Recycling Plastic Bags

I posted previously about creating "fabric" by fusing plastic bags, but another way to recycle plastic shopping bags is by making plastic "yarn" (plarn) and knitting, crocheting, or even weaving it.

My Recyled Bags has a great tutorial on how to cut the bags and connect the pieces.
Similar tutorial by Gooseflesh.
This is the method I prefer, though it makes a double-strand thickness.

If you prefer a thinner yarn, another method is to cut each bag into a spiral (like an orange peel).
Weavezine shows this method, and also gives a tutorial on weaving plarn.

Or perhaps the tutorial by Pie and Coffee will make more sense to you.

Recycled plastic totes are especially great beach bags--they can be rinsed off easily, and are long lasting.
They're also great for shopping bags (ironic, eh? Plastic shopping bags, reused and made into reusables).
They are also quite sturdy.

Wow, go figure--Creative Recyclers show how to weave a tube shape from plastic bags, using a plastic bottle as a prop.
This spool knitting technique (with real yarn) is also shown on Craftypod.

Atomic Shrimp used a handmade French bobbin and 25 plastic bags to knit this amazing tote

There are a lot of patterns out there, but here are just a few to get you inspired:

I loooove this crocheted tote from Marlo's Crochet Corner (instructions on her site).

I have just enough blue Walmart bags saved for the project.
For anyone who likes to use plastic bags for projects, there was a collective groan when Walmart switched from blue to ordinary white bags.

Crocheted tote tutorial on The Knitty Professors

When searching for free patterns, you can sometimes find crochet or knitting plastic tote/purse patterns under "bread bag".
Packages from bread and newspapers are thinner plastic, are often easier to work with, and give a finer look.
I especially like the clear bags--they give almost a crystalline accent to your projects.
My Recycled Bags has a ton of patterns available, including Bread Bag Tote

Also from My Recycled Bags, a Granny Square Motif Tote

There seem to be fewer knitting tutorials out there, but almost any knit or crochet pattern can be adapted to use with plarn.
Also check youtube for video tutorials.

Now that's unique recycling!

Used Soccer ball purse, as seen on Geekologie

Purse from trash

Great idea as seen on Dollarstore Crafts:
Make a Trashcycled Hermes bag!

original post by Brainy Bee on craftster

Map Purse

Tutorial on Sonya Style, to make a purse from maps

She also made a Paris map purse, though I can't find the link on her site (it's on her flickr page)


Map of Queens and Brooklyn under vinyl, by Sasaki Creations

Tote Tutorial

Laura of Rick Rack Ruby has posted a tutorial on how to make a bag from an Anthropologie dishtowel.

More Necktie Inspiration, from Etsy

This bag is aimed to inspire people to create their own bags, but I hope you also support your local crafters.
I use Etsy links to both inspire, and to encourage you to shop for handmade items.

Purse in recycled denim and other recycled fabrics, with necktie embellishment, by Marci9922 in her Treasured Designs Etsy shop


Another embellished bag, this one by Maven Studio


Necktie "Barbara" tote from CreoNodo's Etsy Shop


"The Persephone Tote" by LindaEve, formerly known as Untied

LindaEve also made this Bluesy Shoulder Tote

Necktie Coin Purses

Celeste from CC Star Accessories makes coin purses from neckties


Her Etsy shop: CC Star

More fun necktie examples

Ohio State Themed Handbag, made with neckties

and Patchwork Coin Purse
Both items from Shesu2008's Etsy Shop

Tie Belt with Pocket (like a fanny pack), in Miss Karina's Etsy Shop

Methods and Ideas

One thing to consider when sewing with neckties: utilize the best bits to your best advantage.
For example, some ties have a reverse side that is just as much fun as the front.
Here's one of my peek-a-boo neckties


If I were using that tie in a purse (or any sewn item), I'd want to showcase it somehow.

Other ties have text describing the tie or the designer, and these areas (usually on the reverse side) can be cut out and used like a "fussy cut" on a quilt.

This Degas necktie is part of a blazer (by Studio Fresca), but the idea is easily applicable on a purse strap, buckle, pocket, etc.

(click on images to enlarge)

And don't forget the labels!
This entire jacket, by Undone Clothing, is made from clothing labels!
Isn't it fantastic?
So that should give you some ideas on what can be done with the labels from neckties

This amazing quilt (posted by Patra Cat, I think she saw this quilt in a show)
uses both necktie fabric and necktie labels


Collage is another idea to consider.
You can take several images from neckties, iron the ties onto a fusible (I like Steam-a-Seam), cut out the pictures, and layer them.
You can stitch the edges down, so no seams are needed (unless you want to turn seams under and applique).
Here I started layering a bookmark
All of the fabrics are from neckties, except the text (that is from some boxer shorts)

This method would be an incredible way to personalize a purse.

Fun wristlet idea

Crazy quilt ties pouch

Tie Bags vendors

Purse by Rene's Creations


Tamajesy's Roar sells a variety of purses made from ties.
Her designs are interesting in that the seams are out


Lisa's Bags and Things often have a theme to each design


Bags by Sew Retro


Creative Dangles has a crochet bag with a tie running through it.


Jeans and Ties Messenger bags, by Bags by Meggie


Have items woven from your own ties, by Endless Possibilities


Crazy Quilt Purse Pattern, by Henrietta's Handbags


Or Pail Purse Pattern, also by Henrietta's Handbags

Necktie Purse tutorials

Sonya Style do-it-yourself


Purse on Thrifty Fun


Backpack made with a placemat, and necktie handles, from Crafty Gal


Necktie Bag on the DIY Network


Sulky Mini Purse


Two-tie Sling Bag, by Betz White

Options with Neckties

Remember that the point of the challenges on this blog is to entice you to think outside the box, to stretch your creative skills, and to try new techniques.
Sure you can use a necktie as a handle on your purse, but I hope you do maybe that AND something more.

Recycled placemat purse with a necktie strap, by pheartsb!


Tote made from a recycled shirt and a necktie, by gnostic sunset


Another recycled shirt and necktie, by Jenny Made This.


Made from repurposed wools (a recycled suit?) and tie, by PineBlossoms by Jennifer

paisley bag best 2
Originally uploaded by Redoux Designs

This appears to be recycled from a sweater, with a necktie handle. By Redoux Designs

Crazy Quilted Purse

Crazy Quilted Purse
Originally uploaded by Rinnie Henry

Great idea for how to use necktie scraps.

She says, "This crazy quilted purse is made from men's silk ties also assorted fabrics with purple silk lining, with lots of emblishments and fake fur around the opening. It won first place at the "Ozark Empire Fair" in Springfield, MO in 2006."