Crochet Plastic Bags: Plarn Purse

Here is my very first plarn (plastic yarn) creation! I had a collection of Wal-Mart grocery bags sitting under my sink from each time I went grocery shopping and it was time to put them to good use. This is a great way to recycle your plastic bags by turning them into something awesome and useful. Give it a try with the next batch of grocery bags you bring home!

Skill Level: crochet skill level easy
crochet plarn-purse

Finished Size: 10” (26 cm) wide, 5 ¼” (13 cm) tall, not including strap

Materials:
20 plastic grocery bags, cut into a ball of plarn (How to Make Plarn)
Crochet Hook Size G ( 4 mm)
Yarn Needle

Need help understanding the abbreviations? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

Crochet Pattern: Purse
Round 1: ch 31, sc in each sc across, ch 1, sc in each ch on opposite side of ch, place marker
Round 2: 2 sc in next ch, sc next 30 sc, 2 sc in next ch, sc in next 30 sc
Round 3: 2 sc in next 2 sc, sc next 30 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, sc in next 30 sc
Round 4: 2 sc in next 4 sc, sc next 30 sc, 2 sc in next 4 sc, sc in next 30 sc
Round 5 – 14: sc in each sc around
Round 15: sc in next 3 sc, decrease, sc in next 36 sc, decrease, sc in next 33 sc
Round 16: sc in each sc around
Round 17: sc in next sc, decrease, sc in next sc, decrease, sc in next 32 sc, decrease, sc in next sc, decrease, sc in next 31 sc
Round 18: decrease, sc in next sc, decrease, sc in next 30 sc, decrease, sc in next sc, decrease, sc in next 30 sc, sl st in next sc, finish off

Strap
Row 1: ch 61, turn, sc in each ch across
Row 2 – 3: ch 1, turn sc in each sc across

Using photo as a guide, sew strap to purse using a yarn needle.

If you need help making your plarn or purse, just leave a comment!

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5 Comments

  1. RecycleCindy says:

    Congrats on your first plarn bag. It turned out cute and I like the shape. Best wishes.

  2. Rachel says:

    Thanks Cindy! I can’t wait to make another, now I just have to save up enough bags :D

  3. Jen says:

    Hi. I really like your pattern, but I am wondering how does the purse body end up ovelish (how is is connected?). I hope you can help out a fellow crocheter. Thxs for taking time to read this.

  4. Rachel says:

    Hi Jen!
    The purse bottom is made in round 1 – 4. The increase (2 sc in a stitch) is what makes the shape, and since the increases are placed on the two sides, it gets wider for each of the beginning rows. Then in round 5 – 14, you make the body. And then to finish, decreases are in rounds 15 – 18 so that it curves back in.

    The bottom isn’t sewn onto the purse since the purse is made all in one piece (except the handle).
    Let me know if you need more help :)

  5. Debi says:

    BEAUTIFUL! Now I want to make one! ; )

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