I’m fully addicted to crocheting – and not with just yarn, but also with plarn! I have used the plarn to make plarn totes – the ultimate in using upcycled materials for crafting! Not only am I putting my grocery store plastic bags to good use, I’m also finding a way to use old toothpaste tubes!
Not familiar with plarn, plarn totes, or crocheting plastic grocery bags? I wasn’t either until I read this post here and got inspired. It explains how to make plarn.
Materials Needed to make your own Plarn Tote Decorated with Toothpaste Tubes:
- 25 (approximatly) plastic grocery bags
- 3 empty toothpaste tubes
- Crochet needle (K hook)
- Needle and thread
Plarn Tote Crochet Pattern:
When you get your plarn ball ready to go, then follow these easy (well easy if you already know how to crochet, somewhat challenging if you haven’t got a clue what a crochet needle even is) instructions on how to make your plarn tote:
Using a K hook, Ch 51 (or however wide you want your tote to be.)
R1: Sc 50 starting in the second bump at back of chain, then work 50 sc on opposite side of chain (front loops of chain.) You will have finished 100 sc in the round.
**Don’t worry if your bags twists a little funny when you are starting out. When you get enough rows done, it will straighten and look like a normal tote.
R2-45: Sc 100 in the round. I did about 45 rows, but again, you can customize the # of rows based on how tall you want your tote to be.
R46: Sc 20. Ch 10 and then sc 20 starting at the 30th stitch. This will create your tote handles. Repeat this so that there will be an opening on the opposite side of the tote.
R47-52: Sc 100 in the round.
Using K hook,
R1: Ch2, 6 sc in second ch from hook
Ch 6 and loop making a petal and reconnect the loop by sc in the 2nd stitch from R1. Repeat this 6 times so that you will have a petal in each stitch from R1.
*I made and used bright blue colored plarn from plastic that covered my newspapers.
Here’s where the toothpaste tube part comes in: they created the silver flower stems that I sewed on my tote.
Cut it into strips and connected them into a chain, the same way you do with the plarn you made from the grocery bags.
Turn each loop inside out so that the silver part shows the most when they were linked together.
I cut apart 3 different toothpaste tubes and made 3 different strands of “plarn.” I then took those three strands of toothpaste tube plarn and braided them together to get the strand that I sewed onto the bag.
Use the toothpaste tube chain to design the stem and hand stitch that to the tote. When the silver stem is securely sewn onto the tote, top it off by hand stitching on the flower.
When I was just starting this project, my husband made fun of me quite frequently when he watched me cut up the plastic and thought I was crazy. Now that he has seen the finished product, he did say that he had to admit that it was quite creative and really likes how it turned out. My mother too was rolling her eyes at me while I crocheted plastic bags. But when she saw the final bag, she requested one for Christmas. 🙂
Other people can’t believe when they see this plarn tote that I made it out of grocery store bags and I either hear “oh teach me how to do this,” or “you could totally sell these!”
Looking for an easier way to make a tote bag that is faster and requires no crocheting? Check out this 15 minute No Sew Tote Bag made from a Tank Top!
Subscribe To My Newsletter
Want more frugal tips or DIY project inspiration? Plus an amazing amount of Amazon promo code deals? Get my newsletter with exclusive content I don't share anywhere else!
Angie Nelson says
I am totally impressed! I have heard of using grocery bags, but never toothpaste tubes.
Eschelle says
not going ot lie this is pretty darn cool!!! I remember making outside cushions kinds like this by weaving plastic bags together. We made em in brownies before camping.
D says
This is very interesting. i have never heard of plarn before, thanks for introducing me to something new.
Deedra says
How resourceful! How messy was it cleaning up those tubes?
Kristin says
Talk about recycle, reuse, reduce – WOW! I wish had the patience to make something like that.
Maura says
Not messy really at all – just a little bit that was left in the tube after we used it up and I just rinsed it out in the sink.
Shelly says
I have not yet tried to use the plastic bags for yarn. Recently they were banned in our city so most grocery stores can’t use them anymore. But I do have a stash so I may have to try this project. I have made yarn out of old t-shirts and crocheted or knitted them into bath mats. Great project. Never have heard of using toothpaste tubes but mine are pretty beat up by the time I am done with them.
Kelley @ Never a Dull Day in Poland says
I think I might have to take up crochet so I can try this! This might be something I might to try with my Girl Scout troop.
andrea says
oh this is CUTE!! i might have to learn how to crochet…… 😀
RecycleCindy says
Great plarn bag and I love your use of the toothpaste tubes. I’ve been playing around with the tubes but found them pretty tough to crochet with. I’m trying a few different uses for them now and hope to come up with some useful repurposed items.
