There are so many different and alternative materials that you can use to crochet other than the traditional yarn and thread.
Alternative material crochet includes crocheting with plastic bag yarn, t-shirt yarn, jute twine and so much more. Here are 19 terrific crochet projects that showcase the beauty and versatility of alternative material crochet.
Plarn & Tarn Projects
Discover these inspiring plarn and tarn projects that embrace sustainability and creativity. Transform discarded plastic bags and old t-shirts into beautiful and functional creations with these eco-friendly ideas. Start your upcycling journey today!
Check out this super easy and FREE crochet pattern for making a jute twine flower pot.
Here's another great FREE pattern from Crochet In Color - a perfect little table basked! This would make a great addition to any room in your house!
Here's a rope crochet basket. This FREE pattern from @EstherMChandler will show you an easy way to turn rope into a basket that can be used to store yarn and all sorts of other things at home!
T-shirt yarn crochet basket free pattern via @molliemakes article on 10 ways to use t-shirt yarn. T-shirt yarn is really versatile and generally soft and cozy to work with. It’s a great thing to try if you’ve never done it before.
Another option for using t-shirt yarn if you discover that you really like working with upcycled old clothes!
We all have a pile of stained, raggedy looking T-Shirts we keep around "just in case" or for outdoor work projects. Now, you can repurpose those T-Shirt by creating a bath matt or area rug with them! Check out how Lazy Daisy Jones does it!
Make your furry child their very own bed with upcycled T-shirts!! It's quick and easy and you can easily wash this material!
If you've never tried working with beads in your crochet, nows the time to learn! Use string, beads and a crochet hook to make this beautiful necklace!
Another great, free pattern from Creative Jewish Mom, this time she is showing us how to reuse old product bags, like a potato or onion sack, to make every day items like a scrub sponge! How genius!
Japanese knot plarn tote bag is made entirely out of recycled plastic bags! Reuse those Walmart bags to make a reusable grocery bag! FREE crochet pattern from My Recycled Bags
Here is another free crochet purse pattern made from plarn. My Recycled Bags is a really great resource for learning how to upcycle plastic bags with crochet!
In fact, it’s not only plastic bags that can be used in crochet. All plastic packaging can be used! Learn How to Cut Plastic Packaging into Plarn via My Recycled Bags.
Something In the Water crochet art project was on display in Ojai, CA in May 2015 and in Glendale, CA that same fall.
These giant sized nipples were created out of up-cycled trash bags and plastic bags by different artists. They were then sewn together to make a coral reef, raising awareness about the trash in our oceans.
The creator behind this project writes, “All works in the exhibition plumbed the depths of water issues amplifying each other in powerful ways.,..So many people were intrigued, curious, emotional, and impressed with everyone's contributions."
This beautiful basket like purse is a great intro pattern to crocheting with fabric strips!
Crocheting with wire is another cool alternative material to use. Often paired with beads, wire is great for crocheted jewelry or figurines.
Here's an adorable pomegranate pattern you can make with wire.
Here's a great tutorial showing how to make these stunning flowers, using wire crochet and twisting, along with beading!
Have you ever crocheted with paper? You can make your own paper yarn with upcycled newspapers! Learn how to with this easy tutorial!
Use your newly made paper yarn to make new placemats for your dinning room table! There are so many other patterns for paper yarn here.