Beginners' Guide to Plastic Bag Recycling - How to Make a Wallet

💚 A huge thank you to The Brotherhood: / brothersmake
♻️ Check out our recycled plastic store: www.brothersmake.com/shop
Up until now, we've mostly worked with waste plastic bottle tops for our creations. We wanted to find a way to use other forms of plastic pollution, such as the dreaded plastic carrier bag. These things are a nightmare for the planet - they never break down and animals mistake them for food. We've all seen the images of the hungry turtle mistaking a plastic bag for a jellyfish.
In this video, we show you how you can take plastic bags and turn them into a tough flexible fabric-like sheet. The beauty of this is that you don't need any specialist tools in order to do this. Check out the technique and give it a go for yourself. We'd love to hear what you have made, or what you'd like to see us make using this technique.
We found a few excellent reference videos that helped us start out with this process. Check them out for yourself here:
iJessup: bit.ly/3Lz472s
Precious Plastic: bit.ly/2KLWwx0
Plastic Shed: bit.ly/3DK946M
Wallet Template: bit.ly/3fb0jbo
#BrothersMake #PlasticBag #PlasticPollution #PreciousPlastic #RecycledPlastic #plasticrecycling
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Music by Epidemic Sound

[@BrothersMake]

Drop your plastic bag project ideas as a reply to this comment. We’ll add all the best ones to our video ideas list! 🤙🏽

[@nancyvanbeest7989]

I need to make some shopping bags with this idea .

[@BrothersMake]

Bag for life made out of recycled bags! Love it

[@inventtory1272]

Could you add some of my videos? My press turns grocery bags into hard plastic plates as durable as the panini press method and it's monumentally easier.

[@leandrogaldeano7731]

Notebook pads covers Thin coasters and table protectors Envelopes for important papers Photo frames with magnets

[@Se9n.]

Shoes

[@laurelchan2640]

I did this for a high school project and have been making a lot of things out of the plastic "fabric" ever since. Made a lot of pencil cases or toiletries bags (especially the boxy kind) with a zipper. Favourite thing to make was a bucket hat! Kind of funny and also waterproof!

[@BrothersMake]

Awesome stuff! Sounds great

[@lifeisfunny6486]

That sounds amazing 👏🏾do you have a blog or Instagram so we can see? this is such a good idea

[@traceyseymour7700]

Hi laurel , did you use a sewing machine to make your items, really love this idea..have a good day

[@JMBBrasil]

Uau. Would love to see it!

[@dau1arys301]

@@JMBBrasil I too

[@cornelsyrzysko5897]

This is awesome! My mom makes plastic bathroom mats (or big plastic carpets) by tearing the bags into strips, tying it all together in a long rope and hand crocheting them. They turn out very beautiful and suprisingly soft to walk on

[@AlisonsArt]

My mom crocheted some mats from plastic bags as well.

[@vwaldrup]

We do this for homeless people. It keeps them warm and its soft to lay on…if we can get it away from the cats...they love the plastic balls and mats!

[@AlisonsArt]

My mom crocheted a plastic newspaper rain bags into a number of mats inside & outside.

[@Jade-uh7ep]

Ohoh I want to see that!!

[@rhodawatkins4516]

@@vwaldrup I've seen a video on that! Seems like a great idea to help the planet and the homeless at the same time. Way to go! Would be good for camping mats,too, I bet.

[@leandrogaldeano7731]

From the moment you showed the finished sheet of plastic I immediately thought of notebook pads covers This looks awesome guys! I cant wait to try this out

[@BrothersMake]

Book covers is actually on our list! Thanks man!

[@eugenetswong]

What about a clipboard?

[@gomathisuppiah2449]

I had the same thought. Great minds ehh? haha

[@jokingpirate]

I had the same thought! I make sketchbooks from old paper , then sew them together but have been wondering how would I come up with a nice cover , this video is cool!

[@GabrielMartins-fm9tx]

I also thought the same

[@timne0]

To improve the stitching use blunt leather working needles. Start the stitch 3-4 stitch holes lower than the top, stitch up, then stitch down this will improve the strength. Using a proper saddle stitching technique will also improve the consistency of your stitch.

[@johnnyc.5979]

I was gonna say the same thing. Yes, they should watch some leathercrafting saddle stitching videos. Never seen anyone sew the line like they did, but it worked although with a wonky stitch line.

