Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Plastic Bag Crochet – Plarn Bag for Zero Waste Crochet

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plastic-bag-tote.jpg

I tried it again. Crocheting with plastic bags. I spent quite some time online checking out how to prepare the plastic bags to create ‘yarn‘. There are two basic ways to do this:

First, cut off handles and seam at the bottom, creating a square. Fold that square across its height so you have a long piece, then fold again. From that, cut about 6 sections. These make rings. Interlock these rings and crochet away.

 

You can also purchase plarn ready made here via Etsy.

Second method begins like the first in removing handles and bottom seam. Then, to create a single continuous length (about 7 yards by my calculations), you make a small diagonal cut about 1.5 inches deep and cut the remainder of the bag in a spiral.

Both preparation methods are fairly time consuming. Now, this is FREE YARN, so I can’t complain about that. Every site I visited encouraged me to use a large hook, from K on up to Q. Most preferred plastic hooks as wood and metal were harder on the plastic.

plastic-bag-tote.jpg
ervilhas.weblog.com.pt (the tote)

Well, this is NOT FOR ME. I’m a pretty dedicated recycler – and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MAKING THINGS FROM TRASH – but crocheting with this plastic ‘yarn’ is awkward and time-consuming. I was so hopeful that I could create a couple of cute totes for gifts. But, NO! I just threw them all in the trash. I’ll pay for my yarn instead.

I’ve made totes with rug yarn in the past and don’t even like crocheting with that stuff, but it’s almost indestructible so it makes sense to crochet totes with it. I think I just might stick with using some sz 3 and 5 balls I have on hand. Maybe not as environmentally friendly as using those plastic bags or newspaper sleeves, but my blood pressure will remain lower and my serenity stronger.

Before You Go…
That stash of plastic bags under your sink? It’s not clutter—it’s free crafting supplies waiting to happen! Whether you make this exact tote or invent your own plarn masterpiece, you’re giving single-use plastics a hilarious second act as something actually useful.

More Zero-Waste Inspiration:

Turn T-Shirts into Yarn (No-Sew Tutorial)

 

Challenge Time!

Make this bag, then tag #CraftGossipPlarn—we’ll feature the most creative upcycle on our Instagram! 

Comments

  1. I thought that you follow the steps for the first one and then cut the loops and tied them… Oh well, I am not that far along… I can redo it!

  2. Just a friendly FYI:

    Although you were unable to use the grocery bags for “yarn,” a lot of grocery stores do have bins to collect and recycle those plastic bags to help keep them out of our landfills.

  3. Yes, Maven, i agree. do NOT put these plastic bags in the trash bin to go to land fill. we always use them at least 3 times before they go to the trash bin. we try to keep them forever out of the trash bin. if you look on some of the ‘indie craft’ sites, you’ll find other ways to use the bags, including great craft ideas.
    jd

Have you read?

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

If you’re new to crochet and wondering where to start, scarves and cowls are one of the nicest entry points. They feel useful right away, they don’t come with the stress of tricky sizing, and they let you settle into the rhythm of stitching without needing to think too hard about shaping or assembly. That is a big win when you’re still getting comfortable holding the yarn, counting stitches, and figuring out where your row actually ends.

Let’s be honest, a lot of beginners want a project that looks good before they want a project that teaches them patience.

That’s exactly why scarves and cowls work so well. They’re practical, cozy, and giftable, and they often use the same few stitches over and over again. You get to build confidence while making something you can actually wear, wrap up for a friend, or stash away for cooler weather. It feels like real progress, not just practice.

I also love that this category has a nice mix of super simple wins and slightly more textured designs. If you want a one-skein cowl you can finish over a weekend, there are plenty of those. If you want a chunky scarf with a bit more visual interest, you can find that too. It’s a very forgiving place to begin, and for a lot of crocheters it’s the category that turns “I’m trying crochet” into “I think I’m properly into crochet now.”

If you’re building out your beginner pattern stash, you might also want to bookmark our roundup of Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners and this sweet Free Crochet Pattern – Emotional Support Chicken. For readers who want fast finishes, Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects is another handy one to keep open in a tab.

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

Free Pattern – Moss Stitch Crochet Cowl

This is exactly the sort of project I love to recommend to newer crocheters. Moss stitch has that neat, slightly textured look that feels polished, but it’s still repetitive enough that you can relax into it once you get going. If you want a cowl that looks a little elevated without becoming fiddly, this is a lovely place to start.

