MADE WITH LOVE COMMUNITY

Making Plarn

Plarn Mats

Welcome to a world of making plarn mats. Making plarn mats is not difficult but it can be time consuming. The process of making plarn mats involves: 

  1. Collecting plastic bags (go to stores that recycle and accepts used bags)
  2. Flattening the bags 
  3. Cutting the bags into 2-inch strips 
  4. Linking the strips together to form plastic yarn 
  5. Crocheting the yarn into mats 

It takes around 450 bags to make a single mat, and the process can be lengthy, making it a good group project. 

Repurposing plastic bags into plarn helps keep them out of the environment, as plastic bags can take around 1,000 years to decompose. Making plarn mats gives you limitless possibilities to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination and your vision to see a final product and knowing your work will make someone’s life a little better.

1. First step will be to flatten your bags. I found that rolling them up after they have been flattened and let them rest for a while helps when you cut them.
2. Once the bags have been flattened and aligned (about 10 bags), you will cut them into strips. You will need to cut the handles and then about 1/4″ from the bottom. What is remaining is what you will cut into approximately 2″ strips. Depends on the bag size but you will get about 4 strips per bag. Highly suggest using a rotary cutter as shown on the video.
3. To make the plarn, you will take two strips and feed one (B) through the other (A), Fold back it (B) feed into itself. You will then need to pull gently. Try to leave a smaller size knot so that it is easier to crochet. See video.
4. Every plarn mat starts with crocheting a chain. The chain will be approximately 36 inches. That will be the width of your plarn mat. After the chain, you will just be making rows. The average length of a plarn mat is 6 feet. Since plarn is thick, we are using a crochet hook size Q – 16mm. It is best to crochet loosely. You get to chose what color bags to use or get creative designing your mats.

The Grand Finale

After much time and effort, you will experience the joy of seeing a final product. Knowing that your time, love and compassion will make someone’s life a little better and possibly even a little happier, brightening their spirits.

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