Crochet Frayed Pants Bags

I just finished my newest design  - and wanted to show them off.

Sara - a family friend agreed to be my young and cute model to show off the Khaki and Blue Jean Bags crocheted from the pant legs of each pair of pants.  

This is the Khaki Pants Bag - the strap is a beautiful brown leather belt sewn in between the layers.

Crochet Khaki Pants Purse

Crochet Khaki Pants Purse

This is the frayed blue jean bag - the strap is a long yellow fashionable belt that allows you to wear the bag over the shoulder or across the body.

Crochet Frayed Blue Jean Pants Purse

Blue Jean Crochet Frayed Pants Bag

I used a different technique to make the pants leg yarn because when you cut into the seam of the pants, it compromises the stitching.  So when you crochet and give it a little tug, the yarn comes apart then you have to tie the ends together.  

Stay tuned as I'll be posting the pants leg yarn tutorial sometime this week.

Let me know what you think about these.

Free Crochet Pattern - RecycleZip Plarn Kiddie Bag

This pattern may not be sold, published, reproduced-mechanically or electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying from any website(s) or electronic mailing lists, etc…  Please do not offer, sell or distribute this pattern in any way to anyone else.  

**This and all my other plarn patterns are all yarn friendly**

There are many different uses for this bag but it was designed to be a child's bag because it's the perfect size for little hands.  The ziplock is an added fun feature and the perfect closure to keep the important stuff from falling out. It's never too early to start teaching kids about recycling.

Are you asking - why a ziplock for closure?  My response is why not.  But the real reason is (lol) I'm zipper challenged.  Me and zippers just don't get along.

This bag is also the perfect size to keep fruit and vegetables safe from bruising while shopping at the farmer's market. 

RecycleZip Small Bag

Materials Needed:
Plastic yarn:  15 plastic bags each of 2 different colors of your choice (the Kiddie Bag was made with Publix grocery bags and Dollar Tree bags)
Size H crochet hook
1 quart size zip lock bag
Clear tape

Preparation of ziplock bag:
Cut about 1" off bottom and slit up the sides all the way to solid color strip. Lay bag on flat surface and fold over top layer.  This is to keep the layers separate while taping.  Working on the inside, fold bottom of bag up to solid color strip and tape across placing tape just below solid color strip.   Tape around a couple of times.   Measure about 1" down from the solid color strip and with your scissors make a diagonal cut on both sides.  This is to avoid the bottom of the ziplock bag potruding through the outside of the mesh bag. Repeat on the other side. 

Pattern:  
Bottom - 
Rnd 1:  Chain 14,  3 double crochet stitches in 3rd chain from hook and in each chain across and 6 double crochet stitches in last chain.  Continue on opposite side of chain, double crochet in each stitch across with 2 additional double crochet stitches in starting chain.  Join with slip stitch in top of chain 3.

Pattern Note for Rnd 2:  
Across -  One double crochet stitch in each stitch across for 11 stitches.          Corners - Make 2 double crochet stitches in each of the 6 corner stitches

Pattern Note for Rnd 3:   
Across - One double crochet stitch in each stitch across for 13 stitches
Corners - 2 double crochet stitches in each of the next 2 stitches, 1 double crochet stitch in next, 2 double crochet stitches, 1 double crochet stitch and 2 double crochet stitches in each of the next 2 stitches.  Join with slip stitch.

 Mesh - (16 mesh rounds)
Rnd 4:  In same stitch, chain 3 and 1 double crochet stitch, *skip 2 stitches, slip stitch in 3rd stitch, chain 3 and double crochet stitch in same stitch.  *Repeat around, join with slip stitch at top of chain 3.

Round 5:  With color 2, chain 3 and double crochet stitch in double crochet stitch of previous round.  *Slip stitch in top of chain 3 of previous round, double crochet in double crochet stitch of previous round.  *Repeat around.   Join with slip stitch at top of chain 3.

Round 6:  With color 1, repeat round 5.

Repeat Round 5 alternating colors each round for a total of 16 rounds or desired height ending with color 2.

Pattern Note:  the number of stitches made in round 20 should be the perfect fit for a quart size ziplock bag.

