First, save up lots of bags. You will probably need at least 40 bags to start with. Please do not get extra bags at the store for this project...just use the ones you would normally get.
Flatten the bag out
and cut off the bottom. Then cut off the handles
This is what you end up with
Next, fold it up
so you can cut "rings" (about 1-1 1/2 " wide)
I think the following photos are self explanatory
Once you get the bag all cut up you now want to link them all together
Pull gently from both ends to secure the slip knot
Keep doing this over and over and roll up into a ball. 
Now you're ready to knit or crochet into whatever you want. The slip knots are hardly visible in the resulting fabric. Because you are linking the loops the plastic yarn is double ply which makes for a sturdy yarn.Knitted plastic bag performance review:
Yesterday I tried out my first knitted plastic bag and I was very happy and satisfied with the results. I used it to carry 17 + pounds of fruits and vegetables and the bag is no worse for wear. If anything the bag was too big. It does stretch, but remains sturdy. I could have easily add more items to the bag, but as it was, it was almost too heavy to carry. My next bag will be much smaller.
I'm excited to make my next one...I really think that knitting plastic reusable bags is a very good thing :)
That is so cool! I may have to try this - maybe I could get the boys to cut up bags.
ReplyDeleteOh you are clever! I was wondering how you cut the strips. Whenever I've cut plastic bags, I haven't been clever enough to think of rolling them up first like that. Duh. (I use a strip of those bags for a really cool card)
ReplyDeletethank you so much for the pictures instructions...i really would like to try this if i can find the time!
ReplyDeletethanks again!
Thanks for the fantastic visual tutorial! I really want to try this now!
ReplyDeletei'm so glad that the bag worked well during its first excursion! i have a feeling we'll be seeing more in the future! : )
ReplyDeleteWow yours looks great! I'm making a plastic bag beach bag but I actually go round and round to cut the bag in to a long strip. Problem is that the plastic is so rough on my hands that I can only kit a row or two at a time. I'm so impressed that you have finished a great looking bag!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely awesome with this good Earth idea! I think we need to write in to HG TV with this one. Thank you so much for your excellent tutorial. I am excited to try it.
ReplyDelete~CeElle
... ps: Wouldn't this be a great Farmers Market sac? Yes, Hakucho's Market Bag!
ReplyDeleteExcellent pictorial! Wouldn't surprise me to see it in a magazine soon. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial. Very interesting. Who doesn't have a million platic bags at home. I'm glad to hear that it passed its test! Very encouraging! ;o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea... thanks for the great picture directions! Now we are without excuse :-) Definitely on my list of things to try!!
ReplyDeletethank you thank you for the photo how-to! can't wait to try it! how fun! (and all those really colorful bags from the shops in the mall - those will work out nicely!)
ReplyDeletethanks for the tutorial! that is awesome to hear that bag held up pretty well too!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your compliments on my dishcloths today. I fixed my error on my page-- the green and salmon is the "Checked Slip Stitch Cloth" from Knitting on the Net dot com.
Marie N.
Thank you for posting how you prepare your bags. I was wondering if this was the method.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to give this a try I think it would be good for beach bags for the kids to haul to the pool.
ReplyDeletecool. I think I'll do some for some family surprises. We use cloth bags in my house... Thanks for the great tutorial.... and happy belated birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm really thinking of trying this out to make some twisted rope... I'm curious what sort of test you could get out of it.
ReplyDeleteKudos!
Geez, I've been making life harder for myself! I like how you made a knot with the bags, I was tying the ends of mine. Thanks for the cutting tips too!
ReplyDeleteA great idea. I've been saving bags for only a week and I have enough- what does that say about what we are usually putting in the landfill!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing the tutorial. I will try this and knit my own reusable bag.
ReplyDeleteYou can take this one step further and you can spin it on a large hand spindle. :D
ReplyDeleteawesome idea.....crochet back into useable grocery bags.....I think I have a hundred ways of using all mine...just from your tutorial...ty so much....
ReplyDelete