Coil Basket Using Recycled Grocery Bags

I'm starting my third coil basket, and have taken photos along the way.  I will add a photo of this finished basket when completed.

Flatten plastic grocery bag with handles to left

Fold up once

Fold up second time - set aside

Cut about 3 yards of yarn; thread and tie on needle

Slide 2-3 inches of opposite end of yarn (tail) into bottom of plastic bag

Roll bottom of bag and hold bag and tail of yarn with left hand

Begin wrapping yarn with right hand clockwise around bottom of bag covering bag and tail; keep yarn close together wrapping with moderate tension (not too tight nor too loose)

Wrap until it measures length of thumb

Fold wrapped end under to form bottom loop of coil

Pinch end next to most recent wrap and begin wrapping together; overlap a little and make sure this is tight.  If end pops out - redo.  This loop will be center bottom of basket.

Continue wrapping until length of thumbnail; fold under again

Make first stitch by bringing needle from back to front through the bottom circle.

Wrap bag only five times and make another stitch from back to front in same bottom circle

Continue pattern of wrapping bag 5 times and stitching once until you've created a complete coil

To add new yarn, thread another 3 yards and tie needle.  On other end (tail) place about 2-3 inches of new tail next to old tail

old tail and new tail

Continue pattern with new yarn of wrapping bag 5 times and stitching once holding the bag and both tails with left hand.  A piece of masking tape may be used to hold tails to bag if needed.

Once first coil is completed, continue wrapping 5 times, but make stitch into coil directly below last wrap.  This will allow coil to grow.

Time to add a new bag when nearing handles of old bag

Flatten bag with handles to left

Fold up once

Fold up second time an make a slit about a thumb's length up from bottom; half way through

New bag is slit half way through; about a thumb's length from bottom

Open up once and find slit

Insert old handles from underneath through slit

Pull new handles through old handles

Pull through, but keep a little loose to avoid a thick area of bag

Masking tape helps keep the new handles from sticking out as you continue

The finished basket filled with baby books; shoes and socks ready for gifting!