[@elliemayormaynot]

Great video. BTW - rubbing alcohol will remove the print from the bags. Just use scrap cloth or cotton balls and rub away.

[@82gamerprincess31]

2 tips. One is you can remove the text from bags. Many videos on how to do that. Second is if you want to do this as a hobby get a heat press like the one used to do t-shirt transfers. Makes super clean and flat sheets very quickly. If you go thick enough this stuff is bonkers strong like homemade tyvex (house wrap). I’ve seen everything from rain coats to book bags made from it.

[@mermaidleesi]

Do you mean the heat presses that can be used for iron-on and vinyl transfers? Like the ones made by Cricut? What experience do you have with those?

[@royalfourever]

Was actually kinda shocked they didn’t use one since they even used a panini press before, felt the iron was makin em work a little hard there. 🤣

[@michelleveronica6097]

@@royalfourever i guess the iron is supposed to encourage people to do the project. I don't have a heat press and I'd be discouraged if I thought I don't have the resources to make them.

[@marionsalwegter4738]

@@mermaidleesi o

[@ward26102]

@@michelleveronica6097 Agreed. Only if this is going to be a long-term project and a person would make lots of items, a heat press isn't worth the money. If one wants to make lots of items, then getting a used heat press would make the process faster.

[@regannoble8947]

There are some awesome guys in India that use this method to make “trash shoes”. All of the materials are made from recycled materials. The uppers are made from the method you showed here. Brilliant ideas!

[@hameley12]

I think I might have found them. Can't remember the store name. I found another online shop called Ocean Sole Africa (I think) most of their items are made from old flip flops and other plastic-y sandals into art. My art teacher bought two for his office, they are adult human-sized and so colorful and beautiful! I'd love to buy a medium sized piece for my Apt. Note: He paid extra for the delivery. Mostly 'cause the packaging made it heavy, and the art has some weight too, but not too much. 🎨

[@crawkn]

Everyone has way more bags than they would ever use for crafts, so I would recommend just using full sheets of printed portions of bags for the "filler," it will give a more even thickness and save a lot of time.

[@beckypetersen2680]

I why chop it up to put it in between the layers as well.

[@justinereynolds4261]

Yeah I asked myself the same thing " Why are putting down little bits ? Why not throw a sheet down ?' But on reflection I feel these little bits going in all different directions would make the end result stronger .

[@susanray8359]

This(my comment) is speculation. I would think if a section over heated and melted through one of the sheets and several single sheets are layered on top of each other it is more likely to sink and spread. Edges melt faster, using pieces and sheets in layers should result in a stronger end product while making production almost fool proof. If you try layering single sheets to start the base, I am interested how it works out!

[@debbrady497]

As a seamstress with over 50 years of experience, I appreciate how you used tools on your twin needles. It saved your finger tips! Great video. I will enjoy trying this technique! Thanks guys!

[@MB-xw1tu]

Yes ma'am. Not a seamstress but sewer and crafter. Curved needles help provide pushing power to get through thicker/tougher layers of material, but sometimes a pair of pliers or clamps (I like because they don't nick the needles) are necessary. Because of autoimmune arthritis, I'm going to need new methods... planning on getting one of those sailmaker's tools I don't remember the name of, that provides a stiff surface on the palm below the thumb to push needles through thick materials.... because sometimes you need help pushing the needle far enough through to grab onto with pliers!

[@silverwater211]

If I use a sewing machine to do this, is a leather needle is OK?

[@debbrady497]

@@MB-xw1tu I have fibromyalgia. I live in pain every day as you probably do also. Best wishes to you.

[@debbrady497]

@@silverwater211 I would not use a machine on this, as it may well cause the material to crack, unless you pre-punch the holes, and then you will have to match stitch length to your holes. If you indeed do use a sewing machine, then yes, a leather needle would be preferred. Have fun!

[@silverwater211]

@@debbrady497 Thanks! As the seam is short, I could slowly operate the flywheel of the machine by hand using a leather needle.

[@greenmtnmellie]

I turn mine into "plarn" & crochet mats for the local animal shelter. Cats seem to love them. It also works to make bags for picking veg in the garden.

