From Plastic to Plarn: Transforming Grocery Bags into Useful Yarn

Plarn, short for 'plastic' 'yarn,' is a versatile and eco-friendly yarn made from recycled plastic grocery bags. This guide will walk you through the process of creating plarn from commonly available materials and offer creative projects you can undertake using this sustainable yarn.

Materials Needed

Plastic grocery bags (the thinner, flexible types work best) Scissors A flat surface for cutting

Steps to Make Plarn

Gather Plastic Bags: Collect several clean and dry plastic grocery bags. Make sure they are free of any food residue or stains. Flatten the Bags: Lay each bag flat on a clean surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Trim the Handles and Bottom: Cut off the handles and the sealed bottom of the bag, leaving you with a rectangular piece of plastic. Cut into Strips: Fold the bag lengthwise into thirds or quarters to make cutting easier. Use scissors to cut the folded bag into strips about 1-inch wide. The width can vary based on your project, but 1 inch is a good starting point. Join the Strips: Take two strips and overlap them slightly at one end. Cut a slit in the overlapping section of both strips, then pull the end of one strip through the slit of the other and pull tight to create a knot. Repeat this to join all your strips together until you have the desired length of plarn. Roll into a Ball: Once you have a long length of plarn, you can roll it into a ball for easy storage and use in your projects.

Using Plarn

Crocheting or Knitting: PLARN can be used like yarn for crocheting or knitting. Use a larger hook or needle usually size N or larger to accommodate the thickness of the plarn. Weaving: You can also weave PLARN into mats or other items using a loom or by hand.

Projects for Plarn

Mats for the Homeless: Many crafters make mats for homeless shelters using plarn. An average of 300 to 500 bags are required to create an adult-sized sleeping mat, utilizing two beginner-friendly crochet patterns to create a dirt and water-resistant, insulating, and lightweight crocheted blanket. Bags and Purses: PLARN can be shaped into reusable bags or purses, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. Home Decor: Use plarn for coasters, rugs, or other decorative items that add a unique touch to your home and help reduce plastic waste.

By using plarn, you not only create useful items but also contribute to reducing plastic waste!

Additional Information

PLARN is not just yarn made from plastic; it's a yarn specifically designed from plastic- usually plastic grocery bags thinly cut strips of clean used tablecloths, newspaper bags, and similar softish and pliable sources. It's a great way to keep your plastics out of landfills and by extension, the sea life and other places, by giving the plastic a new life past its fate as a flimsy single-use tote.

Collecting and color coordinating PLARN can result in sturdy, lightweight, stain-resistant versions of traditional yarn counterparts like the cute little wrist bag I found on Pinterest.

Most notably, PLARN is known for creating plastic-yarn sleeping mats for the homeless. Each mat requires an average of 300 to 500 bags to create an adult-sized sleeping mat and can be made using two beginner-friendly crochet patterns. The resulting crocheted blanket is dirt and water-resistant, insulates the person off the ground, and acts as a wind break in a pinch - and it weighs less than a yoga mat!

While a calico pattern is typically used for most mats, as we often get the bags from friends and family who want to help see their own disposable plastic regain a new life and purpose, the homeless are grateful all the same. If this sounds interesting to you, here are some basics on making plarn, adjusting the width for the strength and softness you desire. We usually cut a grocery bag into four pieces for plarn mats. Then take the scrap to a recycling dropoff point.