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.

Free Crochet Pattern - Party Favor-Plarn Pop Tab Bracelet

This design was created from a request I received for an easy-to-crochet pop tab bracelet pattern.  The requestor is throwing her tween daughter a birthday party and wanted to give as gifts each of girl a pop tab bracelet.  But, she was on a limited budget.   The pattern needed to be easy and quick to make. 

After practicing various stitches and techniques, realized I was trying too hard. Finally this is what I came up with ...  in less than 15 minutes you have a cute-fun pop tab bracelet.   

While I was having fun, decided to see what it would look like made with other types of recycled yarn - e.g. hosiery yarn, t-shirt yarn and sheets yarn. It looks fabulous ..  sorry I don't have pics. I will have to make up more and post the pics.     

So if you're looking for party favor gift idea, here it is.   

Materials:

• Size G Crochet Hook
• 1 standard size plastic grocery bag
•       How to Make Plarn Continuous Strip
•       How to Make Plarn Double Strand Loop Method
• Clean-same size pop/pull tabs:  (16 was perfect for my wrist - adult woman) 
• Craft Needle      

Instructions:

Place 2 pull tabs with right sides together - matching same size holes - wrong side facing you, join plarn with a slip stitch, chain 1, single crochet in same hole. 2 single crochet stitches in next hole, chain 1, turn.

*Open the pull tabs to flatten, place another pull tab with right sides together - matching same size holes - wrong side facing you, 2 single crochet stitches in same hole, 2 single crochet stitches in next hole.

  

*Repeat same steps, keep adding pop tabs until you have the desired length.  

To finish - match right sides together of first and last pop tabs,  2 single crochet stitches in same hole, 2 single crochet stitches in next hole.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

That's it.   Please share your bracelet pics.

This pattern is for your personal use only.   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.

Copyright © 2013 Plastique Recreations

Designer, Teresa Wooley

Email: plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com

Free Pattern: Crochet Pop Tab Bow Ring

Has anyone ever asked what is the inspiration behind one your designs?  

Don't laugh .... I was inspired to create the Pop Tab Bow Ring after watching a recent episode of 'Jerseylicious'. 

The show itself doesn't do anything for me but I love tuning in to see what jewelry Tracey and Olivia will be wearing.  The earrings are so big they look heavy enough to rip right out of their ears and the rings almost swallow up the whole hand. 

So when I saw Tracey wearing this big bow ring I just had to make one for myself.

 

 

 

 So I wondered what would a pop tab bow ring look like, and here it is:

 

Here is the pattern for you to make one for yourself:

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy

MATERIALS:

• Crochet Hook - Size F
• Plastic Yarn:  1 plastic bag of choice (recommended strip width:  approx 1")
• 1 Pop/Pul Tab (cleaned with a smooth inside edge)
• Sewing or Craft Needle

*Foundation:  Join plastic yarn aka plarn with a slip stitch in a hole of the pull/pop tab, single crochet in same hole and single crochet in next hole, turn.

Row 1:  Chain 1, 2 single crochet in both stitches, turn. (4)

Row 2:  Chain 1, 2 single crochet in first stitch, single crochet in next 2 stitches and 2 single crochet in last stitch, turn. (6)

Row 3:  Chain 1, 2 single crochet in first stitch,  single crochet in next 4 stitches and 2 single crochet in last stitch, turn. (8)

Row 4:  Chain 1, Chain 1, 2 single crochet in first stitch, single crochet in next 6 stitches and 2 single crochet in last stitch, turn. (10)  Fasten off, weave in ends.

*Repeat on opposite side of pop tab.



Ring:  (Designer Note:  The # of rows on each side will determine how tight/loose you want the ring - 5 rows was a nice fit for my ring and pointer fingers and a good tight fight for my middle finger.) 

*With wrong side facing you, join plarn with a slip stitch through existing stitch, single crochet in same space, single crochet in next hole through existing stitch, turn.  Chain 1, single crochet in both stitches for 5 rows.  DO NOT BIND OFF, remove hook making a big enough loop so you don't lose the stitch.  *Repeat on opposite for 5 rows.  Do a quick fitting.  When completed, on one side complete stitches and weave in loose end.  On the other side fasten off leaving long enough tail to whip stitch both ends together.