[@irinadalah9089]

truth be told, the moment you showed the finished flower thingy, I immediately thought of cutting boards. if you make the initial sheet twice as thick, and then glue 7-8-10 layers together, wouldn't it make a thick enough cutting board? not for food, but for crafts. I'll have to try it. and then I thought that if the gluing won't work, then just making the initial sheet twice as thick, would make wonderful pads for pricking and poking work (yeah, yeah, I know, there's so many dirty jokes in that one 😈). and then the ideas really started flowing: aprons, floor mats for the cat's dishes (mine drinks like a dog, and spills all over the place), "upholstery" for the gardening kneeling stool-thingy, sectioned up totes for gardening tools and materials, protective mats for crafting, protective mats for small mattresses (or grown-up ones, if you have the patience), protective mats for just about any place inside a car, up-to and including the truck bay... I wonder if they make good anti-slipping mats, if you poke a few suckers through... and I think, the piece-de-resistance: and number of base-mats for huge outdoor board games. it will need skill to plan the outer layer, but I think it would be awesome!! I'll try a pachisi square one for this summer. and I'll have the kids play as game-pawns, while the parents would throw the dice...

[@oojagapivy]

We did this with our students a few years back (7- I had to think about that). They made things like phone holders, pencil cases etc. I even used the process with my timber class to create large ‘vinyl’ like sheets. We then used them as upholstery for our footstools. It was really hard wearing, which surprised the students.

[@pistachoo.]

how old were your students? I've always wanted to do this with mine, but I worry about parents getting upset re breathing in fumes or other concerns...

[@oojagapivy]

@@pistachoo. yrs 7-10. Not much chance of fumes if managed well around the iron. Keep it moving. If concerned, setup the iron at the doorway or near a window.

[@pistachoo.]

@@oojagapivy is that 7-10 year old children, or school grades?

[@oojagapivy]

@@pistachoo. school grades. So 11-16 yrs old

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

@@oojagapivy☺️ God Bless you for being a teacher. I retired in the early aughts from teaching HS Spanish for 25 years. I would have loved to have taught art instead 🙂. It sounds like you had your students involved in completing some really cool projects. 👍🏾

[@serenitydavis1828]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm a bookbinder who's been looking for an affordable, more water-resistant cover material for a bit. This should work wonderfully.

[@BrothersMake]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elliottjunkyard2185]

I'm also a bookbinder and this was my first thought while watching!

[@carolinewhaley6804]

I make plarn tote bags out of plastic grocery bags and always have the handles and bottom seam left over. Definitely going to try this with those bits!

[@BrothersMake]

That’s a great way to use them up!

[@KCCAT5]

I used to do this I used to make plarn and I made the Sleep mats for the homeless what I did was take the extras( the handles and the seams, and ripped unusablebags) and put them aside and then after I was done making the bed roll and the strap I would make a pillow starting with the tote bag pattern just make it smaller and I would stuff the ends and leftover bits and pieces inside and then sew up the opening

[@flurng]

what is plam?

[@FaeryRene]

@@flurng plarn = plastic 'yarn' made from strips of recycled plastic

[@RobC901]

Be really sweet to make a sheath for an axe or maybe a carrier for your inkpen, endless possibilities when it comes to recycling!!!!!!

[@jlarts]

Can I suggest you look into leather working sewing techniques? Maybe even use leather needles for your saddle stitches as I'm sure they'd be easier to work with than using pliers. I'm really curious what the texture is like now as there's potential for replacing a lot of things traditionally made with leather with this material.

[@BrothersMake]

Yes we decided we definitely need to look into that! This was our first project that included sewing so it was good to try it out.

[@HogwartsBasement]

I think a normal sewing machine would fire through it no problem

[@jlarts]

@@HogwartsBasement It probably would but you would need to adjust the tension accordingly as it might pull the thread too tight. Doing it by hand allows for a little more control.

[@susangopher]

The domestic Singer 15s were known as the Farmers sewing machine because it sewed agricultural sacks and leather. That would work!

[@Timri3681]

Your "blocks in the vise" idea immediately struck me as a makeshift stitching pony, and the type of sewing is exactly a saddle stitch. Much like OP, I'm thinking of how I might incorporate this into leather working!

[@savvivixen8490]

I would love to see leatherworkers use this material as practice or proof of concept purposes! It saves on leather, reduces waste, and breathes life into plastic that would be harmful otherwise! It probably wouldn't fix every problem, but I like this idea!

[@diannedelledera3096]

Awesome idea!

[@Natalie-hg3gh]

Such a good idea

[@seameology]

Perfect for my Christmas DIY. I'm giving my numerous siblings recipes from our mother and grandmothers. A great book cover with minimal work. Make sheets, punch three holes with a hole punch and I will have a book. With creative working like the rose, I can put writing on the top layer. I just saw a DIY where you can put paper between clear layers. So I could also print my own covers. I have PLENTY of plastic bags. More than enough to make gifts for seven siblings plus nieces.

