If you're looking for ways to upcycle old textiles, rag bags are a good way to go. They don't require as much of a commitment as rag rugs do, and they are useful to have around -- beautiful too! The links below take you to a variety of interesting free rag bag patterns.
You'll crochet this rag bag using fabric strips and single crochet stitch. The bag is lined, and there is a separate tutorial for sewing the lining. These free tutorials are available at the Laughing Purple Goldfish blog.
At cats-rockin-crochet blog, you'll find another photo-heavy post showing the steps to crochet a rag bag. This bag was made using the same tutorial linked above, but the finished bag looks different.
Got an old sheet that you don't need any more? If so, this rag bag is a fantastic way to recycle it. The free crochet pattern was posted by Cindy at MyRecycledBags.com.
You can cut up old jeans, denim jackets, or anything else made of cotton twill. Then use the reclaimed fabrics to crochet a fun rag bag. This free pattern is posted by Cindy at MyRecycledBags.com.
This blog post includes work-in-progress photos of the rag bag, with links to helpful info including
tips for crocheting with rags. One neat thing about this bag: she included a pocket for her crochet hooks in the lining.
