Free Crochet Pattern: CVS Plarn Pouch with slanted double crochet edging and Pop Tab Heart Applique

It 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. 

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

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy

MATERIALS:
·        Crochet Hook – Size H
·        Red Button or color of choice
·        Plastic Yarn (NOTE:  12 – 1” strips per standard size plastic bag  = 6 yards):
         o   (Main Color) White wih red plastic yarn - approx  12 CVS plastic bags
         o   (Contrasting Color) Gray plastic yarn – approx 1 WalMart/Lowe's/Kohl's plastic bag
·        Craft needle for weaving in ends 

SIZE:  Width:  5”, Height:  4 ½”  

Instructions:

Pouch

With Main Color, chain 15

Round 1:  2 half double crochets in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across, 4 hdc in beginning ch (forming the corner).  DO NOT TURN.  Working on opposite side of chain, half double crochet in each st across and 2 more half double crochets in last stitch.  Join with slip stitch in 1st half double crochet.

Round 2:  Chain 1, half double crochet in same stitch and in each stitch across to corner, 2 half double crochet in first corner stitch, half double crochet in next stitch, 2 half double crochet in next stitch (working around corner).  Working opposite side, half double crochet in each stitch across, 2 half double crochet in first corner stitch, half double in next stitch.  Join with slip stitch to 1st half double crochet.

Round 3:  Working in continuous rounds - half double crochet in each sitch around for a total of 13 rounds or when desired height is achieved. 

If you do not end at a corner stitch, fasten off and weave in ends.

Flap

With front of flap facing you, determine which side will be decreased.

Row 1-6:  Join main color with a slip stitch in corner stitch,  chain 2, half double crochet in each stitch across to opposite corner, turn. 

Row 7:  Chain 2, half double crochet in each stitch across, half double crochet the last 2 stitches together, turn.

Row 8:   Half double crochet first 2 stitches together, half double crochet in each stitch across.

Row 9:  Repeat row 7.

Row 10: Repeat row 8.

Row 11: Repeat row 7.

Row 12: Repeat row 8.

Row 13:  Repeat row 7,  chain 6, join with a slip stitch in last stitch of Row 11(making the button hole on the decreased side of flap).  Turn, slip stitch in each chain 6.

 

Row 14:  Single crochet in each stitch across.  Repeat row 14 for longer front flap.  Fasten off, weave in end. 

Edging

With front of pouch facing you, attach contrasting color at opposite corner of decreased side.  Single crochet across front opening of pouch to corner stitch,  continuing up front of pouch, single crochet in next 2 end stitches of flap, *chain 2, double crochet in same end stitch,  skip next end stitch, slip stitch in next end stitch.  *Repeat up flap to next corner ending with a slip stitch in last single crochet of row 14.  Single crochet in end row stitch up flap to first single crochet, join with slip stitch of first single crochet stitch.  Fasten off, weave in end.  

Pop Tab Heart Applique

Access this link for the Heart Applique pattern: http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2012/07/free-pattern-pop-tab-plarn-heart.html

 

Please don't hesitate to email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

You can also friend me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat

Find me in Ravelry under Crochooley

Free Pattern: Pop Tab Plarn Heart applique

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

MATERIALS:
· Crochet Hook – Size F
· Plastic Yarn:  1 plastic bag
· 4 pop/pull tabs (clean, same size)
· Craft needle for weaving in ends

SIZE: Width: 3” 

Instructions:

Join plarn with slip stitch.  Make a single crochet in same hole.

Lay 2nd pop tab over 2nd hole of 1st pop tab, 2 single crochet stitches through both holes.

Lay 3rd pop tab over 2nd hole of 2nd pop tab, 3 single crochet stitches through both holes.



Single crochet in next hole.



5 single crochet stitches in next hole to form corner.

Make a single crochet stitch in next hole.  In same hole,  start a single crochet stitch but do not plarn over to finish the stitch,  instead insert hook in next hole, plarn over and pull through, plarn over and pull through all 3 stitches on hook to complete the single crochet stitch.  

Single crochet in same in same hole, 3 more single crochet stitches in starting hole, join with slip stitch at top of beginning single crochet stitch.  This makes a small pop tab heart.  Continue the pattern to make a larger heart.  

Round 2:  Chain 3 is 1st double crochet stitch,  double crochet in same stitch,  2 double crochet in next stitch,  double crochet and half double crochet in next stitch, single crochet in next 2 stitches, half double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next stitch (bottom mid point of heart), half double in next stitch, single crochet in next 2 stitches, half  double and double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next 3 stitches, half double and double crochet in next stitch, single crochet in next 3 stitches, half double and double in next stitch, 2 double crochet in remaining stitch, join with slip stitch in top of beginning chain 3. 