[@diannedelledera3096]

Makes great journals and sketch pads and you often can find recycled paper from businesses and schools and use the recycled paper between the covers.

[@bschultz7390]

Ooh good idea!

[@PumpkinPails]

This looks fun! I like to make my own sketchbooks with random bits of trash like receipts, junk mail, packaging paper, etc.. Now, I want to experiment with making the covers out of plastic bags and continue the trash theme. ♻️

[@allensketchclub8579]

this is definitely a neat idea, and quite simple. make it larger, add a braided handle, imbed some magnets for closures and you have a pouch. drawstring top? adjustable straps? (hdpe clasps and hardware, no doubt....) perhaps even a zipper!! large round shaped bags, beach bags, even a shopping bag with pouches to hold the gel cold packs to keep the items cold. unfortunately several places have banned single use bags such as these, so they are not quite as plentiful as s they once were, but this is still such a great idea! carry on!!

[@BrothersMake]

Such a huge amount of amazing ideas! Thanks Allen 🤙🏽

[@hameley12]

Allen, some shops, not many online, but def some stores or departments that ship off merchandise through online orders, the plastic is quite thick, HDPE safe, and easy to manage. These large plastic wraps are great for reusing and crafting. 😄

[@h0tp0t1]

I ironed a lot of plastic bags into bats, hats, capes and many many other Halloween accessories for a Halloween themed recycled fashion show at a youth club. We had great fun for a month planning and designing and a wonderful night on the night. The colours you guys used would be great for decorations.

[@glendagraves1637]

That's a brilliant idea!

[@nilsschenkel7149]

It´s probably not important for something like a wallet, but usually you go hole for hole if you stitch with two needles. You leave the first thread in a loop you can hold on to when you pass it through, and pull on it when you pass through the second needle. This helps with getting it through in stiffer materials, but more importantly it prevents you from stitching through the thread. Doing it that way is important if you want to properly tighten the stitch, as you then can pull on both threads and they move independetly. If the material you sew togehter is thick enough for it, you´ll be able to "sink" the stitching into its surface, making a more durable stitching since it will be less exposed to abrasion or snagging.

[@lanapeterzon9055]

Yup! :)

[@drkatel]

I think I can picture what you’re saying but I need to find a video of this process. Thank you! I have a lot to learn.

[@philipbohi983]

@@drkatel check out some leather-working channels like Claridge Leather for good stitching techniques, like the Saddle Stitch (I had to repair an Ugg boot my Plott Hound decided to play with and found that channel). His instruction is awesome.

[@maryhornbostel6959]

To speed cutting of plastic bags layer and use a rotary cutter and ruler for fabric. To cut many finished pattern pieces, try a cricket cutter machine. Thanks for the info, my pentacle folder is wearing out so maybe I'll make one soon.

[@BrothersMake]

A rotary cutter is a good idea. We may look at a cricut too :)

[@BeCreativewithTerryJeanette]

I love to recycle things like this. I've taken plastic bags and made "plain"...plastic yarn...and crochet bags. I've made a beach bag and I also made a smaller one into a bag to put my beach finds in when I go beach combing. Thanks for sharing. I will be trying this for sure.

[@bliblimama3994]

Make plarn and knit it (or crochet). What is plarn? Plastic yarn. You make sturdy and roomy shopping bags.

[@barbarahallowell2613]

Absolutely genius! Not just a great way to reuse, but it looks like fun! I'm envisioning making large pieces like this to cut out with a pattern to sew a jacket or skirt. Honest, had no idea! I've crocheted strips of thin grocery bags to make camp mats, but, wow! ❤ Thx for the inspiration 😊 Best part, I've all ready got everything needed to give it a go! 😊

[@anaon.industries]

ideas: make something bigger, like a handbag, a Nintendo Switch case, a phone sock, a laptop case. Let's gooo!

[@lisafriloux1713]

been making plastic fabric for years! I now use it to make purses(makes sturdy interfacing) and junk journal covers & ephemera, great video!

[@BrothersMake]

Thats awesome, Lisa. Book covers are on our list to try out!

