply
    • knots1prime says

      March 15, 2016 at 9:50 pm

      That's correct! Thanks for pointing it out. I have been meaning to update this pattern.

      Reply
  9. Nancy says

    April 29, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    I can not find your crocheted plarn grocery bag pattern. Could you pleased tell me where I can find on your site?

    Thanks,
    Nancy Jones

    Reply
    • Alexandra says

      May 12, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      This is the only plarn pattern I have (other than the how to make plarn tutorial).

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Hey! I'm Alexandra, the blogger and creator behind EyeLoveKnots and On Rockwood Lane! My passion is being creative. My favorite thing to do is crochet, and you will almost always find me having a cup of coffee and working on a new crochet project, but when I'm not doing that, you might find me out at a local park rollerblading, baking some fresh cookies, picking veggies in the garden or re-decorating for a new season or holiday. My two cats are great supervisors for all my adventures (minus the being outside because they think it's too hot in Florida to be anywhere but inside), and make sure I take plenty of breaks.

Meet the Team!

Meet the Team!

On the left, Abby is the maker behind A Stitch Shy of Normal, and on the right Jessica is the maker behind Nice and Knotty and Candace is the maker behind TandC Crafters.

Together, they help me bring awesome crochet projects to you! Click the image to learn more about them, and get their Instagram links, where they are constantly sharing tons of crochet inspiration.

Don’t Miss Out

Crochet! Magazine Spring 2023

Crochet! Magazine Spring 2023

(Affiliate Link) Click this image to get this issue now. These 22 designs are the perfect way to welcome in Spring with easy to wear layers, sweet styles amplified with striking stitch patterns, and some fun whimsical projects too.

Crochet World April 2023

Crochet World April 2023

(Affiliate Link) Click this image to get this issue now. These 21 designs are the perfect way to welcome in Spring with fun pops of color, sweet crochet thread projects, and fresh takes on the classic granny stitch pattern.

Gnome Caddy Pattern

Gnome Caddy Pattern

(Affiliate Link) Click this image to get a copy of this pattern! This adorable little Spring Gnome Caddy has a place for all of your crochet supplies. It's worked in a lightweight #3 yarn, but work in a worsted weight #4 yarn for even more space!

Archives

Copyright © 2023 EyeLoveKnots · Custom site by Moonsteam Design