When completed, on one side complete stitch and weave in loose end. On the other side fasten off leaving long enough tail to whip stitch both ends together.

Edging is optional: 

• The gray bow was edged using the reverse single crochet by joining the plarn with a slip stitch at the foundation row then reverse single crochet stitch in each end row stitch around back to the foundation row.  Repeat on the opposite side.
• The brown bow was edged by joining plarn with a slip stitch at the foundation row, *chain 1, slip stitch in next end row stitch.  *Repeat around to back to the foundation row. Repeat for the opposite side.

 

Optional but recommended:  After creating the design I noticed the bow didn't  want to lay flat.  It kept bending up.   To remedy this, use the extra matching plarn and needle to stitch the foundation row to the top of the ring.  I found this did the trick.

Wear it proudly or gift it to a 'Olivia' or 'Tracy' you know!!!

Feel free to email me with any questions at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com



Recycling Zip Lock Sliders

I'm not afraid to admit that I am zipper challenged.  It has actually become a phobia.  After several attempts even while watching YouTube videos, it was time to face reality.  It was time to throw in the perverbial zipper towel but only after I determed what could be used as a replacement.   I prefer zippers over snaps and buttons. 

Then the idea came to me that an alternative to sewing a zipper is attaching a ziplock slider from a Hefty or Ziplock Bag.   I use ziplock bags for everything in my house but the bag because unusable way before the ziplock slider does. 

Here is my creative way to recycle those ziplock sliders and below are a few of my original plarn (plastic yarn) pouch designs with zipslider closure as part of my newest RecycleZip© product line: 

Here are pouches made with a front bow pocket for an added bonus: 





Pouch made with Red plastic yarn and Bow made with Target/CVS plastic yarn

  


Top view to show the recyclezip closure





Pouch made with black plastic trash bags and Bow made with Dollar General plastic bags

 

(FL Gator Fans) Pouch made with Blue plastic bags and Bow made with Orange plastic bags

The most recent addition to the RecycleZip product line is the multi-color pouch:



Made with Home Depot plastic bags and contrasted with Walmart product plastic bags



Top view of zipslider




Made with Dollar General plastic bags and contrasted with Black trash bags

  These are available for purchase in my Etsy shop at www.crochooley.etsy.com !!!!

Thank you for letting me share my creative recycled designs .............

Pantyhose & Plarn Multi-Purpose Scrubby Crochet Pattern

Dollar General plastic bag & black pantyhose


My scrubbies are crocheted with plastic yarn and pantyhose held together.  Don't be fooled by the plastic.  When you combine both material together, you get one thick and durable scrubby.  

These are machine washable and dishwasher safe.  I've been making these scrubbies for years to accomplish so many different cleaning tasks.  Mostly I use them for scrubbing pots and pans. However, I have found they are also good for ...



- cleaning the bugs off car windows
- cleaning my glass stove top and microwave messes because my son forgets to cover his dish
- they work awesome on cleaning bathtub rings and shower walls



Before we start - the following tutorial links show you how to prepare the pantyhose and plastic bags into yarn:
Pantyhose:  (1/2 to 3/4" width suggested)
http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-make-hosiery-pantyhose-yarn-aka.html

If you haven't crafted with pantyhose before, it is very different than plarn or regular yarn.  Due to the very nature of it being nylon, you don't get a 'tightning' feel with it.  My suggestion is don't pull it, use the same tension as the plarn.

Plastic Bags:  (1 to 1 1/4" width suggested)
Double Strand: http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/04/double-strand-cutting-and-connecting.html
Single Strand:  http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/04/continuous-single-strand-strip-cutting.html 



Meijer plastic bags and red pantyhose


You will need:

• Crochet Hook Size J (or K depending on thickness of pantyhose/plarn)

Important Note:   Not all plastic is made the same.  When using plarn, achieving the desired size or gauge is dependent on the texture, thickness and strip width of the plastic yarn. 

