Do you throw a plastic bottle away too after it serves its purpose? 🤔😐 Well, think twice before you do that again! 🧐 We have come up with an ingenious idea what you can do with that! 😏👌 Could you ever imagine making a practical and stylish bag out of it? 💼 Interested? 🤔 If so, I will show how to do that in this article! 👇
Once a plastic bottle has served its purpose, it’s usually discarded. However, with a bit of creativity, these containers can be transformed into something practical and stylish. One interesting way to reuse them is by turning them into a handcrafted handbag, perfect for shopping or beach outings.
Preparing the Plastic
Before you start assembling the bag, the bottle needs to be reshaped. Instead of its cylindrical form, it should be flattened into a sheet, which can then be cut into specific shapes.
Steps to Flatten the Plastic
Select plastic bottles that have a smooth, even surface, avoiding those with excessive ridges or curves.
Cut the bottles into small rectangular pieces.
Place two or three layers of paper over the plastic and press it with an iron set to the lowest heat.
The plastic will shrink and smooth out—adjust the pressing time based on the desired thickness.
Once the plastic has been flattened, cut it into squares measuring approximately 8 x 8 cm.
Assembling the Handbag
Use a soldering iron to create evenly spaced holes along the edges of each square, about 1 cm apart.
Instead of traditional yarn, opt for polypropylene twine, commonly used in gardening, to stitch the pieces together.
Arrange the plastic squares in a diamond formation and secure them by weaving circles between them.
Attach smaller semicircles and quarter-circle shapes around the edges for a more intricate design.
Crochet along the entire perimeter using simple stitches.
For the back and side sections, use overlapping stitch patterns for added durability.
Align the sides with the main design, securing them temporarily with clips before stitching them together.
Crafting the Handles
Handles can be made in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. They can even serve as the bag’s standout feature.
For my design, I opted for ready-made bamboo handles, which I carefully stitched onto the bag.
The Final Result
This creative upcycling project turns discarded plastic into something functional and eye-catching. Give it a try—you might be surprised at what you can create!