[@WABWSM]

It would be amazing to see the extent of viable fabric development. Like how big of a sheet and how thick could it be made? Also basically anything using leather craft techniques, since you’re already using leather sewing techniques, would be extremely viable as a means of repurposing this kind of plastic. Depending on the tensile strength and effort needed to make a strong enough sheet, you could possibly repurpose plastic bags into belts. Love the channel.

[@CM_CM_]

Business Insider has a few videos on factories/companies that have been recycling plastic for many years if you're interested

[@magueocampo129]

Can you use a sewing machine to stitch the plastic and what size needle

[@vestibulitis]

@@magueocampo129 I have not done this, but here are guesses: use a topstich needle or denim needle sized to the thread size. Buy heavier weight thread (lower numbers), if possible. Strengthen the thread by running the thread through wax. Some machines will go through the plastic more easily than others if they have a low gear, which is meant for sewing through leather or denim.

[@barbarahallowell2613]

I concur, I immediately thought of using this plastic -fabric in my sewing machine. I'd think keeping it slow and low with a heavier thread would do it. Now, I've got it in my head to make shoes, eek, the fun could never go nd.😊😊😊

[@Timri3681]

I've been inspired by you guys to incorporate "plastic craft" in my workshop (along with woodworking and a backyard aluminum foundry). I've used plastic Kroger (tm) grocery bags in a dedicated toaster oven to make really strong ¼" thick billits, then use a scroll saw to carve out Keychain and medallions. They're HDPE, so enough stacked together and fused make a strong, solid block to work with!

[@BrothersMake]

That sounds very cool!

[@ccorbin83]

Tim, do you have a Facebook page where you show your projects? I’d love to see some of your ideas.

[@Timri3681]

@@ccorbin83 Sorry, I keep meaning to make some sort of online presence, but haven't done anything yet. I mostly text pics to friends and get feedback, but nothing public yet. 🙃 My wife says I should make an etsy shop or something 😅

[@lisac7386]

Does the material float? You could make boat keychains.

[@denalihedgehog]

I wonder if I could do that with an Ikea bag 😮

[@nilamghule6864]

Nice ideas you are telling from waste plastic. This is the steps towards ' Save Environment' 👌👌

[@sharonruff3837]

I can see lampshades, wall hangings, trunk, drawer, & bin liners, window shades, handbags, shopping bags, it could even replace wallpaper! Endless applications! Good on you two!!!

[@kat_ork]

I am not sure if anyone else has said this yet, but you can very easily sew this with a sewing machine. I used to make litte notebooks by just adding some papers and them sewing straight down the middle. Easy peasy😊

[@BrothersMake]

For sure! We just don’t have a sewing machine :)

[@missaspnksurmom]

I was wondering about that. Which type of sewing machine needle would you suggest for this project? Sorry if that is a silly question.... I have a sewing machine, but I don't know how to use it yet. 😔

[@kat_ork]

@@missaspnksurmom depending on how thick your material is. But nothing special. Just a regular needle.

[@Queer_Nerd_For_Human_Justice]

@@BrothersMake Hand sewing works great for books too ^^

[@nicolaclements1477]

You can make nice l, reusable gift wrap bags to replace the plasticised paper gift bags people normally use. You can just do the seams with an iron or hot glue if you don't want to sew. Just in time for Christmas!

[@marillaarguelles7362]

These recycled plastic wallets seem like a terrific project for brownie or cub scout troups, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.

[@stigyanblue1442]

I've made a messenger bag before. Now I want to make a tent! But collecting enough will take awhile. I don't want to just buy plastic for it, I want to save plastic from becoming trash. Bags from your favorite places to shop look really neat!

[@magicalumbrella7151]

roofing and tents - excellent

[@twotone3070]

As someone else has said, plastic bags left outside for some time seem to degrade. There is probably no UV stabiliser in them as they are not intended to last particularly long.

[@joanadias8480]

This seems like a great tecnique to use to make handmade notebook covers

[@Lladyma]

I’ve done this!!! Thank you for the inspiration 😇. I’ve done one so far, always do a test, but I’m going make more … using my sewing machine. Also, yes using the iron to seal the sides before sewing is a great idea! You guys are chuffin’ awesome 🤩!!

[@nancyneyedly4587]

Make it larger with a strap and you have a little purse, cute!

[@BrothersMake]

Nice idea!

[@ZeeZeeTope]

The black one looks like leather, which opens up a ton of possibilities for use of that “fabric” in craft making. Love this video! Thank you both!

