Plastic grocery bags often end up in landfills or ocean waste, but crafting a plarn market bag transforms disposable shopping sacks into an exceptionally sturdy, eco-friendly tote.
“Plarn”—or plastic yarn—creates a resilient, stretchy fabric that easily handles heavy grocery loads and daily errands while holding its shape over time.
This beginner-friendly project breathes new life into single-use plastics, offering an approachable way to practice sustainable crafting.
With simple stitches, a large crochet hook, and discarded bags, you can create a functional, waterproof accessory that lasts for years.
Materials
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Plarn (plastic bag yarn)
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8mm crochet hook (for bag body)
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6mm crochet hook (for handles)
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Yarn needle
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Scissors
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4 stitch markers
Abbreviations & Terms
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Ch: Chain
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Sc: Single crochet
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Hdc: Half double crochet
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Sl st: Slip stitch
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St(s): Stitch(es)
Bag Base & Body
Use the larger 8mm hook throughout the base and main body.
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Foundation: Ch 11.
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Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 8 ch. Work 3 sc in the final ch, pivoting to work along the bottom of the foundation chain. Sc in each remaining loop across to the last ch, work 2 sc in last ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
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Round 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same st, hdc in next 8 sts, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 9 sts, 2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st. Join with a sl st.
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Round 3: Ch 1, 2 hdc in same st, hdc in next 9 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 11 sts, 3 hdc in next 3 sts. Join with a sl st.
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Round 4: Ch 1, hdc in next 13 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 13 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts. Join with a sl st.
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Round 5: Ch 1, hdc in next 14 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 16 sts, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 2 sts. Join with a sl st.
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Round 6: Ch 1, hdc in next 15 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) 3 times, hdc in next 17 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) 3 times, hdc in next 2 sts. Join with a sl st.
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Round 7: Ch 1, hdc in next 16 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) 4 times, hdc in next 19 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) 4 times, hdc in next 3 sts. Join with a sl st.
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Round 8: Ch 1, hdc in next 18 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) 5 times, hdc in next 22 sts, 2 hdc in next st, (hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) 5 times, hdc in next 4 sts. Join with a sl st.
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Rounds 9–29: Ch 1, hdc in every st around. Join with a sl st. (Optional: Swap plarn colors periodically to add decorative stripes).
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Round 30: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st, cut plarn, and weave in ends with your yarn needle.
Handles (Make 2)
Flatten the bag completely. Place a marker at each outermost corner. From each center marker, count 6 stitches toward the left and 6 stitches toward the right, marking those spots to outline where your straps attach. Switch to the 6mm hook.
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Setup: Attach plarn with a sl st at one marked outer position.
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Row 1: Ch 1, sc in the next 6 sts.
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Rows 2–74: Ch 1, turn, sc across all 6 sts. (Tip: Working an even number of rows keeps the joining seam tucked neatly inside the bag).
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Attachment: Align the strap end with the matching marker on the same side, ensuring it isn’t twisted. Ch 1, push hook through both the handle and bag rim, and sl st across to secure. Fasten off.
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Second Strap: Repeat this process on the opposite side of the bag body.
Finishing Touches
Using a contrasting plarn color, work a final round of slip stitches around the entire rim and handle edges for extra reinforcement and pop of color. Secure and weave in any loose material tails.