Finish off, weave in ends.

For a different look, reverse single crochet around outside of heart.  To make a small bow - chain 30 then slip stitch in each chain back to 1st chain made.  Pull each chain strand from behind heart through each hole to front, tie to make bow.   

I did this one with the AT&T orange with blue letters plastic bag the telephone books come in and reversed single crochet in S&S Foods plastic bag that is white with orange/blue letters. 

Please don't hesitate to email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

You can also friend me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat
I'm in Ravelry under Crochooley

Tutorial - How to Make a Continuous Strand of Yarn using a flat textile like sheets or curtains

Since creating the tutorial on how to make blue jean yarn (http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-make-handspun-blue-jean-yarn.html), I've learned with experience that once a seam is cut into, it becomes compromised making it vulnerable to falling apart.   So while I'm in the process of making something, it falls apart.   I have been lucky enough that some seams that are cut through are sewn stronger and stay in tact even after the fray process.  But the majority of time I end up with multiple strands of various lengths.  As a result, I spend more time than I want sewing the ends together.  And, yes this can be time consuming.

If there is a way to make yarn in a single strand with a tube, then there is a way to make a continuious strand of yarn without a tube.  I could use the 'make a slit and connect the strips' but that for me is just too time consuming.  If you haven't learned by now, I am impatient.

After much practice, I finally figured it out.    The awesome thing is this cutting method can be used on any type of material like sheets, curtains, etc..

For this tutorial, pants are used.   Feel free to skip down to the 'Cutting Method':



Cut legs off below crotch.

Cutt off bottom hem or pull out the stitches of bottom hem. 

                    

  Rip out side seams.   

1 pair of pants gives you 4 strips  

                     

                                           

Cutting Method 



                  

  Take one layer and match up the sides lengthwise.






 

Lay flat on cutting board. Starting at right edge, measure in desired width of strip, cut through bottom fold up to approx. 1/4" to 1/2" below top edge. Recommended width for each strip is not less than 1/2". 

           



This is what it will look like when cutting is done.

Lay piece flat.

   




Starting at bottom edge, cut through to make 1st strip. 



                

Each cut after 1st will be every 2nd strip to end.

This is what it will look like when all done.



Now working on the opposite side.



Starting at bottom edge, each cut will be opposite of other side.

                                                    


 If it helps, the strip looks like an upside 'V'. Cut through the middle of the 'V'.   

  


After the continuous strip is completed, go back and look at the strips and cut closer to the edge.

Not too close because you want it to hold up through the wash and driy process.

 

Here is what it looks like right after cutting but before wash/dry processing.

The wash & dry process gives yarn the frayed look.

                            

       

Here are a few other pant yarns that I have made.  I would love to know what types of yarn you make with this tutorial.  Let me know if additional clarification is needed.   By all means don't hesitate to email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com if you have any questions. 

Free Pop Tab Crochet Pattern - Glamour Bracelet/Cuff

I love coming up with new pop tab bracelet designs and this is one of my newest that I'm offering as a free pattern.

The neat thing about this pattern is it can be made into a bracelet or add more pop tabs to each panel and make it into a cuff.  Your choice - keep it small and dainty or go as big as you want.

Materials Needed:

• Size F crochet hook
• The # of standard size plastic bags or other recycled yarn of your choice will depend on whether you make a bracelet or cuff.  (For the gray bracelet, I was able to make 2 bracelets with one plastic bag.) 
• The # of pop tabs needed will depend on whether you make a bracelet or cuff.  (For the gray bracelet, 2 pop tabs are used for each panel with 6 panels total.  For the white bracelet, 4 pop tabs are used for each panel with 6 panels total.)
• Craft needle for stitching panels together.

Plarn Preparation:  Here is the link to making plarn for this pattern:

http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/04/double-strand-cutting-and-connecting.html

Recycled Yarn alternatives:  pantyhose and t-shirt yarn works great with this pattern as well.  Just cut your strips thinner than normal.

http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-make-hosiery-pantyhose-yarn-aka.html

Instructions:

Attach plarn with slip stitch in hole of a pop tab, chain 1 and make a single crochet in same stitch.  Place another pop tab behind and make 2 single crochet stitches in next hole going through both pop tabs.  Continue adding pop tabs with 2 single crochet stitches in each hole.  When desired length is achieved, finish by making 2 single crochet stitches in last hole.  Fasten off, weave in ends.  Repeat the same on opposite side.