[@christophersmith8014]

Potting soil bags should be good for this. You usually don't even have to cut them; you can just pull them open and their seam will tear into a flat sheet. A roasting pan full of sand heated in the oven works as a nice large flat iron. The thermal mass of the sand can keep a constant temperature relative to the mass of the plastic being heated, and you can get it as hot as you'd like with an even distribution.

[@thatclothgirl]

Oooo, YES! Pet food bags as well!

[@girlnextdoorgrooming]

@@thatclothgirl some pet food bags have mylar in the center.

[@thatclothgirl]

@@girlnextdoorgrooming uh oh. Is that good or bad?

[@StrawberryPhys]

I did a really similar idea using vinyl placemats from the dollar store. I like your idea using plastic bags. Great job guys! 😁💜

[@skedizzle]

This is awesome and an extremely accessible idea for tons of people! Almost everybody has plastic bags, an iron, and thread. That's so awesome of you guys. It's so good to see people caring about the planet.

[@huandeng335]

Really appreciate it! In addition to being a very practical and doable way to reduce plastic bags, it is also an excellent project for DIY lovers!

[@odirex]

nice texture, looks like seaweed

[@BrothersMake]

It’s super interesting isn’t it?!

[@clouda9023]

Guys, thank you so much for this. I am a huge eco-womble who makes all sorts of new things out of stuff that's been thrown away (have jumped into skips in the recycling centre with my knife on top of leather sofas that just got dumped - disgusting!). You chaps take it to another level. Your ideas for making new material from so called 'non-recyclable' materials is wonderful. You have a new subscriber.

[@ariamazing555]

The best content ive seen in 2024❤

[@bubbysbub]

Oooooh, this was a random click watch, but I've been looking for a super, and I mean suuuuper, thin leather-like material for a project, and was resigning myself to paying quite a bit for a synthetic 1mm leather from a specialty place and hoping it would do. The black 'back' of the plastic sheets here is almost exactly what I was after- yahoo! And I get to experiment with a new material, woot! That is also made from recycled material, double woot! I love it, my brain is on fire from an overload of ideas, thank you so much for sharing this! As a side note, your delivery of your content is great, very clearly laid out information, no confusion on plastic types, or temperature, very easy to understand instructions, and also, no specialty equipment. I salute you, boys, for your great content. Clapping for you all the way from Australia!

[@johnrobinson518]

Brilliant Idea! You guys never cease to amaze me! This is totally brilliant and the possibilities are endless! Thank You both for another excellent tutorial/video! J.R.

[@johnrobinson518]

P.S. I have seen these bags used for cloth grocery bag liners before, to insulate (and sometimes water proof them) but when you think about it, it is like making the same thing out of the same thing, and it rarely works anyway. I never thought you could actually make something out of them by themselves. Well, that is until you guys came along and showed us this was possible. You Guys Are Truly Amazing. Thanks Again. J.R.

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks for the kind words John. Glad you liked the video!

[@ccorbin83]

I have been watching your channel for couple years. But just haven’t tried the HDPE yet. But have fused few layers of plastic bags. Ideas for the plastic bags are shopping bags, rain coats, purses, and rain hats. I have cut bags into continuous strips and twisted (spun) into plastic “yarn” for crocheting.

[@lucycowie7245]

I have done the crocheting too

[@beccalee199]

I simply love love love love love the way you guys make this project doable for everyone. I’ll try to use the technique to make something as well as soon as I find some plastic bags, since I hid all we had and replaced them with paper and fabric ones so that we don’t use the bad stuff when we already have better ones 😅

[@kathybyers398]

I think you could make very durable reusable shopping bags. 🛍 Seems like a perfect medium.

[@GavinRudge]

Curious to see how LDPE travelled in the panini press - works surprisingly well & was able to make a few solid blanks. Given that it's easier to cut a bag rather than a bottle, might experiment further with using bags to make solid things.

[@tinasally379]

You guys are awesome!!! I never thought anything could be done with all the bags we have. Thank you for posting this video!!! 💖💕💓

[@stephenjanes103]

Thank you. You guys are great. We collect bags from our beaches and sometimes offshore. Now we will use your technique to make "plastic fabrics". My wife has many great design ideas for this material.

[@JakeStaines]

I'm curious how long these sheets last? Old supermarket plastic bags often seem to degrade and get brittle as time goes by, eventually disintegrating into flakes; I've definitely had it happen to an orange Sainsbury's bag as seen in the video! I expect it's due to exposure to UV so it probably isn't a concern for things like wallets which are generally kept in a pocket or bag, but I wonder whethet it would be wise to avoid making things like wearable bags or hats with this technique that might well be out in the sun much more often?

