How I made a crocheted plarn bag-so you can do it too!

This is my OG project, the one I return to over and over and make all the variations I can-a crocheted purse or market bag. This can be modified to make smaller bags, similar to a clutch, that is great for kiddos. My pattern for this large bag is below:
For the large bag, i use an N size crochet hook. I chain 19, then loop back to start going in rounds (using either a marker or just paying close attention.) round 1-half double stitch in each stick, with 3 hds (half double stitch) in each end of the chain.
round 2-hds in each stich, with 2 hds in each of the 3 end stitches, each end.
round 3-same as round 2.
round 4-only difference is 3 hds in each of the 3 end stitches.
round 5-same as round 4.
round 6-single stitch, back loop only, all the way around. (this ends the flat bottom and begins to turn up the sides.)
I then spiral for 22 rounds, hds in each stitch, before begining the handles. for the handles-i first make sure to count my number of stitches all the way around the bag, which will usually be 76. starting at the side of the bag (i fold it flat along the length of the base to be certain of being in the middle of the short side)
hds in next 10 stitches, then chain 40, the begin hds again after skipping 18 stitches. 20 more hds, chain 40, hds after skipping 18 again. this begins to form your handles.
From here on, hds where connected to the side of the bag, single stitch on the handles. i believe i do 5 rounds for the handle.
to end, in the side connected to the bag, i hds 10 then slip stitch 10, then cut and tie off.
#plarn #crochet #diycrafts

[@rachellee.9389]

I made a couple of plarn market bags, and a sleeping mat to avoid sleeping on the wet ground (for the homeless). I am now trying a simple basket with whole plastic bags rolled up and used as the exposed coils.

[@jeffandthings77]

I tried making the sleeping mat once, and used it for camping-and I wasn't excited about it. I am curious how you're doing the basket-are you crocheting around the whole bags, or are you tying/sewing around them to keep them together? I'm working on a growing playlist of crafts completed from plarn, so I'm always looking for inspiration and ideas! Thanks!!

[@rachellee.9389]

@@jeffandthings77 I'm just twirling the bags into coils and 'sewing' yarn between the coils to keep them together (no actual crocheting involved). So the bag coils show and the yarn is supposed to make a nice pattern. It's ugly in the extreme so I think I'll just make it mat under a potted plant - something that covers it up - LOL! Next time I'm going to try a basket using the regular plarn I've cut, connected, and rolled into balls. Hope you find more plarn ideas than I did. After the mat and the bags, I couldn't find anything else until I tried these baskets.

[@jeffandthings77]

@@rachellee.9389 Sounds almost similar to pine needle baskets! I have seen a technique where you can make a basket crocheting around a core made of the bad coils. But nothing turns out right the first try! Good luck, and keep making!!

[@evelynkorjack2126]

after throwing out so many handle-broken plastic laundry baskets, i made one out of plarn from walmart bags. the bottom is a very large flat base round, then sides build up to two slit handles. two years later, still works great, i can stuff a large load out of the washer into it to take outside.

[@jeffandthings77]

I'd love to see that! Is it more soft or stiff? I'm still looking for all the different ways I can reuse grocery bags.

[@evelynkorjack2126]

@@jeffandthings77 it is very soft, just like a big bag. when not in use i put it over 5 gallon jug of water that i keep stocked. i also make long rectangular wrappers for our frost tender trees, just double crochet, no plan, i just use up the bags!

[@danareed1656]

those are awesome! i so want to try this!

[@jeffandthings77]

If you crochet, it really isn't that hard. And if you need any other details, just ask-I could explain it, or add some other videos if needed!

[@danareed1656]

@@jeffandthings77 i taught my self years ago im no pro but i think i can do this, so far iv made a blanket, a few scarves, and my fav. is my stuffed koala bear! but it has been a little while so im out of practice!

[@PatriciaTWalsh-rn8cx]

I would like to learn to plarn floweres😊

[@jeffandthings77]

I'll add it to the list of plarn crafts for videos. It might a few months, but I'll try to drop back here with a link when I do it.

[@overcomer4060]

How do you make the yarn out of the bags? Do you tie knots?

[@jeffandthings77]

If you check out this old video( kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6O4Y2mhapKAa9k) [which I meant to link in this video...but it's fixed now, thanks!!) you can see at 1 minute how I make the plarn....but maybe I'll get another little video to show just that part!

[@caroleraddatz1306]

Where is your video for making the plarn

[@jeffandthings77]

I show it in this video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6O4Y2mhapKAa9k ) about 1 minute in.