Knitting Patterns Using Recycled Materials

There is something satisfying about knitting a re-usable shopping bag from old plastic bags. Or creating a pretty waste basket from waste materials.

Here are knitting patterns using recycled or upcycled materials such as yarn made from plastic bags – plarn, t-shirts, fabric and more

Be patient with these new materials. Plastic bag yarn is less stretchy than fibre yarn. Some knitters also have said it is easier to knit with thinner plastic bags.

To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.

All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.

Free Knitting Patterns

 Re-Bag

Julie Weisenberger’s totes are knit from plastic bags and come in two sizes – large and small.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• Get pre-made plarn balls on Etsy
• See more Tote Knitting Patterns

Plastic Bag I-cord Sandals

Kimberly Golynskiy designed these sandals as part of a thesis project to upcycle plastic bags. Size shown is for 12-18 months but is easily customizable.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• Get plarn on Etsy

© jamiemyselfandi

Plastic Bag Shopping Bag

This shopping bag won 1st place in a 2015 Earth Day Recycled Art Show for its creator jamiemyselfandi. Molly Aplet created the original design for this shopping bag knit from old shopping bags. However, this pictured project and others added several modifications so I recommend you check out the project gallery.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• Get plarn on Etsy
• See more Tote Knitting Patterns

Recycled Plastic Business Card Case

Caroline Steinford’s small pouch could be made using strips of any plastic (the more flexible, the better), scrap cloth, or less than a skein of leftover worsted-weight yarn.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• Get pre-made plarn balls on Etsy
• See more Bitty Bag Knitting Patterns

Plarn Bowl

Alison Hogg designed this small bowl that is about 4cms (1¾ in) high and 8cms (3¼ ins) in diameter.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• Get plarn on Etsy
• See more Storage Knitting Patterns

Eyepod Eyeglass Case

Laurie Balbo designed these cute striped cases made of plastic bag yarn.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• Get plarn balls on Etsy
• See more Bitty Bag Knitting Patterns

Recycled Plastic Bottle Cable Knit Bracelet

Zylo Lugosi’s bracelet uses leftover plastic bottles to create the base of this bracelet. The instructions outline the cable knit cover and assembly instructions for the bracelet.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• See more Bracelet Knitting Patterns

Openwork Sweater in T-Shirt Yarn

Love this pullover by Donatella Mestriner! The strips are cut at 3/4” width so won’t be too bulky, and there will be enough to knit the whole garment.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• See more Pullover Knitting Patterns
• Don’t want to make the yarn? Get t-shirt yarn on Etsy

Upcycled Oven Mitts in T-Shirt Yarn

Melissa Somerville’s oven mitts come in three sizes and take approximately two men’s large t-shirts.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• See more Household Knitting Patterns
• Don’t want to make the yarn? Get t-shirt yarn on Etsy

© print-of-the-wave

Rag Doily Rug

Julie Weisenberger’s design uses old sheets for yarn to create a pretty and absorbent rug for bathrooms and entryways.

• Get the free knitting pattern

Injeanius

Janine Le Cras recycled old denim jeans to make this clever tote bag that even recycles the seams for the straps.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• See more Bag and Purse Knitting Patterns

Mom & Me Cloche Hats

Denae Merrill’s t-shirt yarn hat is available in 3 sizes from mom (20-22in), older child/teen (18-20in) as well as younger child (16-18in). The hat is knit in reclaimed t-shirt yarn.

• Get the free knitting pattern
• See more Cloche Knitting Patterns

Cowl Neck Poncho

Denae Merrill’s prize-winning design drop-stitch poncho uses sport-weight Recycled Silk Yarn.

• Get the knitting pattern
• See more Poncho Knitting Patterns

Adventure Cardi

Denae Merrill offers a universe of options with this pattern for a vest or cardigan with various sleeve lengths. She also gives instructions for five different types of recycled yarns. Sizes XS-XL

• Get the free knitting pattern
• See more Wrap Cardigan Knitting Patterns
• Get the banana fiber yarn used in the vest at Darn Good Yarn
• Get reclaimed chiffon ribbon used in the cardi at Darn Good Yarn

Patterns for Purchase

Ombre Garden Pods / Planters Using Plarn

Knitted plant pods from plastic bags make great planters! The woven plastic retains water, keeping the soil moist and the plant well-watered while also allowing airflow and drainage, keeping the plant healthy and thriving! This pattern offers detailed instructions on how to make the plarn needed for the pattern as well as instruction for making three sizes (small-4″ diameter x 2″ high, medium-6″ diameter x 3″ high, large-8″ diameter x 4″ high) of ombre style plant pods.

• Get the knitting pattern on Etsy

Waste Basket from Plastic Yarn

Emily Blades designed this very meta pattern that turns waste bags into waste basket! One of the 20 designs for plastic bag yarn in her book Eco-Friendly Knits

• Get the Eco-Friendly Knits book for as low as 99 cents
• See all the patterns in Eco-Friendly Knits
• See more Storage Knitting Patterns

Plarn

Save time by buying your plastic bag yarn! You’re still making eco-friendly designs without the hassle of cutting and winding the plastic bags. Many colors available!

• Get plarn on Etsy

T-shirt Yarn Clutch

Knit a small purse with recycled t-shirt yarn. The size of the clutch is 33 x16 cm.

• Get the knitting pattern on Etsy
• Don’t want to make the yarn? Get t-shirt yarn on Etsy

T-shirt yarn

Save time by buying your t-shirt yarn! You’re still making eco-friendly designs without the hassle of cutting and winding. Many colors available!

• Get t-shirt yarn on Etsy