[@douglasgallardojr4759]

Even if they wear out, it's still worth doing, because it gets them out of the ecosystem for a while and changes them from bags to hat so they're less likely to clog things up when finally discarded. My question is: Can they be reused through the same process after UV breaks them down? Maybe there's a chance for "return your worn hat for a discount on a new one" deals.

[@silverwater211]

Those that disintegrate into flakes are biodegradable ones, avoid them in a project like this. It is usually written on the bag.

[@actemioq]

Qué gran trabajo! Sin duda voy a intentar hacer una para mí! Gran idea para reciclar!!!

[@BrothersMake]

Awesome!

[@buangashady2310]

I used plastic bag for making knife handel, you guys motivated me

[@BrothersMake]

Awesome!

[@lynngill1588]

I have used these methods before and have plans to go real big by building a frame out of tubular PVC pipes and then Stretching a thick sheet of this plastic sheeting to cover it as I hae a design that is a tano cover some time and converts to a pop up camper when I want it. I remember a lady on You tube when I first learned this method She was making hand bags and bed rolls for homeless people that she and others made and distributed through their church Great video Please keep them coming

[@paulidevoss7249]

Really great idea! You could use saddle stitch here to give your stitching a nice consistent finish over all. Not too hard to learn & lots of tutorials on youtube atm

[@BrothersMake]

Good tip! Thanks :)

[@CTCTraining1]

Excellent video guys ... and from the start I was wondering how those coop bags would work in the final mix. Keep up the great work 😀👍

[@BrothersMake]

They were definitely interesting to work with! Thanks for watching Chris 🤙🏽

[@MATCHAshells]

Thank you a million Mann! Brilliant. Too enthusiastic to make one for everyone in my life and show how fun it is to upcycle ♻️ something that would other wise ending up in the gullet of a living thing.

[@MakerCuisine]

Great video, been looking into how to better recycle my plastic shopping bags and this has definitely give me ideas

[@KernsJW]

Nice idea, but have to say those are more coin purses than wallets. Lets go for level 2 and 3 and make some bifold and trifold wallets along with a money clip and one of those ID holders!

[@BrothersMake]

Yes you’re probably right there. We’ll step it up on the next one 🤙🏽

[@janice2992]

If surgical sewer's are in short supply I think you guys will be great. Thank you for inspiring video ☺️

[@BrothersMake]

Haha thanks Janice!

[@fukuccccccc]

I appreciate what you are doing with this material and the creative ideas that y'all apply quality craftsmanship. Good on ya! ☺

[@pamdooley8834]

I love this idea! Can't wait to try it out for myself. Thanks so much :)

[@darleneelko1956]

Priceless video... awesome job! Sewing by hand: an Awl can be used. Or use a needle with an extra thread. Stitch with one, while feeding through the back side with the thread to create a stitch like a sewing machine bobbin. At the end, pull it through to seal both threads on one side. BYW, option if you use an overcast stitch, only one needle is needed. It will provide more space inside, but it with use, will wear the threads more. I wonder if these plastic sheets would go through the papercraft cutting machine to make the holes. One question... separating the colors of plastic, was there a main reason?

[@stephschleicher1813]

Great idea. Agree about using leather needles. I’m wondering if there are any concerns about toxic fumes from heating the plastic up?

[@donnac5201]

Yes, you should probably do this outside!

[@melodyengland4439]

@@donnac5201 Or maybe just wear a mask, since the covid virus, heck i still have tons of unused masks, i'll always keep some around, cause you just never know, if they'll be another virus outbreak, probably there will be & in the meantime, i will use some when making things out of my plastic bags, i just love the brilliant credit card purse idea.

[@KristenK78]

Open a window if at all possible.

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

I love what you guys stand for. You are simple guys doing complex, and yet simple things. Your work speaks for itself. God richly bless you and all those you love. Have a great week coming!

[@BrothersMake]

Thank you Carly! That means a lot 🤙🏽

[@robinaanstey3734]

Brilliant!!! The possibilities with this technique is endless....cheers from sunny FL 🙂

[@DeanTheDoctor]

Thanks everyone. Stay awesome out there you guys. 😊🌎✨

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks!

[@Gatherersmusic]

How about ground sheets for camping/tents?

