Fused Plastic

One of the best types of recycling is when trash is converted to something usable.
A perfect example: fused plastic.
Yes, you can take those grocery sacks and cut them into strips and knit or crochet them into bags, but you can also melt them into your own "fabric" and sew them into shapes.

My favorite video tutorial is from Make Magazine, and the pattern for the messenger bag is amazing

Etsy Labs has a tutorial you can read, or they offer a video also.

Katie Crafts has a tutorial for a fused plastic messenger bag made from produce sacks
Dabbled's tutorial

Dollarstore Crafts made a fused plastic backpack

My absolute favorite twist on fused plastic, is the quilted bag by Craftastica

Fun bag by Betz White

Really creative ideas for plastic fusion (using scraps, weaving strips, adding text,layering)
Video one
Video two

Timbuk2 bag--how to make an embellished panel video

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

Feed bags to tote bags

How about recycling feed bags--especially the ones that are stronger than paper.

Recycled feedsack bags, by Handcrafted at Wit's End (etsy)



Backpack style by Bluemont Creations (etsy)


Tutorial using a dog food bag, on All Free Crafts.
Tutorial using a cat food bag on Thrifty Fun

Amazing Birdfeed bags by Twisted Textiles
(sold in her Etsy shop, Twisted Wear)

another post here


And from catfood bags too

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

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."

Inspiration

Gorgeous purse made from neckties, by JennJohn Bags.
Just goes to show how beautiful recycled ties can be.
JennJohn's etsy shop


Drawstring bag made from vintage ties, by Christine Anderson


Purse by Buried Treasure, with ties on a diagonal


Cute bag by knitsybitsyspider