When first making the bracelet, I didn't know how many would be needed so I made up a few then stitched each one together, then made up a few more, etc..  To sew panels together, put right sides together and whip stitch on the back side.

When you have so many stitched together, place it over your wrist to see how many more panels will be needed.  There is some stretch, enough to pull bracelet over the hand when bracelet is finished. 

Finish bracelet by stitching the 2 ends together.  Then turn inside out.

One last note:  Since this is a bracelet made with pop tabs, I wanted the pop tabs to shine through. 

However, feel free to single crochet, reverse single crochet or even slip stitch around the ends of the pop tabs.    

Here are a few alternative design options:

• Use a different color to whip stitch panels together 
• With right side facing you, make x's across covering whip stitching.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com.

Copyright © 2012 Plastique Recreations.  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.                                                                

Free Plarn Crochet Pattern - Plarn Bumble Bee Wristlet

I made this Little Bumble Bee Wristlet from Dollar General plastic bags and 'Thank You' black plastic bags.  The wings were made from the white part of  a JC Penny plastic bag and edged with the black plastic yarn.  I added eyes that moved to give it a more fun look.

 

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

MEASUREMENTS:  Height – 8.25”; Width – 9.25”; Big Strap – 10”, Small Strap – 4 ½”

CARE INSTRUCTIONS:  Machine wash and air dry

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Free Tutorial - How to Make Plastic Fusion also know as Plabric

How to Make Plastic Fusion

Sharing my tutorial on how to make plastic fusion:

  

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy

Materials Needed:

Plastic bags needed

        Large piece of plabric:  7 to 9 grocery store t-shirt bags

        Small piece (e.g. pocket size):  1 piece folded multiple times

Wax (Parchment) paper

Iron

Scissors (your good sewing scissors not recommended)

Hard surface

Well-ventilated area

Editor Comments:

·        Make sure bags are clean.  Give the bags a quick wiping inside and out with a damp cloth.  Just takes a few minutes but will pay off at the end.  Nothing worse than to successfully complete the fusion process only to find dirt or food residue melted into the plabric.

·        Through experience, shiny retail and/or trash bags have a tendency to resist fusing.  If you do use these, stick them  in the middle of the stack.

·        Why is 7 to 9 bags recommended:

o   Less than 7 plastic bags have a tendency to scorch more easily even under low heat. 

                   o   More than 9 plastic bags are a little harder to fuse together due to thickness.  If a thicker layer of plabric is needed for your project, go for it.  The fusion process may just take a little longer.

·        Scissors:  Due to the very nature of the material, plastic bags will dull scissors much faster than what fabric would.  Dollar store scissors are recommended.  

Pre-Fusion Preparation:

 Set the iron on a low heat setting such as polyester.

Prepare Bags:

Bottom Seam:  Stack the bags one on top of another lining up the bottom edges then cut off the bottom seams.

            

Handles:   Fold each bag in half lengthwise matching up the handles then stack the bags on top of another.  Cut the handles off at the base.

Fusion:
Cover the hard surface with wax/parchment paper.   2 strips may be needed depending on how wide the plastic bags are.  Place a plastic bag on top of the wax/parchment paper. (Important Note: Bags with print or design should be either placed in the middle or turned inside out if being used on the outside. If you want to show off the print or design on the outer layers, place a clear plastic bag over the print or design to avoid getting ink on your iron.) Continuing layering the bags one on top of another.

                                    

Smooth out the bags after each layer to remove any excess air that could get trapped in between.   Place wax/parchment paper on top to sandwich the bags in between.  Make sure there is plenty of excess wax/parchment paper on the outer edges of the bags because the bags will expand during the fusion process.

                                   

Starting in the middle, place a hot iron on the wax/parchment paper for approximately 15 seconds then press the iron out to the edges.  Continue moving the iron from the middle to the outer edge edges until the entire piece is covered. 

Before peeling the wax/parchment paper away from the plabric, check to make sure the bags have successfully fused together.   To determine this, the outer edges should not separate.  It should be one complete piece.  Gently peel away the top and bottom wax/parchment layers from the plastic fabric.   If the wax/parchment paper sticks to the plabric, take a damp rag over that area.  It comes right off.  If an area didn’t fuse while peeling, place the wax/parchment paper back over the area that needs more fusing and press with the iron.

Let me know if you have any questions.    Congratulations on keeping plastic out of the landfill!!!