Alexei Volkov
Plastic bags are a common source of pollution, clogging up our environment. One way to reuse them is to knit them into mats, which can be used as sleeping mats for the homeless. These mats are hygienic, waterproof, easily transportable, and provide protection from the cold. To make these mats, plastic bags are cut into strips and tied together to form 'plarn' (plastic yarn). This plarn can then be knitted or crocheted into mats. The process involves making basic larks head knots and using a crochet hook. The mats are eco-friendly, keeping plastic out of landfills, and providing comfort to those in need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Plarn |
| Material | Plastic bags |
| Type of plastic bag | Grocery bags |
| Number of bags required | 500-700 |
| Bag preparation | Cut off handles and bottom seam, Cut into 4 strips/rings |
| Stitching technique | Crochet |
| Stitch count | 42 chain stitches |
| Stitch type | Half double crochet |
| Needle size | #20 (12mm) straight needle |
| Stitch type | Stockinette stitch |
| Stitch count | 35-60 stitches |
| Size | 72" x 72" |
| Purpose | Sleeping mat for the homeless |
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What You'll Learn
How to make 'plarn' (plastic yarn)
Plarn, or plastic yarn, is made from plastic bags. It can be used to knit or crochet unique, eco-friendly items like tote bags and sleeping mats. Using plarn is a great way to recycle plastic bags and prevent them from ending up in landfills or the ocean.
To make plarn, start by collecting plastic bags and flattening them out, tucking in any pleats. Use clothespins to keep the bags aligned and stacked neatly. Then, use a quilting ruler or another straight edge to trim off the bottom seam of the bags. Next, cut strips approximately 1/2 inch (1 cm) wide across the width of the stacked bags, forming loops. You can also cut the bags into strips without stacking them, but this method is more straightforward and creates more even yarn.
Once you have your strips, join the loops together to form a chain. You can do this by overlapping two loops end-to-end and then pulling the top of one end through the middle intersection of the two loops to create a basic lark's head knot. Repeat this step until you have a long chain of plastic yarn. Finally, loosely roll the plarn into a ball, and it's ready to use!
When working with plarn, it's important to note that it has a unique texture compared to traditional yarn due to its shine and loft. It also has different strengths and weaknesses, so be careful not to make your chains and knots too tight, or they may break. Experimenting with plarn is a fun way to try something new and create eco-friendly items.
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Cutting plastic bags into strips
To knit a plastic mat, you'll first need to cut your plastic bags into strips. This process is known as making "plarn" (plastic yarn). It's important to note that you shouldn't use your fabric scissors for this task, as they can become dull. Instead, use any other pair of sharp scissors.
First, cut off the bottom seam and handles of the plastic bag and discard or recycle them. You'll then have a rectangular shape. Cut this rectangle into four equal strips. When you're done, open up each strip, and you'll have four loops.
If you want to make the strips into a continuous piece of "plarn," cut diagonally at one of the open ends of a strip. Then, cut in a continuous strip, being careful to maintain a consistent width. When you reach the end of the first strip, cut into the next strip diagonally and continue cutting a continuous strip.
If you're using bags of different sizes, make sure to cut the strips at a similar width for each bag, adjusting the width for thicker bags. For example, cut narrower strips for thicker bags.
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Joining plastic bag strips
To join plastic bag strips, start by flattening out the plastic bags and cutting off the handles and the bottom seam. This will leave you with a rectangle. Cut this rectangle into four strips, which will become loops when opened up. You can then join these loops together by overlapping the ends and pulling one end through the middle intersection of the two loops to create a basic larks head knot. Repeat this process until you have a long chain of joined loops. Alternatively, you can simply overlap the ends of two strips, fold them together, and continue spinning to join them together.