Rnd 20:  With color 1, make 2 single crochet stitches in each chain 3 space and in each double crochet stitch from previous round.  Join with slip stitch.  (50 stitches)

Rnd 21:  Single crochet in each stitch around.
Rnd 22:  With color 2, single crochet stitch in each stitch around.
Rnd 23:  With color 1, single crochet stitch in each stitch around.

Handles - 
With front of bag facing you, determine middle stitch and even count 11 stitches across the front.  Place a small strand of plarn on 12 stitch on both sides where handle will begin and end.  Do the same on opposite side counting 14 stitches from handle on one side around to handle on other side.

Rnd 24:  Single crochet in each stitch to handle marker, chain 35 skipping 11 single crochet stitches from previous round, single crochet stitch in 12th stitch for a total of 14 single crochets to handle marker on opposite side.  Chain 35 skipping 11 stitches, single crochet in 12th and in each stitch around.  Join with slip stitch in first single crochet stitch.

Rnd 25:  Single crochet in each stitch around.   Join with slip stitch in first single crochet stitch.

Attaching ziplock bag - 
Before sewing in ziplock bag, weave in all ends.  Place ziplock bag inside opening of kiddie bag making it even.  Pattern Note:  To allow zip flexibility, you don't want to sew the bag too close to the top.

With color 1, stitch ziplock bag to kiddie bag on round 23. Stitch around a 2nd time for double stitching. Weave in your final ends.  

I hope you enjoy the pattern and would love to see pics of your finished items.

Tarn Pop Tab Bracelet - Free Crochet Pattern

For me, I'm not completely dressed unless I am wearing bracelets.  Sharing with you this simple casual bracelet design that makes up quickly.  


I was going couponing the next day and knew I would be out shopping for a long period of time. So comfort and sturdiness was imperative.  

I just happen to have left over t-shirt yarn from making this tote - 

Linda Crochet Tarn Tote

   

Materials Needed:

• Pop Tabs (cleaned and same size):  8 or number needed to fit around your wrist comfortably when finishe
• T-Shirt Yarn:  Strips cut in 1/2" thin strips - 2 colors needed 
• Crochet Hook:  Size F
• Large Eye Sewing Needle 

For each pop tab, with one color join with slip stitch in a hole and single crochet all around the pop tab.  Join with slip stitch in first single crochet stitch.  Fasten off and weave in tail.

Begin piecing pop tabs together by placing right sides together and stitch the sides together until a complete ring has been formed.

With other color, join with slip stitch in back loop of any stitch, *chain, slip stitch in next stitch.  Repeat * around and join with slip stitch to first stitch. Fasten off and weave in tail.

Wear it proudly!!!

Feel free to contact me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com if you have any questions.  I would love to see your finished designs.

Pop Tab T-Yarn Granny Square Crochet Pouch - Part 3

I apologize for the delay in posting the last part of this pattern.  I actually thought it had already been completed.  

After sewing the lining on.   Join red with a slip stitch to any stitch, single crochet in same stitch and in each stitch around with 3 single crochet stitches in each corner.  Join with a slip stitch in beginning single crochet stitch.  Fasten off and weave in your end.

Now we are ready to finish the sides: 

The sides are made with 4 pop tabs starting at the base for a total of 10 middle stitches.  The arrows in the pics below mark the middle which will be the 5th and 6th stitch that will be made in the first hole of the 3rd pop tab.  Working in the bottom of the pop tab and in back loop of pouch, count 4 stitches to the left and place pop tab with wrong side facing you, join red tarn with slip stitch and 2 single crochet stitches in same hole.  Still working in bottom of pop tab with wrong side facing you, lay a 2nd pop tab over 1st pop tab and make 2 single crochet stitches through hole of overlapped pop tabs.  Continue for 2 more pop tabs for a total of 10 single crochet stitches.  Fasten off and weave in ends.  

Lift up the row of pop tabs so the right side is facing you.  Join gray tarn with a slip stitch in 1st hole, 2 single crochet stitches in same hole and 2 single crochet stitches in each hole across.  Chain 1, turn and continue for 17 more rows or # needed to achieve even heighth.  Fasten off gray, weave in ends.  

Working in end gray rows, with red tarn join with slip stitch in end stitch and single crochet in each stitch across and 2 single crochet stitches in side of starting pop tab row.  Finish off and weave in ends.  Repeat edging on the other side.  

