How to Make Blue Jean Yarn

Since posting my Blue Jean yarn in Etsy, I've received several requests for a 'how-to'.

Below are the steps I take to make blue jean yarn. I welcome your feedback. If you do it differently, I would love to know how you do it.

To start -

• Take a pair of blue jeans and cut the legs off at the crotch.



• Lay pant leg flat on cutting surface with one seam on top and other seam on bottom. (If you have a really sharp rotary cutter or good scissors, this can also be done in a double layer. Not sure I would go more than that but feel free to give it a try.) Cut off the bottom seam.



• Fold the bottom seam up to within 1" to 2" from top seam. (Note: the top seam is used as your stopper to keep from cutting straight thru.) Use the continuous strand method, (here is my tutorial: http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/04/continuous-single-strand-strip-cutting.html) to cut up each leg. (Note: The width of the strip cut will depend on the project needs to achieve an accurate gauge. For example, 1/4" cut would work for a scarf; 1/2" to 1" would work for a rug)

Keep each strip in a separate pile.

After all jeans are cut up, either by hand or with your sewing machine - stitch the ends of each strand together with clear thread. You now have 1 very, very long strand.

Throw this very long strand in the washing machine. (If the jeans were cleaned before you started cutting, the 'rinse and spin' cycle is sufficient. If not, wash as normal.)

Then into the dryer. Be prepared for a nice surprise when the dryer stops. (Note: When it does come out of the dryer, it'll be a big mess. Be prepared to spend alittle time untangling.)

Quite honestly, the blue jean yarn is ready to go now. Feel free to get out the knitting needles or crochet hook and let the creative juices take over.

OR - go one step further and spin -

For Handspun (either with a drop spindle or spinning wheel) -
I used a single ply, so really either an 'S' or 'Z' twist is sufficient. It really doesn’t matter because you're just wanting to achieve that tight twist affect.

(My Disclaimer - I'm new to the wonderful world of spinning so my use of terms may be alittle spotty.)

Copyright 2009 Plastique Recreations. All rights reserved.

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Blue/White Plarn Crochet Tote-Market Bag

Please Understand: Any patterns or information posted on this blog are copyright protected by Plastique Recreations. Please DO NOT post them in whole or in part anywhere or claim them as yours just because they are posted here. I am sharing my designs for free as a courtesy. It is not fair to any designer for another person to even make the slightest of change to another designer's pattern then claim it as your own. Please respect the copyright.


Making anything out of plastic bags is always a good idea if for no other reason but to keep it out of the landfill!!! This is what Plastique Recreations is all about.


I'm sharing this pattern for my Blue/White Plarn Crochet Tote-Market Bag since it has been my biggest seller in Etsy. But more importantly, because I have received several requests for it. Ask and you shall receive >>>>


NOTES:
This is a very simple pattern working from the top down.

• Skilly Level: Easy (If you know the the pattern stitches.)




• Pattern stitches used: single crochet (sc), decrease single crochet, (dec sc), half-double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc).

Materials:

Approximately 30-35 plastic grocery bags (or approx 230 yards of plastic yarn) of your choice.

(Note: just in case you haven't made your plastic yarn yet, here is the link to access the double-strand loop method: http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/04/double-strand-cutting-and-connecting.html)

Hook: I-9/5.50mm
9" Button

Yarn Needle for sewing bottom seam and attaching straps

Measurements:
Top to Bottom: 11 1/2"
Side to Side: 14 1/2"
Strap Width: 3"
Strap Length: 27" long

Instructions:

Top Ribbing -

Rnd 1: Ch70. Being careful to not twist the chain, join with sl st to first chain to form a large loop. Hdc in same stitch and in each ch around. Join with sl st to top of 1st hdc.

Rnd 2-4: Ch1, hdc in same st as sl st. Hdc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of 1st hdc.

Open Net -

Rnd 5: In same st as sl st, either using the traditional ch3 or the Chainless starting dc method, *ch2, skip a st and dc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3 or chainless starting dc.

Rnd 6-13 (or desired length): Dc in ch2 space (using the traditional ch3 or the Chainless starting dc), ch 2. *Dc in next ch2 space, ch2. *Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of ch3 or chainless starting dc.

Bottom ribbing:

Rnd 14: Sc in same st as sl st. *2 sc in ch2 space, sc in dc space from previous row. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of first sc.

Rnd 15: Sc in same st as sl st. Make dec sc. *Sc in next st and dec sc. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of first sc.

Rn16: Sc in same st as sl st. Make dec sc twice. *Sc in next st. Make dec sc twice. Repeat from *around. Join with sl st to top of first sc. Fasten off.

Strap:

Row 1: Starting with a tail (the tail will be used to sew strap onto bag), ch9. Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each st of foundation ch. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2-35 (or desired length): Dc in first space (using the traditional ch3 or the Chainless starting dc) and in each ch across. Join with sl st to top of dc. Fasten off with a tail (the tail will be used to sew strap onto bag).

Flap: Decide which side of bag will be front and will be back. Fold bag or other method of choice to find middle st. From middle st, count 2 sts to left and 2 sts to right.

Row 1: Join plarn at 5th st with a sl st, hdc in sl st and in next 4 sts across. Ch1, turn.

Row 2-?? (or desired length): Hdc in ch1 and in each st across. Ch1, turn.

Row ??: Hdc in ch1 sp and in next st. Ch2, skip st. Hdc in last 2 st. Ch1, turn.

Row ??: Hdc in ch1 sp and in each st across. (Note: For the ch2 space, your choice to make the hdc in each chain or chain space.) Fasten off.