• 1 pair of adult size pantyhose (2 adult legs will net 3 scrubbies)
• Approx 1 1/2 standard size plastic bags (will net 1 scrubbie or 5 standard size plastic bags for 3 scrubbies)
• (optional) Craft needle or F Hook for weaving in ends  

Gauge:  There really isn't any but typically 3 rounds measure approx 3" to 3 1/4" wide.

Pattern is worked with holding 2 strands of plastic yarn and 1 strand of panthose held together.

Round 1:  Beg with a slip knot, ch 3 and join with sl st in 1^st ch to form ring or use adjustable ring method (click on the link for a tutorial) make 6 sc in ring.  Join with sl st to 1^st sc, tighten and close the starting hole.


Round 2: Ch 1 (counts as 1st sc) make another sc in same st, make 2 sc into each st around, join with a sl st to beginning ch 1.

Round 3:  Ch 1 (counts as 1st sc) make another sc in same st, *1 sc in next st,  2 sc in next st. *Repeat around. 

(add more rounds if you want a bigger scrubby) 


Publix plastic bags and green pantyhose


FO and weave in ends.

If you have any questions or find discrepancies, please leave me a comment or email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com




Abbreviations:
Beg – Beginning
Ch – Chain
FO – Fasten Off
Sc – Single Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
St – Stitch



COPYRIGHT INFO:
This pattern is for your personal use only.   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.  ©2010


*Please do not copy my patterns on your blog site or post my patterns on Internet sites. I do not allow my patterns to be republished without expressed written permission. Posting of my patterns, without written permission is in violation of my copyrights and is content theft.

Dollar General Plastic Bags

Wrap&Go Checkbook/Wallet Organizer Crochet-Plarn Along - Part 1: Let's Get This Party Started

(added excellent feedback received from plarn crocheters participating in this C-PAL)

We've been spreading the word ...  the time has finally arrived for us to get crazy.

The pattern instructions for the Wrap & Go Checkbook/Wallet Organizer will be offered in the following 3 increments:

Part 1 Instructions:  Pouch
Part 2 Instructions:  Flap
Part 3/Finale Instructions:  Wraparoundband & Flower

Here are hints/tips I offer on all my patterns:

• Read through the pattern instructions before beginning.
• When using plarn, it’s a good idea to stretch your work after every couple of rows. This will give you a more realistic view of what you have completed up to that point.
• Ch 1 at beginning of each row is not counted as the 1st stitch.
• Plastic in general is susceptible to ripping/tearing due to its very nature.
   o Weaving in ends - it is best to maneuver your craft needle in between the stitch or stitches to avoid splitting the plastic yarn.

-------------------------- 
Practice Swatch:
I typically don’t suggest making a practice swatch because achieving a certain height/width is an individual preference. However, it is suggested to ensure the Organizer is the wide enough for what you propose to put in it.


Ch 22, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each st across. Row 2-4: Hdc in each st across. Lay piece on flat surface and place the widest item that you will put in the Organizer once it is completed on top. The piece should be slightly (not much) wider than the item. If more width is needed, try again with additional # of ch sts until desired width is achieved.
---------------------------
MATERIALS:

• Crochet Hook – Size F & H
• Plastic Yarn (NOTE: 12 – 1” strips per standard size plastic bag = 6 yards):
   o Main Color – Approximately 20 plastic bags
   o Contrasting Color – Approximately 10 plastic bags
• Craft needle

ABBREVIATIONS Pattern Instructions:

blo = back loop only
ch(s) = chain(s)
dc = double crochet
flo – front loop only
hdc = half double crochet
rev sc = reverse single crochet
sc = single crochet
sl = slip
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
tog = together
tr (treble or triple)






With H hook and main color, ch 22 or # determined with practice swatch.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.  Ch1, turn.
Row 2 – 22 (or desired height): Hdc in each st across.  Finish with right side.

 (Tip: Depth determines Height. To ensure an accurate height is achieved, fold the piece in half and place whatever you will be using the Organizer (e.g. checkbook, calculator, cell phone, etc.) for inside. This gives a more accurate way of determining if additional rows will need to be added for height. 