Flip the pouch over and repeat building the starting 4 pop tab row.

Now we're ready to sew the sides to the pouch - you are welcome to use any method you wish to...  whip stitch, slip stitch, etc..

This pouch was stiched together working on the wrong side through the back loop/front loop using a slip stitch-chain 1 pattern in each stitch across finishing with a slip stitch in last stitch.

Don't worry about turning the pouch inside out because the tarn makes the pouch very flexible/stretchable.

The Finish - 

To finish the pouch, make a round of single crochet stitches with red tarn. This round connects everything together making the pouch a whole piece.  

(optional) This row is optional.  To give it a more refined finished look, the edging is a round of reverse single crochet with the gray tarn.

A closure (e.g. snap, button, zipper, etc.) was not sewn on this pouch but feel free to use whatever closure you want.  

I have a couple of these pouches in my purchase - one is used keep my coupons in after completing my match up list.  The other pouch is used for my compact, lipstick, little hand lotion bottles, etc..   

I hope you enjoy this pattern and by all means don't hesitate to ask me any questions by emailing me at twooleydesigns@gmail.com.

Pop Tab T-Yarn Granny Square Crochet Pouch - Part 2

Row 4, adding new pop tab row - 
Making sure pop tabs are facing same direction, with right side of pop tab facing right side of piece, single crochet stitch through pop tab hole and 1st stitch of piece.  You might need to look at the back of piece to make sure the hook is going through the correct single crochet stitch of row 3. Single crochet in same pop tab hole and 2nd stitch of row 3.  Essentially, you're repeating the stitch for stitch pattern as you would normally.  Repeat this across.

To continue the pattern:

Connecting the Squares - 
Row 1:  Attach red with a slip stitch through the first hole of a pop tab with right sides facing starting in one corner of square - your choice.  

Follow Row 4 instructions across.  Chain 1, turn.

When row is complete, open pop tab so piece lays flat.  You might have to do some stretching for everything to look right and fall into place. 

Row 2:  Now place right sides of pop tab and 2nd square together, 2 single crochet stitches in each hole across.    

This pic shows the back side.

 When row is complete, open piece so it lays flat. 

You might have to do some stretching for everything to look right and fall into place. Follow this same process for connecting the other 2 squares.

Repeat Row 1 and 2 to connect remaining 2 squares.

Working bottom:

Row 1b:  Starting at bottom edge of connected squares, with right side of pop tab facing right side of piece, attach red with slip stitch, follow Row 4 instructions.  When row is complete, open pop tabs so piece lays flat. Change to color gray, chain 1, turn.

Row 2b:  2 single crochet stitches in each hole across, chain 1, turn.

Row 3b:  2 single crochet stitches in each stitch across.  Change to color red.  

Row 4b:  With right side of pop tab facing right side of piece, follow Row 4 instructions.  When row is complete, open pop tabs so piece lays flat.  Fasten off, weave in ends.

Repeat Row 1b thru Row 3b for other side.  Follow the same Row 2 instructions above for connecting both sides together - with red place right sides of pop tab and other side together, 2 single crochet stitches in each hole across. 

This is what the bottom looks like when finished - 

(Left Pic) Outisde Side View / (Right Pic) Inside View

T-shirt Lining:

Using the upper part of the t-shirt that is leftover, whichever color you want for the lining, lay the granny square piece flat on the t-shirt material. 

Measure and cut around the pouch.  Sew the lining to the inside/wrong side of pouch with matching thread.

Pop Tab T-Yarn Granny Square Crochet Pouch - Part 1

    

As mentioned in the last blog post, my neighbor gifted to me a big box of t-shirts.  Meaning the creative juices continue to flow as I try to invent new design concepts on what to do with them.  Since this box has such a variety of colors I decided to take advantage of this.

So where did the inspiration to create a pop tab granny square come from?  Believe it or not I had just logged into Ravelry and was perusing through various patterns when I saw a beautiful granny square design.  That's when I decided - let's see what a pop tab granny square would look like.  