Jollyjillys says
What a great idea I bet it’s strong. I must try it out
Starlene says
I’ve never heard of plarn! Plastic yarn, huh! This is a great way to use up plastic grocery bags. Even if you don’t get them yourself from the store it seems like friends and family usually have an abundance. Thanks for sharing this plarn tote with us. Amazing. I will have to share this idea with my mom who isn’t on the Internet. She used to make round rugs out of old socks and t-shirts, I bet she would like this idea too. Thanks again!
Eleni Poulakou says
Oh, I took up crocheting last year, learned the basics and then left the yarns and hooks in the drawer… Such a shame… 🙁
Mary @ The Mommy job says
Wow how creative!!! How long did that take you?
Michelle says
I can’t even begin to imagine how much my husband would make fun of me. Good for you for sticking it through! It is an awesome bag!
Maura says
You know I didn’t time to see how long it took me to make. If I had to approximate, maybe like 8 hours total? I’m making a second one now, and its going faster. But when you know what you are doing, projects always go faster!
Shelley says
Wow – this is really cool! My sister would be able whip this out, but I somehow didn’t get the craft gene. Keep up the creativity!
Katie says
Who knew grocery bags and toothpaste tubes could look so cute!
Julie says
I tried this once but since I don’t know crochet it went haywire. Love yours.
Julie says
wow! that is thrifty! looks very time consuming and hard but wow that is for sure thrifty!
Corinne Rodrigues says
I’ve never heard of plarn before, but I find this so innovative and creative and the end result is so pretty too!
Britni @ Our Eventual Homestead says
Very cool! I have never tried crocheting before. I’m just proud that I can sew a button back on 😛
Glenda Cates says
I do know what a crochet hook is but no clue how to use one and to make this bag looks way to complicated for me to even try but I am Proud of you for doing it and it is so pretty and I Love knowing you used toothpaste tubes.
Kerry says
I have been wanting to learn how to crochet for awhile. Now you have really cranked up that desire. I love these! I did see some classes at a local community college for crocheting. I might have to look into them more so that someday I can attempt these!
Jeanette says
That is impressive! Seriously, that looks fantastic!
Kecia says
Who knew you could decorate a bag with toothpaste tubes?! I used to know how to crochet, but seeing this craft makes me want to learn how again.
Brett says
that’s some SERIOUS upcycling!! i’m in awe!
Lou Lou says
Plarn. Well that’s the first time I have heard that word. I am so impressed by your creativity! I am not crafty at all but wish I was…
life just saying says
So cool. I wish I were crafty…maybe one day. I am always amazed at what people do with the most ordinary items.
Anjanette says
This is some kind of recycling! We don’t use tooth paste (we brush with powder), but sometimes I lament having no reason to buy toothpaste on sale (we do occasionally donate items). I followed the links to your other toothpaste projects and WOW!
Katie says
Never in a million years would I have ever thought of incorporating toothpaste tubes in to my crafts. Thanks for the idea!
Amanda says
All you crafty people have me itching to make some awesome craft. Except that it would end up looking nothing like yours. And I zero craft ability. And I would never finish it… *sigh* So I’ll just admire your skills and your creativity. 🙂
Stephanie @ One Sleepy Mom says
Loling at “plarn”. I’ve heard of “pleather”, and I call the fake wood trim in my car “plood”, but never heard of “plarn.” I have no idea how to crochet, or what a K hook is, but I enjoyed looking at the pictures and kudos to you for the creativity!
Krissy @ B.Inspired Mama says
Very cool – I love unusual materials for creative projects!
Erin @ My Mommy World says
That is super creative! Thanks for sharing that great idea 🙂
Yannie says
It’s a cool idea. I love eco-friendly craft. Thanks for sharing.
marian says
I never hear about toothpaste tube as material and never think that it would easy to make such a great craft. I’ll try this craft, it’s been a while since I craft about recycled materials.
Krystle says
That is so neat and innovative! I would have never thought of something like that. Great idea!
Just Jaime says
Plarn sounds so cool! I love how you recycled something I’ve never thought about reusing, a toothpaste tube! Awesome results.
Johnnie says
I love this!! I am huge into recycle/upcycle crafts, but have not delved into the plarn world yet. Thanks for the nudge.
Nikki says
I’ve never heard of plarn! Of course, I can’t figure out how to knit with regular yarn yet, so that could be why. That tote is so cool!
Laurie says
Wow! I will never look at a toothpaste tube the same again. I guess my mind just doesn’t think that way. I have always said I am not that crafty, but I can really cook!!! Have a great day!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says
I like your instructions and pictures! Too bad I’m not crafty. But I can appreciate your talent and the low-cost. Good for you!
Emily says
Oh my goodness, that is amazing! I just heard about plarn for the first time the other day. I am envious of people that can knit/crochet! It is on my list of things to figure out one day. 🙂
Becca@CreatingFamilyConnections says
Wow! This is so cool. You are creative! I have a friend who loves to crochet, so I must share this with her!
