Learn how to make plarn to recycle that pile of plastic bags in your closet and turn them into some really cool creations! Read on to see how to make plarn. Wondering what to make with plarn? No worries, I have links to some fun plarn projects for you to try.
I’m always looking for ways to reduce waste and reuse and recycle what I can. Although I try to use reusable bags whenever I go grocery shopping, I inevitably forget once in awhile and end up with a stash of plastic bags. So what better way to use them than to make plarn and crochet them into something new!
What Is Plarn?
To put it simply, plarn is plastic yarn. Plarn is made by cutting plastic grocery bags into strips and tying them together to create plastic yarn, or plarn. Some of the benefits of using plarn, aside from the positive effects on the environment, are that finished items are surprisingly durable and can be washed in warm soapy water and reused again and again.
What to Make With Plarn
And what are those finished items? You can use plarn to crochet items such as doormats, tote bags (like this super-easy grocery tote crochet pattern), knee pads for gardening, dish scrubbers, storage baskets, coasters, beach bags, table accessories (like this festive outdoor placemat crochet pattern set), camping mats, and almost anything else you can think of. Some organizations are even encouraging their volunteers to use plarn to make bedrolls for the homeless. Now, I said it is good for almost anything … plarn really isn’t ideal for clothing, however. Besides that fact that it would probably not be the most comfortable thing to wear, it also doesn’t breath well. Plarn also shouldn’t be used for anything that would be used near heat, such as potholders or trivets, because it will melt.
How to Make Plarn
First, sort through your plastic bags and discard any dirty or ripped bags to your recycling container. Now it’s time to choose colors. You can choose bags of the same color or use a mix of colored bags for a variegated look. Or you can separate the colors to make different designs by switching colors every few rows.
Once you have your bags ready, follow the steps below to turn it into plarn. Once you are comfortable with the process, you can even stack two or three bags at a time help speed things along. …
Step 1: Flatten your bag making sure the sides are tucked in.
Step 4: Cut off the bottom of the bag and the handles and discard to your recycling container.
Step 5: Then cut the rest of the bag into 1-in. strips. Each of these strips creates a plastic loop.
Step 7: Working with two strips, bring one end of the second strip under and through the loop of the first strip. Then bring it over and back through the second loop, gently tug to secure.
Does anyone know of a specific address I can bring them finished math? I don’t want to go into the city and hand them out. Thank you.
I need pattern to make the sleeping mats for the homeless. Our local Grassroots Democrats group has decided to make these as a project for the homeless. I would appreciate any assistance. Thank you.
We make our mats 3 feet by 6 feet, we use a P or Q crochet hook. Plarn does not stretch like yarn so keep your tension loose so you can get into the stitches on the return. We generally use a double or half double stitch to work the mat so it doesn’t take so long to make.
We generally use plastic bags but to get bright color we cut and tie plastic tablecloths. They are thicker but lovely.
Let me know if you need more info.
This is such a wonderful idea!! A great way to reuse and recycle plastic bags!
Thanks for sharing! I intend to make baskets to sort my different yarn colors for my craft room! Much cheaper than buying baskets and better for the environment. My trash compactor is full of plastic bags!
I am going to do this and make a pad for my dog to lay on outside in her area of our yard.
Great idea!
Might be major problem with plarn: plastic bags are being made biodegradable – so all your crocheting or knitting will be for naught since the bags are supposed to disintegrate.
I’ve had some bags holding yarn become flaky and wind up as ‘dandruff’ on my carpeting!! Strange …
Is there any way to soften it? It is so stiff.
Not that I know of, Molly.