Let's get started - 

Supplies needed:  

• 3 large t-shirts - one of each:  pink, gray and red cut into yarn.   Using my continuous strand tutorial, cut each t-shirt into  1/2" width strips.
• 153 cleaned, same size pop tabs
• scissors
• sewing needle with matching thread
• large eye craft needle
• Size G crochet hook

Stitch Knowledge:  single crochet, double single crochet (sides) and reverse slip   stitch (top edging)

The pouch consists of 4 granny squares - 

Each square is made up of 4 rows of 5 pop tabs = 20 + 6 pop tabs on         each end = 32.  Each side is made up of 2 squares that are connected in the middle with 10 pop tabs.  The bottom is made up of 3 rows of 18 pop tabs 

Preparation:  
Pop Tab - I personally have taken a dislike to the edge piece that remains on the pop tab when it is pulled off from the can.  So just a heads up that you will start to see my designs (e.g. bracelets, purses, etc.) will have this removed.  

The positive:  It just gives the pop tab overall a much cleaner                       appearance as you can see in the first pic below.

The negative:  Time consuming to sit there and remove that edge piece         from every pop tab.   I found the best time to do this is while watching           tv.  Once you get started, you'll be amazed at really how many you can           get done while watching a 1/2 program unless its The Big Bang Theory.           That is one of my favorite shows and it's hard to do anything when you           are laughing.   

Here's what you want to do - using needle nose pliers, grab the left               corner of the edge piece and slowly remove it from the pop tab all the             way across until it is completely removed.  I forgot to mention that you'll       want to have a trash container/bag near by to put that edge piece in             once you remove it from the pop tab.  

If you decide that it's just not worth it, than I would suggest just removing the edge piece from the end row pop tabs.

If it doesn't come off cleanly, just grab your dollar store nail file and a few back/forth motions will file away the rough edges.  

Design Notes:

Right sides are always worked together meaning the right side of the pop tab faces the right side of the piece.

Whenever possible, work tails in behind the single crochet stitches as you go to avoid weaving in ends later.   

Pattern - make 4 squares:

Starting with 1st color, join with a slip stitch in first hole of first pop tab and make single crochet stitches in same hole.

Row 1:  Add another pop tab behind the 1st pop tab and make 2 single crochet stitches going through both holes.   Continue adding pop tabs until there is a total of 5 pop tabs (12 single crochet stitches).  Chain 1, turn.

Row 2:  With wrong side facing you, place pop tab in same direction as 1st row pop tabs, single crochet through first stitches and through 1st hole of pop tab that is on right side of piece.  Picture below shows what the right side looks like.

Continue across in same manner as 1st row.  Picture below show what the right side will look like when the 2nd row is completed.

When row is complete, open pop tab so piece lays flat.  You might have to do some stretching for everything to look right and fall into place.

Row 3:  Chain 1, turn.  Make 2 single crochet stitches in each pop tab hole across. Chain 1, turn.

As indicated before, the pop tabs are added on the right side of piece.     

Row 4:  Making sure pop tabs are facing same direction, with right side of pop tab facing right side of piece, single crochet stitch through pop tab hole and 1st stitch of piece.  You might need to look at the back of piece to make sure the hook is going through the correct single crochet stitch of row 3. Single crochet in same pop tab hole and 2nd stitch of row 3.  Essentially, you're repeating the stitch for stitch pattern as you would normally.  Repeat this across.

                              

Row 5:  When row is complete, open pop tab so piece lays flat.  You might have to do some stretching for everything to look right and fall into place.  Chain 1 turn. 2 single crochet stitches in each stitch across.  Chain 1, turn.

Row 6:  Repeat row 4.  Open pop tabs and lay piece flat, stretch and pull for everything to look right and fall into place.

Sides of Square:

The sides are worked the same way as row 4.  Starting at the corner, place a pop tab facing right sides together and single crochet through both holes.  Overlap another pop tab and make 1 single crochet stitch through overlapped pop tabs and pop tab hole of piece.  Repeat across for a total of 6 pop tabs with one single crochet stitch in each hole.   Repeat on the opposite side.

  

.

Outside Edging:

Attach gray with a slip stitch to any pop tab hole, make a single crochet in same hole and in 2 single crochet stitches across, 5 single crochet stitches in each corner.  When you reach the starting hole, make 1 more single crochet stitch and join with slip stitch to 1st single crochet made.  

Repeat 3 more times so you have a total of 4 squares.

I'm currently working on Part 2 now and will have it posted in the next few days.  

If you have any questions on Part 1 pattern, please email at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com.