Mrs. Accountability says
This is very creative and very frugal! Good job and I bet the item will last forever. Also it would be very easy to wash. I love this idea, I’m going to put it on my “get around” to list and make one someday. I love to crochet but have never crocheted with plarn before.
Lisa says
My aunt loves to crochet too! I will have to show her your post!
Suzy Myers says
Repurposing is my middle name. Ha! Awesome idea. I will have to check out some of your other ones! Thanks for sharing!
suzy
Nancy Stewart says
As the author of children’s conservation books, I do appreciate this post and the recycling. So important! Thanks.
Jill says
GREAT recycling project! I love how you made this bag and it does look fabulous! I”m a big fan of recycling and upcycling and like to see unusual items used. I made a few things sewing with old silver car windscreen shades!! Great fun!
Dianna@practicingfrugal says
Great way to use something up.
Shannon Schulte @SweepstakesMama.com says
Wow! I wish I could learn to crochet!
Wendy says
What a cool project….I wish I had the patience for it. 🙂
LaVonne says
Thanks for this. I had not heard of plarn before but this is a great way to reuse all that free toothpaste.
Very cool!
See You In the Garden says
I know how to crochet, or used to, but have never tried it with plarn. However, this really did peak my frugal side. What a great way to use up any plastic bags one might have around. I also would have never thought to use toothpaste tubes in this way. Actually, never thought that you could reuse them for anything. Thanks for showing me something new.
Carrie says
WOW! You did great! That is really creative!
Carrie says
I enjoy crocheting, but have never tried this. I’m bookmarking this idea!!
Judith says
Wow, that is so incredibly creative! What a fantastic idea.
I want to take up crocheting again, haven’t done it for many years. I’ll start with plain yarn, but it’s fun to know where it could all lead…
Jamie says
Oh my! When you look at the finished product THEN see where it comes from, it is almost unbelievable! How very cool!!
Layne Lanpher says
I use a knitting loom and it is a great easy way to use plarn to make these type of bags. Love the toothpaste decoration!
Mariah says
This is inspiring! I wish I was crafty! I am jealous of the creativity!
Jessica, The Debt Princess says
I have never heard of this. Very interesting. I don’t have the patience to do something like that. Good for you!
Dawn Storey says
What a fun idea! I might have to get out my crochet hooks and give this a try sometime. Thanks for the post!
Jacqui Gonzales says
That is awesome! I love it! I’m not a crafter but I do appreciate the work other people do. You should sell these!
April H says
What a great way to reuse! You did a great job with these!
marye~ says
What a fun idea and a great way to recycle!
Melanie says
I love finding new uses for old things. I haven’t learned to crochet yet. Thus far I’ve stuck to knitting.
Lyndsy says
Wow, talk about patience. This is incredible. Really, kudos to you.
Lyndsy
@aromaliving
Jamie says
A whole new level to upcycling. Cool idea.
Karren says
I have made a few projects with crocheting especially the scarves at Christmas, but that was the last project.
Stacie says
How cute! I have a bunch of plastic bags that I’ve saved for this exact purpose, but I still haven’t started it! lol
Tracy @ usingtimewisely.com says
My mom crochets. In fact, she won 4 ribbons at her state fair this year. Thanks for showcasing your creativity. Glad to hear your husband ate some of his words. 🙂
clarissa says
What a great idea, while recycling at the same time!! Truly creative!
Carolynn @mylittlebitoflife.com says
The closest I’ve come to crocheting is crosstiching. Very neat idea though.
Tiffany says
WOW! I am not crafty so this is super impressive to me!! 🙂 What a great way to reduce waste and have something super cute 😉
Adelina Priddis says
That’s just too darn cool with the toothpaste tubes! I really want to learn crochet, just need to find someone to sit and teach me!
Amber--JadeLouise Designs says
I’m big into crochet, but I’ve never heard of Plarn before! How creative! I just want to reach in and feel what that bag looks like! That is totally original and SO cool! I’d never laugh at you! That’s a great way to recycle and have a unique fashion look! I love it!
Kathy (Kangaroo Mama) says
I’m not a good crocheter and don’t know how to read patterns but I love looking at crafty things that people do with the random things around them. You did an amazing job with the tote!
Janet K says
Very cool!! I would love to be this creative, but now that I’m blogging I know all the great places to look and learn!!
Clarinda says
That is so creative. Love it. It would be useful as well as helps save the earth.
Sarah says
i love love love knitting and love love love to craft. i forgot how to crochet. now i think i am going to try. thanks!!!!!
jenivieve says
beautiful totes! So amazing! thanks for sharing!!
Jess at Make & Do Crew says
Toothpaste tubes! Incredible! What a cool upcycling idea.