Knitting and Crochet

Re-using Plastic Grocery Bags For Craft Projects

Plastic bags frequently accumulate around the house, probably because nearly all stores these days are using them. If you have just been recycling them or perhaps tossing them inside the trash, think again. These essentially free bags may be used for several interesting, fun and occasionally profitable craft projects. More often than not the bags are colored white, however some stores carry plastic bags in various colors. So, get out your accumulated plastic bags, and try out making a couple of these interesting and creative craft projects.

Crocheting and Knitting Using Plastic Grocery Bags

The plastic these grocery bags are produced from is lightweight, strong, as well as simple to clean, allowing it to be a fantastic material for tote bags. You start by cutting all of your bags into one-inch wide strips, trying to make each strip as long as you possibly can. An alternate way to cut the bag is in a spiral manner, which creates one continuous, long strip. Then you roll all of your plastic strips into balls. Then, using large sized knitting needles or maybe a crochet hook, use the plastic to knit or crochet tote bags, using a yarn pattern as a guide. Don’t forget that your project will possibly need fewer stitches than this pattern calls for, since you are using a large hook or large needles. Just make adjustments as you go along in order to achieve the right size and shape. You could even sell these bags at local craft shows to generate a bit of extra money. Take some photos of your bags and display in photo frames as samples of your distinct plastic crafts.

Plastic Bag Stuffing

Plastic grocery bags can also be used many times as an alternative for fiberfill stuffing. One great project is to use plastic grocery bags to stuff a pillowcase and make a comfy bed pillow for a cat or dog. For an added bonus, the plastic can help retain body heat, plus cats are often intrigued by its crinkly sound. Stuff a pillowcase with plastic bags then sew the opening shut, by using a long stitch. When you need to clean up the pillow, you can just open the stitching and take out all the bags, then wash and dry your pillowcase and refill with new bags. You can even take a few pictures of your beloved cat enjoying the pillow and display them using some cute cat picture frames.

Jump Rope Made Out Of Plastic Bags

You are able to create some fun jump ropes for your kids using plastic grocery bags. Cut the handles off the bag. Next, be sure to cut the bag in a spiral fashion, which will supply you with one lengthy string of plastic. Make three of those strips and knot them all together at one end. Then, secure the knotted end in a drawer to enable you to keep your strands taut while you braid. Braid your strips together up until you are approximately 4 inches from the end. Cut yourself three additional strips of plastic and overlap them and twist these to connect to the first strips, then keep on braiding. Keep braiding and adding until your rope will be the right length for the child, then tie a knot in the end. You can use scissors to cut a fringe in the loose tasseled ends of your jumping rope making it more attractive. Make sure to take a few action photos of the child jumping rope, as these photos can be a lot of fun to display throughout the house in simple round picture frames.

So, if you find yourself with a pile of plastic grocery bags and you are not really sure what to do with them, do not forget that they can be put to good use in craft projects rather than winding up within the trash can.

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