Step 1: Gather Materials. VHS tapes are pretty easy to come by these days. After a search through my family's collection, I found at least ten with "taped off tv" specials they had no use for anymore. VHS tapes often end up in the garbage, but they come in very handy for crafty upcycling projects!
Step 2: Unscrew the screws. In most VHS tapes there are about five screws. You will need a REALLY small P0 size phillips screwdriver. If you don't have one, borrow one. If you can't borrow one, you can technically rip the cover open with your bare hands. The downside is the sharp shards of plastic; the upside is you'll feel very tough.
Step 3: Disassemble. Take out out the screws completely and separate the two sides of the tape from one another. It will take a bit of force, so pull hard.
Step 4: Wind to your preference. If the tape has been rewound, or watched to the very end, it will come out something like this. If you plan to crochet something that needs a thin and holey outcome (perhaps a grocery bag) then this is great. If you'd like it thicker, it's best to use two strands. For this you can either use a second VHS tape, or wind it to the centre so the film is equal on each side.
Step 5: Mix with Yarn (Optional). Personally, I find the product outcome is much more durable, versatile and waterproof when the VHS tape has been mixed with yarn. However, whether or not you add yarn can depend on what you are making.
Step 6: Crochet Something. There are many things you can make including purses, clutches, cell phone cases, belts, and the list goes on. I've been making a number of coin purses lately. They fit debit cards, cash or your sewing kit quite nicely. I love 'em!
3 comments:
why are you so amazing at this? brilliant idea!
this is brilliant. I need to learn to crochet just so I can do this. What do you do with the empty cases afterwards?
I'm unaware of a use for them afterwards, so I just tossed them. If you find one, let me know!
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