Each photo below is thumbnailed, click on photo to view larger size
This process is a great way to recycle those old plastic bags into something useful. You can crochet or knit a cool tote bag similar to reusable totes that are sold.
Cutting
Lay recycled bag out flat
Fold in half lengthwise then fold in half again
Cut off top handles
Cut bag in strips about 1 inch wide or as desired
Set aside the end of bag where bottom edge was glued. The ends and the handles can be recycled either as stuffing for other projects, packing material for shipping, or taken to your local recycling bin for plastic bags.
Tying strips together
Take two strips and inter-twine together as shown
Gently pull on ends to knot two strips together
Connect next strip to last strip in the same manner
Continue connecting strips until you have a large ball of plastic yarn
Tips:
Pull ends evenly to create a smooth and flat strip.
If you find your strip doesn’t lie flat between knots, you didn’t pull
evenly which creates a bunched strip. Just make sure your strip is
even before you pull your knot tight between the two connected
strips. To fix a bunched strip, just loosen your knot between the strips
then pull on the ends again to make your strip flat and smooth.
Thank you very much for this wonderful work
Thanks for the idea. I have decided to incorporate it into my scrapbooking project. Check out the picture link on my progress!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150682689410350&set=a.10150576840035350.441252.285761260349&type=1&theater
Hi Cindy!
I was wondering if you or any of your readers have tried this method to make plarn out of heavy plastic bags (similar to the “yard” bags). I have a bunch of heavy (almost rubbery) bags I was going to do this with, but once I got the plarn made, I wasn’t able to crochet or knit with it as the material sticks to my hooks or needles. I’ve tried plastic and metal needles. Any suggestions?
THANKS so much for sharing.
I, too,am a breast cancer survivor (diagnosed Dec. 2005)
I am trying to print some of your patterns to try.
Have a good day.
Thank you for this tutorial! It is *exactly* what I was looking for.
Thank you Cindy for sharing! I’ve been wondering how to make plan. My hubby was recently with lung cancer and am looking for a plan cancer ribbon wrist band for him. WE are raising my 2 year developmentally delayed grand daughter and don’t have much time for myself with chemo and all. I W want to buy this ribbon, actually two, from you if you at available to do so?
@Nora – I sent you an email about the ribbon. I wish you and your dh the best as you face his cancer battle. These things are never easier. Take care and best wishes.
I have made outside seat covers with plastic bags, only I crochet scrap yarn with it. All colors are great.
Wow! I have been looking for something like this for ages. I saw a cute crocheted plastic bag rug a while back and would love one for my patio. Thanks for all your hard work in creating these patterns, I look forward to making more than a few
This technique would also work with t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweaters, for making things like rag rugs and chair pads…
Something to Share…
Members of the Fallston Presbyterian Church, Baltimore MD, are crocheting 3X5 foot PLARN mats for the homeless to use as a soft moisture barrier. The article was in the the local Towson Times Baltimore community paper. I’m not a member but thought this was newsworthy.
Thanks for all you do!
@Lil – Thanks for sharing this info. I love that people are recycling bags and helping out those in need.
I had a good friend who had her students help her make mats for homeless people out of Wal*Mart bags. These helped keep them off the ground where they slept outside. They were so great because they were easy to dry. I always wondered how she made the “yarn” and now I know!