What do you do with mountains of spare plastic bags? Recycle them, of course. Simply collect the bags, cut them into strips and weave. This knitted bag is an easy project once you get used to working with the different textures of plastic. The simple handle is made from a leather strap, wound through the plastic and knotted, to give the necessary contrast to the disposable plastic. Use the bag to store anywhere in the house or garden (even in the kitchen as a container to collect other plastic bags). Experiment with different colors, try regular or random stripes, or use just one color for a sleek, monochrome look.
Assorted plastic bags, cut into 1/2" wide strips (see below)
Multipurpose polypropylene rope (available at hardware stores)
3-1/2 yard leather thong, cut into two equal 1-3/4 yard lengths
1 pair of 10-1/2 (6.5 or 7mm) knitting needles
Large sewing needle
One size (15" tall by 12-1/2" wide by 7" deep)
14 stitches and 20 rows =4"/10 cm in garter stitch on size 10-1/2
needles
Always make a gauge sample and change needles accordingly, if necessary.
1. Cut the top section of each plastic bag to remove the handles.
2. Starting at the top open edge and cutting one side at a time, cut a narrow strip spiraling down the bag (a bit like peeling an orange) to make one continuous length. If the strips are too wide, simply cut them in half again; if they are too narrow, just knit two strips together.
3. Knot different color lengths as desired and roll the strips into balls.
With size 10-1/2 needles, cast in 44 stitches.
Continue with the garter stitch (in other words, knit each row) until the piece measures 15" and you end up with an incorrect row.
Work like to come back.
With size 10-1/2 needles, molded into 20 stitches.
Continue in garter stitch as on back until piece measures 42", ending with a wrong side row.
Starting at one end of the square, pin or glue back around all three edges, easing and straightening to make sure the corners are square.
Repeat with the front to form the other side of the bag.
Using polypropylene string and a large sewing needle, sew all the way around the edges with small stitches. (Do not use backstitch as this will distort the knitted plastic.)
On the back, mark the position of the handles with colored string (approximately 4" from each side of the bag and 1-1/4" from the top edge).
Thread the leather strap from the inside to the outside of the knitted bag at one marked point, then back again at the other marked point.
Pass the strap two more times and tie a knot inside the bag.
Repeat for the front.
Point Drill: When looking for a soap to wash your natural fibers, treat it like your own hair. You wouldn't wash your locks with soap, would you? What a mess! Try using a pH balanced shampoo instead.
