Crochet ordinary plastic bags into adorable coasters.
Materials
- Plastic shopping bags
- Size G (4.25mm) crochet hook
- Scissors
Instructions
HELPFUL ABBREVIATION GUIDE
ch(s): chain(s)
dc(s): double crochet(s)
hdc: half double crochet(s)
hk: hook
sc(s): single crochet(s)
sl st: slip stitch
sp: space
st(s): stitches
[ ]: Instructions between brackets are repeated as directed.
- Cut handles and bottom seam off plastic shopping bags. Cut remaining portion of bag into a continuous 1-inch-wide plastic strip. Each shopping bag will yield about 16 yards-enough to make one coaster.
- Round 1: With plastic strip, ch 4, join with a sl st in first ch made to form a ring.
- Round 2: Ch 3 for first dc, dc in ring, ch 1, [work 2 dcs in ring, ch 1] 6 times, join with a sl st in top of beginning ch-3: 14 dcs.
- Round 3: Sl st to next ch-1 sp, ch 3 for first dc, work 2 dcs, ch 2, 3 dcs in same sp, ch 1, [work 3 dcs, ch 2, 3 dcs in next ch-sp, ch 1,] around.
- Round 4: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 for first hdc, work 6 dcs, 1 hdc in same ch-sp, sc in next ch-1 sp, [work 1 hdc, 6 dcs, 1 hdc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next ch-1 sp] around. Fasten off.
Finished Size: Each coaster measures about 4 inches across.
Craft originally sent in by Jobyna Carpenter of Poulsbo, Washington.
Why not try placemats? I use a variety of them all the time, and think this would be a neat idea for something a little different.
I think that is the craziest thing to do but I sure am going to try them… Love that
idea..
I have an 88-yr old neighbor that makes these for all her neighbors at Xmas. I love them because of love her.
What a super way to recycle!
I have been making bags to use with walkers, and donating them to the rehab center for anyone who needs them. I also covered a large oatmeal box for my cat to use as a scratching post. I put the strips together like making a rubber band string, then roll it into a ball to make it easier to handle, and the cats go CRAZY when they can steal a ball and string it all around the house, in and out, over and under the chair and table legs.
Awesome idea!!I just have to learn to crochet now.. does anyone know a good instructional web sight?
Go to Pinterest
Lydia, Thanks to YouTube there are great videos on the internet. I suggest joining a yahoo group that loves to crochet where the members are willing to help you out if you get stuck. I belong to this craft group and they are super – people with all levels of experience! I am sure there are lots of good groups out there.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Thread_N_Stitches/
Quesion how to make the continous cut of the bag
Hi, Cathy, You essentially cut in a circular spiral to create a continuous line. Here’s some instructions on how to do it… http://www.ehow.com/how_8191224_cut-continuous-circle-out-bag.html
There is a lady in New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada that uses recycles grocery bags to make plastic mattresses for babies/children for countries like Haiti, etc. They can be washed off and do not absorb any fluids, etc. She is doing wonderful work. Amazing!!
How wonderful. My mother had a rug crocheted from bread bags.
I have a question about this. I think it’s a wonderful idea and a great way to recycle the bags but what happens if you put a hot beverage on them? Will they melt?
Good question. Coasters made with plastic yarn (plarn) are best used with cold beverages. If they come in contact with high heat, they may melt. That’s why they should never be used as a trivet or pot holder. Also, since they are crocheted, there is a chance water or condensation could reach the surface upon which they’re placed. So it’s best not to use them on surfaces that are not water safe.