Another method for cutting the plastic bags into strips is the "slit skirt" method, which is the same as the method used to make T-shirt yarn. To do this, first flatten the bag so that the sides are straight and trim off the top of the bag where the handles are and the bottom above the seam. Then, turn the bag so that one of the open sides is on top and the other is below. Pick a starting point at one of the side seams and cut diagonally through a single layer of the bag to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch, or your desired strip width. Continue cutting diagonally from lower slit to upper slit across the bag. The strip will start to unwind as you make these cuts. When you reach the first slit, cut it at an angle to open it up and trim off any extra bits of plastic to smooth the edge.
Once you have your plastic bag strips, you can start knitting or crocheting your mat. To crochet a mat, create a chain of approximately 42 stitches and continue crocheting until you reach your desired length. To knit a mat, cast on 72 stitches and knit every row until your mat measures 72 inches from the edge.
By joining plastic bag strips and knitting or crocheting them into mats, you can create a unique, eco-friendly product while also reducing plastic waste.
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Crocheting a plastic mat
Materials
- 500-700 plastic shopping bags
- Crochet hook size 10 or above
Step 1: Prepare the plastic bags
Cut off the handles and the bottom seam of each bag so that you're left with a rectangle. Cut the rectangle into four strips that become loops when opened up. You should cut each bag into four rings to get a "just right" length of "plarn" (short for plastic yarn).
Step 2: Join the loops
Overlap two of the loops end-to-end, then pull the top of one end through the middle intersection of the two loops to make a basic larks head knot. Repeat this step until you have lots of loops joined together in one long chain.
Step 3: Crochet the mat
When you have enough loops joined together, start crocheting! You'll need approximately 42 chain stitches, and then continue to crochet until you arrive at your desired length. Remember not to make your chains and knots too tight, or they'll break. You can use any kind of plastic bag, even from your dry cleaners, and sort the bags by colour if designs matter to you.
Step 4: Finishing touches
When you've reached your desired length, put the two ends of the mat together (no twists!) and join them. You can embellish your mat with a plastic bag crochet flower or two.
Tips
- If you get a really large crochet hook, it will be easier to crochet looser, making the mat more cushiony and comfortable.
- These mats are intended for people who are less fortunate, such as the homeless, refugees in camps, or people in the third world. They are also useful for animals that live outside.
- The mats are lightweight, portable, and easy to clean. They help retain body heat while sleeping and bugs don't like them.
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Knitting a plastic mat
Plastic mats are a great way to reuse plastic bags and keep them out of landfills. They can be used as sleeping mats for the homeless, providing a hygienic, waterproof, and easily transportable option.
To knit a plastic mat, you will first need to create "plarn" (plastic yarn) by cutting and tying together strips of plastic bags. You can cut each bag into four strips, and then cut off the handles and the bottom seam so that you are left with a rectangle. These rectangles can then be cut into strips, which become loops when opened up. Loop these strips together to form one long plastic chain, or "plarn."
Once you have your plarn, you can start knitting your mat. Use a #20 (12mm) straight needle and cast on 35-60 stitches, depending on the width you desire. Work in a stockinette stitch until you reach your desired length. You can also knit every row and repeat until the mat measures 72" x 72" from the edge.
Keep in mind that knitting with plarn can be challenging, and some people prefer to crochet with it instead. You can also add a strap to your mat to make it easier to carry.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic mat is a mat made from plastic bags, which are cut and tied together to create strips of plastic yarn, also known as 'plarn'. These strips are then knitted or crocheted into mats.
Depending on the size of the mat, you will need between 120 and 700 plastic bags.
First, cut off the handles and the bottom seam of the bag. Then, cut the remaining rectangle into four strips. Once opened up, these strips become loops.
Take two loops and overlap them end-to-end. Pull the top of one end through the middle intersection of the two loops to create a basic larks head knot. Repeat this step until you have one long plastic chain.
Once you have created your plarn, you can knit it as you would any chunky yarn. Cast on 35-72 stitches, depending on the width you want, and work in stockinette stitch until you reach your desired length.