[@jacobopstad5483]

Cool! I've used plastic bags for a few things like making handles for silverware. Instead of melting the plastic, I just wrapped the bag in layers around the utensils. It's not quite as sturdy or attractive as fused plastic but it also consumes no energy. I have also melted some of them after wrapping and I was satisfied with the result.

[@doloresmoreno6950]

I loved your work! Thanks for inspiring us. Many ideas came to my mind ! When I do them I will tell you how they went.

[@TiredMomma]

Question! 1: How long is the nylon thread? 2: What ever happened to the pretty flower? 🌷 3: Does this template fit most credit/debit cards? (I saw the cash but that can be folded to fit whereas cards can't)

[@BrothersMake]

Answers! 1. Probably about 30-40cm 2. We've yet to do anything with it - so are saving it for when we have a bright idea (of course open to suggestions!) 3. Yep, it fits about 6 cards in 🤙🏼 Enjoy!

[@aliciapaul2536]

Hi, would you be able to mix other fabrics like cotton calico between layers? And what's the limit on layers can you do?

[@mamamoon65]

Brilliantly executed! Thanks for sharing!

[@svarteroser.]

This is so awesome! Thank you so much for the guide 🖤 keep rocking!

[@jrvn94]

This is really cool, and a great initiative! Do you think you'd be able to make watch straps from this material?

[@samanthalourdesbillones1152]

I am excited to use this idea for a laptop envelope where I can store my laptop as extra protection instead of placing it bare inside my bag. Thanks for this!

[@ischi6200]

Did you try it? I was thinking a cover for my tablet

[@michellebeckstrom6110]

Thank you both for caring enough to try to counter this idiotic over proliferation of plastic pollution!!!

[@db7059]

Plastic bags into wallet. Wish I saw this sooner. I denied people for giving me recycle plastic bags.

[@BrothersMake]

Now you can do something with them!

[@VaibhavShewale]

why not commercialized by slaping a small logo

[@antoniatiu6944]

WOW! You just gave me an idea. I'll create a 16"x 20" artwork out these plastic bags I have and also make some place mats!. I'll see how it goes.Thank you. Thank you!!

[@anamariajohnson3123]

This is one of the best and most versatile ideas I’ve seen! I have to try this with all the plastic bags I have

[@fruitsalad5976]

can't wait to see more projects made from plastic bags! it's easy enough that most of us can easily try these methods! good job!

[@BrothersMake]

Thanks! We have lots of ideas now!

[@eugeneplakosh8423]

Now there'sa sewing technique I've never seen before! That willcome in handy for lots of projects.

[@jelias9247]

OMGosh!! I’m going to make lots of things with this knowledge!!! Thank you so much for making your videos!!!

[@leesse]

Whoa! That's AWESOME! I'm picking my jaw up off the floor right now! What a Brilliant Idea! Now I'm off to find plastic bags! You Guys Rock! ♥

[@stephaniecranston8134]

Everyone will be getting something I make from plastic bags next Christmas!

[@florchus1987]

Hi! I'm Flor from Montevideo, Uruguay and I love your channel. I'm an entrepreneur that makes felt toys for kids and different fabric items. Thanks to this video I've explored the technique and made lots of different articles. Let's keep recycling and reusing! Thank you!!!!

[@dennisharrell2236]

Awesome idea. I've also seen videos teaching how to weave/braid plastic bags into small rugs or sleeping mats.

[@blazehammer192]

Thank you! Always wanted to find a better use then using those bags for trash bags

[@brendasmyth3196]

What a great video well done guys what great ideas, i luv making things from things that are usually thrown away so id luv to give this a go thank u👌💖

[@krishnarao3768]

Amazing idea! Thanks, for sharing. I did think of raincoats, hats and rain boots.... But I see many have suggested similarly! All the best! You can even think of Dog coats

[@rosedubois5210]

Lovethe wallets you make .and it helps to restore the plastics.thank you❤❤❤❤

[@JasonGamingForever]

I make plastic bags for a living. Just because its stretchy does not mean its LDPE. Most plastic retail bags (Tshirt bags) are HDPE> this is because HDPE has a huge repeat recycling potential. If you ever find bags you can always contact a local retailer to see if they send them back to the bag maker. You can also contact the company NOVOLEX and see where they might be nearby enough to take a lot of bags.

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

Great video and got me crafting even more. Will tag you all when I do make more diy from plastic. Glad I subscribed ♥️