DIY crochet shopping bags
COP26 crafts: 5 sustainable crafting ideas
With the eyes of the world on COP26 in Glasgow, sustainability is firmly in the spotlight. And what could be more sustainable than crafting your own planet-friendly switches? From eco-friendly tote bags to beeswax wraps, start creating your own DIY sustainable crafts…
1. Tote(s) sustainable
If you’re not already on the reusable shopping bag hype, now is the time! Swap the questionably titled ‘bag for life’ with your own handmade version. These are perfect for carrying fruit and veg, books, paint samples, or whatever takes your fancy. Download the French Market Bag pattern from LoveCrafts for £2.29 and start saving the planet one shop at a time.
Photo: LoveCrafts
2. Wrap it up
One of the simplest swaps we can make at home is to ditch cling film and tin foil for leftovers and packed lunches, and instead opt for sustainable beeswax wraps. While you can buy them, there’s something extra-special about making them yourself. Hobbycraft has a great project detailing the step-by-step process of how to do this.
Photo: Hobbycraft
3. Repurpose not replace
Upcycling items that you no longer use, or are broken, is one of the best way to give items a new lease of life – and keep them out of landfill. From old items of clothing and cushion covers to bedding, old jars and candles, there are some great DIY sustainable crafts guides out there. Check out these three crochet projects to upcycle your clothes from LoveCrafts, as well as a guide to transferring embroidery patterns to fabric.
Photo: LoveCrafts
4. Sustainable scrubs
Wave goodbye to your single-use cotton pads or face wipes, and say hello to handmade, reusable scrubbies (download a pattern from LoveCrafts for £2.15). They’re the perfect project to practice your crochet or knitting skills, and can be thrown in the wash and reused time and time again. These make great handmade gifts for conscious friends and will cut down on single-use items in your bathroom.
Photo: LoveCrafts
5. Eco-friendly yarns
Remember it’s not just what you make, it’s how you make it. Popular yarn brand Paintbox has a range of eco-friendly yarns made from materials that would otherwise go to waste and instead gathered and spun into sumptuous yarns. LoveCrafts recommends Paintbox Yarns Recycled t-shirt yarn, which is ideal for macrame and other simple crochet makes.
Photo: LoveCrafts