Alexei Volkov
Plastic bags are one of the most commonly littered items on Earth, with over 100 billion used each year in the US alone. However, they can be reused in creative ways, such as weaving them into mats, coasters, or even artworks. This involves cutting the bags into strips, which can be knotted together to form yarn. This yarn can then be woven into various shapes and patterns to create a simple, yet effective, material. This process can be done by hand or using a loom, and is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and transform a harmful waste product into something useful and beautiful.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing plastic bags for weaving
Firstly, gather a large number of plastic bags. It is important to note that the thickness and colour of the plastic will impact the final design of your woven creation, so choose your bags accordingly. You can use any type of plastic bag, from shopping bags to food wrappers like potato chip bags, coffee bags, and even candy bar wrappers. Wash and flatten each bag, and cut off any handles, bottom seals, and seams to create a plastic tube. Be careful when handling the bags, as plastic can tear easily.
Next, cut the bags into strips. The size of the strips will depend on your project, but a good rule of thumb is to cut them into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 20 inches long. Fold the bag in half lengthwise, and then in half again. Starting from one end, cut the folded bag into strips, moving towards the fold. Repeat this process with as many bags as needed for your project.
Now you have your plastic bag strips, you can begin forming tubes by wrapping a knitting needle or ruler with the strips. Be cautious when using heat tools, as too much heat can wrinkle your plastic or melt holes in it. Experiment with different tools to form the tubes, such as a ruler or metal strips of varying widths.
Finally, you can begin weaving! Plastic bag weaving can be done with or without a loom. If using a loom, tie a plastic thread onto a top corner of the warp with a single knot, being gentle to avoid snapping the thread. Weave across the warp, taking the thread over one string and under the next. Continue this over-under technique until you reach the end of the loom or decide to turn back. When you reach the end of a strip or want to change colours, tie off the end and cut off any excess.
Remember, plastic bag weaving is a sustainable way to repurpose and reduce waste, and it allows for endless creative possibilities!
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Making a loom from cardboard
To make a loom from cardboard, you'll need a rectangle of sturdy cardboard. This could be the flap of a large mailing box or, if you don't have a box with a large enough flap, you can cut a rectangle from the side of a box. If you only have thinner cardboard, such as a cereal box, try cutting two pieces of the same size and gluing them together to make a stronger piece.
Using a ruler, find the middle of your cardboard and then start marking off every 1/4 inch (or 6mm) across the top. Do the same for the bottom, making sure the marks align with the top. Cut each of these marks about 1/4 inch deep on both the top and bottom of the cardboard.
Next, cut two pieces of cardboard that are 1 inch tall and as wide as your loom. Glue these pieces to the top and bottom of your loom, just under the cut tabs. These pieces will help ease the tension on the cardboard tabs and give you some extra weaving room.
Now cut two more thin strips of cardboard about 1/2 inch wide and the same length as the width of your loom. Glue these strips to your loom, approximately 1/2 inch from each end. Cut small slits into one end of the cardboard, about 1/2 inch apart, making sure they are evenly spaced. Repeat on the other end, making sure the cuts line up. Your loom is now ready for warping!
To warp your loom, use string or yarn that is not stretchy. Secure the knotted end of the string at the back of the loom and pull it across the front, then back behind, making rows of string. Choose your weaving materials, such as yarn, strips of fabric, or even natural items like flowers and grasses, and start weaving!
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Weaving techniques
Plastic bags can be used for weaving, and there are a variety of techniques and projects to try. One simple project is to make a coaster, which is a great way to start weaving with plastic bags. First, you will need to cut the plastic bags into strips, removing the handles and any extra parts of the bag, leaving a "tube". You can then use these strips to weave your coaster, or you can iron the strips between two pieces of paper to create a more solid sheet of plastic. You can then cut this sheet into a circle and use it as a coaster.
If you want to create a more complex weave, you will need to create a loom. Cut a rectangle out of cardboard, and measure and cut marks approximately 1 cm apart along the top and bottom. Cut along these lines, then glue two thin strips of cardboard along the width of the loom to secure the strings. You can then unwind some string and tie a knot at one end, pulling it across the loom to create rows of string, known as the warp.
Now you can begin weaving with your plastic bag strips. Tie a strip onto the top corner of the warp and begin to weave across, taking the strip over one string and under the next. You can turn back midway if you wish, but remember to take note of the thread above so that you can alternate your weaving pattern. When you reach the end of a strip, or want to change colour, tie the end and cut off the excess.
When you have finished, turn the loom over and cut the strings free, carefully pulling your weaving away from the loom. You can experiment with different colours and patterns, creating shapes and images in your weave.
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Creating yarn balls for storage
Plastic bags can be cut and woven into yarn, which can then be used for weaving. This is a great way to recycle plastic bags. Once you have created your yarn, you can store it in a variety of ways.
Firstly, it is important to consider the space you have available and how often you will be using the yarn. If you have a dedicated craft room, you can store your yarn in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, such as on a pegboard or in glass jars. However, if you are short on space, consider using stackable plastic drawers or boxes to optimise the space you do have.
It is also important to ensure your yarn is stored in a way that will keep it safe. Yarn is vulnerable to its storage conditions, as it can be damaged by dust, moisture, insects, and pets. To protect your yarn from these elements, it is best to store it in airtight containers. Plastic ziplock bags are a cheap option for this, but they are not 100% airtight. For a more durable option, you can use plastic tubs or drawers with sealed lids.
If you want to store your yarn in balls, you can create these by wrapping the end of your yarn around your fingertip. Once you have a small loop, slide the yarn off your finger and continue wrapping in different directions until you reach the end. Finally, tuck the end of the yarn under one of the wraps to secure it.
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Other plastic items to weave with
Plastic bags are a versatile material for weaving and can be used to create various items, from coasters to mats and even artwork. While plastic bags are the most commonly mentioned item for weaving, other plastic items can be used for this craft as well.
Plastic packaging, such as aluminium packaging, can be woven into creations. Plastic packaging typically comes in a variety of colours, which can add an interesting aesthetic to your weaving.
Bottle tops are another plastic item that can be used for weaving. They can be attached to your weaving to add texture and a unique design element. Artist El Anatsui, for example, incorporates bottle tops into his cloth-like installation pieces, transforming them into precious artworks.
Plastic straws are another option for weaving. They can be cut into smaller pieces and woven together to create a mat or even a small bag. Plastic straws are flexible and can be manipulated to create interesting shapes and patterns.
Old plastic cards, such as expired credit cards or loyalty cards, can also be cut into strips and woven together. This creates a sturdy material that can be used for various projects, such as placemats or even small baskets.
By using these alternative plastic items, you can create unique and colourful weavings while also reducing your carbon footprint and giving new life to discarded plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut your cardboard into a rectangle. The larger the cardboard, the larger your weaving will be. Using a ruler (or a finger!) measure marks approximately 1 cm apart along the top and bottom.
Cut along the lines with scissors, then cut two thin strips of cardboard the width of the loom and glue them down. Secure the cardboard strips with bulldog or paper clips until the glue dries.
The best way to store it is to create a yarn ball. Start by wrapping the end of your plastic yarn around your fingertip. Slide it off and continue by wrapping it around the loops that you created. Switch directions every wrap or two until you are finished.
