Use Plastic Grocery Bags to Make a Beach Bag
If you are like most American shoppers, you have more than enough plastic grocery bags. They are quite useful for the shopping experience but then usually end up in the trash. Learning to find ways to stop this waste is challenging. Using them to make a "fiber" is the start of many useful projects such as this one of making a beach bag. Of course, the product is completely plastic so it has limitations when it comes to heat, but it is quite strong and very washable.
Instructions
1. Collect grocery bags wherever you go. It will not take too long if you shop for a larger family. Try shopping at a few stores to get different colored bags. Do not worry if they have print on them, as it will only add visual interest to the crocheted pattern.
2. Fold a bag in half lengthwise and cut off the bottom seam and top handles. Cut the bags into 1 1/2 inch wide strips that start at one end and spiral around the bag until you get to the other end. Expect to get about 20 feet of plastic strip from one bag. Tie each strip to the next with a simple fisherman's knot. Twist the plastic strip if possible and roll into a ball.
3. Set a simple slipknot and slide your crochet hook into it. Make a chain that is about 14 inches long.
4. Turn the chain and start the second row by crocheting a single stitch in each loop until you get to the end.
5. Crochet the other side of the initial chain in the same way, instead of turning back to go over the second row. This way you are actually making a big circle forming a seamless bag. Count the number of stitches on both sides and make sure they are the same. If one side has less, add the necessary stitches to the other, spacing them evenly apart.
6. Crochet the handle by chaining several stitches (about 20 inches wide) from side to side with the same plastic strip after the bag is square. Loop it through the other side, being sure to hook several thicknesses of the plastic strip for strength. Turn back and forth on the strip hooking it in to the bag at each side until the strip is about 4 inches wide. Knot the last stitch well and weave the end into the bag.
7. Turn the bag inside out, as most of the knots and blemishes tend to stay on the back surface of crocheting. Pull and stretch it until it lays flat. It is now ready for use.
Tags: plastic strip, about inches, about inches wide, Bags Make, Bags Make Beach, Grocery Bags Make