Photo 1



Photo 2

Ch 1, sc in end st (1^st corner) and in end st of each row to corner, 3 sc in corner, across edge to corner, 3 sc in corner, sc in end st of each row matching up with opposite side (Important:  evenly match up sts on both sides or the rows will not have a straight line appearance when stitching up the sides, refer to photo 6), 3 sc in corner, across edge back to corner, 2 sc in corner (back at 1^st corner), join with a sl st in beginning sc.  Fasten off, weave in ends.

Photo 3

Sides (repeat on both sides):

With contrasting color and wrong side facing you, join with a sl st at the corner and sc in each st across, ch 1 turn. Sc in each st across. Fasten off leaving about 6” tail for sewing sides together.

Photo 4

Fold piece in half lengthwise with right sides together (wrong side out), st sides together with tail. (Stitch Suggestion – whip st the blo of one side and flo of other side [the 2 sts back to back]).  Fasten off; weave in all loose plarn ends.

Photo 5

Turn pouch inside out and push out bottom corners. Just give the pouch a good stretch, tug and pull on both the front and sides.   a sl st in 1^st sc st.



Photo 6





Please feel free to post your comments, questions and/or progress pictures via this blog post or at any one of the following sites:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat (you will have to be a friend for real time 'chat')

Ravelry:  Group - From Trash to Treasures

Craftsters.org:  http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=364976.0

Crochetville:  http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=122076

11/28- Sharing the excellent feedback received from a few plarn crocheters - RecycleCindy and KristyRecycles ....

1) Both used a ch base of 28 w/hdc in 2nd chain from hook instead of the ch 22 I used. RecycleCindy is using newspaper sleeve plastic yarn which would have a completely different texture/thickness than the Dollar General or Lowe's plastic yarn I have used.


This confirms my previous comments of what to consider when using plarn for any project -
a) the type of plastic bag - textures/thickness differs
b) tension - loose or tight crochet stitch
c) width of plastic strip - determines gauge


2) Ch 2 at row end was used as an alternative for a more taylored edge.


More feedback to received -
11/30 - Received progress update from a fellow Craftster crocheter participating in this C-PAL:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=364976.msg...  / Reply #18 … she even included pics …

This is so awesome!!! Keep the feedback coming -luv it!!!

How to Make Plastic Yarn (Continuous / Single-Strand Strip Cutting Method)

There are multiple strip methods you can use to make and connect plarn (plastic yarn) strips. The 3 methods I'm aware of are - 1) Double-Strand; 2) Continuous (Single-Strand) Strip and 3) Connecting Strip.

Tip: Any of the strip methods can also be used with fabric; t-shirts, etc..

Tutorial for cutting a Continuous (Single-Strand) Strip:Lay the bag out flat, straightening out the straps. Fold bag in half (folding bottom up to be even with the top) matching up the handles then a couple more times for easier cutting.








Cut straps off right at the base of the straps and cut off bottom seam of bag. Just a sliver is all that is needed.












Put your hand through the middle of the bag to pull it apart and lay flat as a tube. Fold this tube to within 1 inch from the top (I call the main fold the spine).









Continue the fold multiple times until your tube is small enough to make one cut. You’ll cut from the bottom to the top of the initial fold – not through the spine. Determining the width of you’re the strip is based on the needs your for your pattern. The rule of thumb is not less than 1”, 1 1/2 to 2” pieces are typical cut sizes.

Straighten out the strips – it almost looks like tentacles. Here comes the fun part – separate the strips by separating it at the spine. You can either lay it out on a flat surface or use one of your arms (I use the arm way which is why I'm suggesting it). To use your arm, take one hand at the beginning of the spine and separate each half.

Whether you lay it out on a flat surface or use your arm - to begin cutting place your scissors on the bottom half of the spine, angle your scissors in an upward motion to the next section over and cut. Continue cutting until you reach the other end. You should have a pile of one single continuous strip.

Making the Ball –
The easiest way I have found to make a ball is put your pointer and middle fingers together. Place the end of the strip between the fingers and begin wrapping the strips around both fingers about 5 times. Then pull off the fingers and begin wrapping the strips around it. Before you know it, your ball begins to take shape.

Copyright 2009 Plastique Recreations. All rights reserved.