Plastic Bag Crafts

Use this versatile crocheted plarn bowl to gather up and organize keys, toys, kitchen items, and more.

Materials needed

• Quarter-inch wide plarn
• “I” hook

Pattern

Start with Magic Adjustable Ring

Round 1: 12 double crochets in ring

Continue crocheting in a spiral rather than joining with slip-stitch

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This versatile hauler has a wide shoulder strap for comfort carrying heavy loads.

Materials needed

• Quarter-inch wide plarn
• “I” hook

Pattern

Start with magic adjustable ring

Round 1: 12 double crochet, mark last stitch with stitch marker
Note: Continue crocheting in a spiral rather than joining with slip-stitch

Round 2: 2 double crochet in space between stitches – 24 dc
Note: Move stitch marker to last double crochet to indicate end-of-round now and throughout
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This plarn hat is easy to wear and comfortable. On warm days you’ll appreciate the breeze coming through the decorative gaps.

Materials needed

• Size H crochet hook
• Quarter-inch wide plarn

Pattern

Start with magic adjustable ring

Round 1: 10 single crochet, mark last stitch with stitch marker
Continue crocheting in a spiral rather than joining with slip-stitch

Round 2: 2 single crochet in each single crochet
Move stitch marker to last single crochet to indicate end-of-round now and throughout

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Use these easy flowers to decorate gifts. Each flower requires only one plastic grocery bag.

1. Cut the handles and bottom off bag

2. Push pleats out and flatten out tube

3. Cut side seams

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A crocheted plarn tote bag with a flat bottom, modeled after a brown paper grocery sack, provides a lot of room for groceries or other bulky loads.

Materials needed

• Size N crochet hook
• Plarn made from 200-250 plastic bags

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Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. Amigurumi is its own technique, so patterns for these animals will not be provided here; there are plenty of sites providing patterns. Start with:

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Bags crocheted with plarn are exceptionally strong, and also long-lasting. Take a look at this side-by-side comparison of how plarn bags handle a bowling ball drop vs. typical single-use shopping bags.

Plarn crochet creates a sturdy tote bag to use as a purse or reusable shopping bag.

Materials needed

• Size N hook (preferably metal)
• Plarn made from a minimum of 100 plastic bags

Pattern

Chain 30

Half double crochet from second chain from hook

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Crochet drink coasters using plarn. Make them a bit larger to use them as mats under potted plants.

Materials needed

• Size N hook (preferably metal)
• Size G or any smaller hook for finish work
• Plarn (about five plastic bags)
• Bottom liner for finished coaster (optional)

Pattern

First round: Make magic adjustable ring; make one single crochet.

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Plarn is short for “plastic yarn.” Plarn is made by cutting plastic grocery bags into strips, which are then strung together into a single long strand.

You can use plarn instead of regular yarn to crochet sturdy, reusable tote bags, purses, doormats, and more.

Click here for instructions on making plarn.