One Skein Cowl

One-skein projects always feel approachable, especially when you’re not ready to commit to something huge. This cowl is a great fit for beginners who want something warm, quick, and satisfying. It also has that nice “I made this in a weekend” energy, which is very motivating when you’re just starting out.

Free Crochet Pattern – Lindsay Cowl

This one feels giftable from the moment you see it. It’s simple, adaptable, and easy to picture in different yarn colors, which makes it a fun pattern if you’re starting to think beyond just “can I make this?” and into “who could I make this for?” I always think those are the projects that keep beginners coming back for more.

Crochet a Colorful Braided Scarf Using Broomstick or Cardboard

This is a fun twist on the usual beginner scarf. It has a more decorative finish without feeling out of reach, and it’s a nice choice if you want something that looks a bit different from a standard straight scarf. It’s also a good reminder that beginner crochet doesn’t have to mean boring crochet.

Chunky Crochet Teal Scarf With Fringe

Chunky yarn and fringe are such a good combination when you want quick payoff. This kind of scarf works up faster, feels cozy almost immediately, and gives beginners that very important feeling of visible progress. And honestly, fringe covers a lot of sins if your edges aren’t perfect yet.

Free Cowl Patterns

This Lion Brand collection is worth bookmarking if you want to browse beyond a single pattern. It’s useful for readers who like having options in one place, especially when they’re still figuring out what shape and style they prefer. A roundup like this always benefits from one broad resource page readers can keep exploring.

Free Scarf Patterns

Same idea here, but for scarves. If someone finishes one beginner project and immediately wants another, this kind of resource page is handy. It gives you room to keep the momentum going without having to hunt around from scratch.

Fast and Easy Cowl

The title alone makes this a good fit for beginners. Fast and easy is exactly what many newer crocheters are looking for, especially when they want to build skill without burning out. A project like this helps you focus on consistency and comfort rather than complicated construction.

Simple Cowl Pattern

Bulky yarn plus a simple shape is a very beginner-friendly combination. This is the sort of project that can make a new crocheter feel successful quickly, and that matters more than people realise. A good first finish can turn someone into a lifelong yarn hoarder. Learned that one the hard way.

Cardiff Cowl

This one feels like a nice next-step option. It still sits in the easy category, but it has a slightly more refined look, which makes it perfect for crocheters who’ve finished a basic beginner piece and are ready for something just a touch more styled. A roundup needs a few of those “you’re ready now” patterns.

Free Ridgeway Cowl Pattern

Mary Maxim always gives you a nice practical read on a pattern, and this one feels like a strong wearable addition to the list. It’s the kind of cowl that looks useful, cozy, and realistic for everyday wear, which is exactly what many beginners want to make first.

Free Autumn Spice Cowl Pattern

This is a really good fit for an easy crochet roundup because chunky yarn and simple structure usually mean a faster finish. It has a cozy, seasonal feel to it too, which makes it ideal if your readers are already thinking ahead to cooler weather projects.

Why scarves and cowls are such good beginner crochet projects

Scarves and cowls let you focus on the part of crochet that matters most at the beginning: getting comfortable with the stitches. You’re not worrying about sleeve shaping, precise fit, or joining twenty awkward pieces together while muttering at your yarn. You’re mostly just crocheting, row by row or round by round, and that repetition is what helps the movements start to feel natural.

They also give you a finished item that feels useful.

That really matters.

A dishcloth is practical, yes, but a cozy scarf or cowl feels more exciting to a lot of people. It looks like a real handmade piece. It can become a gift, part of your winter wardrobe, or the thing that makes you think, “Actually, I can do this.”

If you’re choosing your first project, look for patterns that mention beginner, easy, one skein, chunky yarn, or fast finish. Those usually give you the most encouraging experience. The more success you have early on, the easier it is to keep going.

More easy crochet ideas to explore

If you enjoyed these scarf and cowl ideas, here are a few more beginner-friendly places to head next:

Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects
9 Quick & Easy Crochet Patterns
Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Cardigan Idea
Buttoned Plaid Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

This is the kind of crochet category that quietly builds confidence stitch by stitch. Start with one simple cowl, then try a scarf with texture, then maybe a chunky wrap or hooded cowl once you feel brave. Before long, your yarn basket will be full and you’ll be calling it a “collection,” which is a very familiar craft-room trick.