Recycling Bags into a Bag:
It seems like almost everyone has a big supply of plastic shopping bags around the house; this plarn coupon or receipt pouch will take a few of them and make them into something a little more useful.
Just cut up some old bags into plastic yarn and you'll be ready to knit up this simple pouch modeled on a holder for coupons. Use yours for coupons, receipts, little things that get lost in the bottom of your purse, even knitting supplies.
Every time you use it may you be reminded of the importance of choosing reusable bags.
Materials:
- plarn (yardage may vary; I used the amount cut from a little less than three whole medium-sized Target bags)
- one pair size 10.5 US knitting needles (wood is easiest to work with when knitting plarn)
- one inch button, needle and thread
- scissors and yarn needle
Gauge:
Gauge is not critical and will vary depending on the width of your plarn; I got about 13 stitches and 15 rows per 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch.
Size:
Finished pouch is 4 inches tall with a gusset and base an inch deep and is about 6 inches wide. Your size may vary slightly depending on the width of your yarn.
Instructions:
- Cast on 20 stitches.
- Work in Stockinette Stitch 4 inches, ending on a purl row. Purl the next right side row and the next wrong side row, then continue in Stockinette for 1 inch from the purl row on the right side, again ending on the purl side.
- Purl 1 row on the right side again, then the next wrong side row. Work in Stockinette as established until 6 inches from the last turning row, ending on the wrong side.
- Next row, knit 10, yarn over twice, knit 2 together twice, knit to end; 20 stitches.
- Work in Stockinette 1 more inch. Bind off. Weave in ends.
Knitting the Gussets and Finishing:
- Cast on 5 stitches.
- Work in Stockinette Stitch 4 inches.
- Bind off. Weave in ends.
- Make 2.
Finishing:
Take a length of plarn and cut it in half lengthwise. Thread onto a yarn needle and use it to sew the gussets to the sides of the bag (just use a running stitch, not mattress stitch).
Use a sharp sewing needle and thread to sew the button onto the bag in the appropriate place.
