Ever thought about using (video) cassette tape for a crochet project? It is smooth and soft and got a distinct metallic color. Apparently, it isn't such a good idea though.

This winter, kiddo and I were tidying up at the attic. We found a lot of old cassette tapes and both of us - yup, kiddo too - immediately thought whether we could up-cycle the tapes. We started unrolling a couple. Then I got second thoughts and checked the internet.

Why You Shouldn't Use Magnetic Tape

A magnetic tape - VHS or cassette tape - is really just a thin plastic band. Not hazardous, BUT, apparently it is coated with different kinds of chemicals/metals, that are toxic to us in the wrong doses. From what I could figure out different brands use different combinations of chemicals on the tape, so you can't say exactly what is on every single one, except that commonly used coats consists of; ferric oxide, cobalt, chromium dioxide. Things that better stay where they are and not something for anyone to fiddle with.

Here are a couple of links about the tape. More info is out there, but it can get somewhat technical to read:

• Crafting a Green World - about cassette tape
• Wikipedia about Compact Cassette
• Send your old tape to GreenDisk in Washington - if you live around there

A few artists have made incredible art from cassette tape. I hope they know how to protect themselves. And if any cassette tape producer reads this, they could consider making some 'yarn' from non-coated cassette tape. That might be fun :)

Links to artists and tape art, in case you wonder about the fascination:

• Sonic Fabric installation (not available anymore)
• CO DESIGN - VHS Art Created With Miles of Magnetic Tape (also not available anymore)

Use Gift Ribbon or Plastic Bags

So, I thought a lot of what to use instead. You know, not like I needed to make something out of the tape, but now I really wanted to try a ribbon.

Then recently I figured gift ribbon might work too, though it has a less flexible structure.



My first tries didn't work at all. But, finally I managed to make something and I would say this kind of project it is not suitable for a beginner. You need to know your stitches very, very well.

About Ribbon

The nature of the ribbon makes the stitches uneven, which adds a rough expression. Sort of the kind of things you either like or don't like.

Here a clues to pay attention to:

• the ribbon should be slim and not too stiff
• the hook should have a pronounced nose/lip for a better grip
• crochet loose. It is difficult to find the right places to insert the hook.

The good part about the ribbon I used is, that it has some rigidity. Other ribbons might behave differently. But this one is possible to kind of shape and it will stay in that position. I have yet to see for how long this rigidity lasts and if it becomes softer with time. I might give my bowl to the kids and let them test it for me.

But go ahead and try for yourself. An excellent thing about the gift ribbon is, that it comes in all kinds of colors and types.