
Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, clogging up landfills and oceans. One way to reduce plastic waste is to crochet them into mats for those in need. This process involves cutting plastic bags into strips, looping them together into 'plarn' (plastic yarn), and crocheting them into mats. These mats are lightweight, waterproof, and easily transportable, providing a comfortable sleeping option for homeless people, refugees, or those in the third world. They also help keep plastic out of the environment. This initiative has been taken up by charities and community groups worldwide, providing a creative way to give back and make a real difference.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of plastic bags | 500-700 |
Crochet hook size | 10mm or larger |
Mat size | 3' by 6' |
Chain stitches | 42 |
Rows | Repeat row 1 until the mat is 6 feet long |
What You'll Learn
How to cut plastic bags into strips
To cut plastic bags into strips, you'll need a pair of scissors and a ruler or yardstick. You can also use some cardboard to protect your work surface from scratches.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Flatten the plastic bag, straightening out any wrinkles and creases.
- Cut off the handles and the bottom seam, leaving a rectangle.
- For the "slit skirt" method:
- Keep the bag in two layers and turn it so the closed ends are at the top and bottom, with the open ends on each side.
- Cut the bag into strips, about 1/2 to 1 inch wide, from the bottom fold up to 1 inch short of the other fold. You'll have something resembling a hula skirt with a closed top edge.
- Open up the bag to a single layer, with the uncut section facing you. Cut diagonally from the end of one slit to the start of the next, continuing across the bag. This will create a long plastic strip or "plarn" (plastic yarn).
For the spiral method:
- Turn the bag so one open side is on top and the other is below.
- Choose a starting point at one of the side seams and cut diagonally through a single layer of the bag, creating a strip with your desired width (typically 1/2 to 2 inches).
- Continue cutting in a spiral pattern, being careful to maintain the same strip width.
- If you accidentally cut the bag into two pieces, simply start cutting again from the beginning.
Once you've cut your strips, you can wind the plastic yarn into a ball and start crocheting!
Remember, it's important to prepare your plastic bags in a consistent way for a neat and even finish. You can experiment with different cutting methods and strip widths to find what works best for your project.
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How to make 'plarn' (plastic yarn)
Plarn, or plastic yarn, is made by cutting and tying together strips of plastic from grocery bags. This process can be done in a multitude of ways, but the most common methods are the spiral method and the slit skirt method.
To prepare the plastic bags for both methods, flatten the bag so that the sides are straight and form a rectangle. Cut off the handles and the bottom seam of the bag, leaving a rectangle that can then be cut into four strips.
For the spiral method, 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 in a single layer of the bag to a depth of half an inch to one inch (or your desired strip width). Continue cutting around the bag in a spiral, moving in a continuous strip and taking care to keep the strip the same width.
The slit skirt method is similar, but instead of cutting in a spiral, you will cut straight strips. Leaving the bag in two layers, turn it so the closed ends are at the top and bottom and the open ends are to each side. Cut the bag into half-inch to one-inch-wide strips, working from the bottom fold to one inch short of the other fold. When you're done, you'll have something that looks like a hula skirt. Then, open up the bag to a single layer and cut diagonally from the lower slit to the upper slit, all the way across the bag.
Once you have your strips, you can start to form your plarn by connecting the strips with a basic lark's head knot. Take two strips and overlap the ends. Pull the top of one end through the middle intersection created by the overlap. Repeat this step until you have your desired length of plarn.
Now you're ready to crochet!
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Crochet sleep mat pattern
Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, with billions disposed of annually in Australia alone. One way to reduce plastic waste is to crochet the bags into mats for those without access to shelter. These mats are hygienic, waterproof, lightweight, and easily transportable. They also provide protection from the cold ground, helping people retain body heat while sleeping.
To make a crochet sleep mat, you will need around 500-700 plastic bags, a crochet hook size of 10mm or larger, and scissors.
- Start by flattening each plastic bag and straightening out any creases.
- Cut off the handles and the bottom seam of the bag, leaving you with a rectangle.
- Cut the rectangle into four strips, which will become loops when opened up.
- Take two loops, overlap them end-to-end, then pull the top of one end through the middle intersection to create a basic lark's head knot. Repeat this step to join all the loops together into one long plastic chain, known as 'plarn' (plastic yarn).
- Now you can begin crocheting! Chain approximately 42 stitches and continue until you reach your desired length.
- For an optional carrying strap, simply crochet a few stitches wide and long enough for a person to carry the rolled-up mat crossbody or over the shoulder.
Remember, if you have thicker plastic bags, cut narrower strips to avoid breakage. You can also add a plastic bag crochet flower or other embellishments to your mat.
By following these steps, you can create a comfortable and eco-friendly sleep mat while also reducing plastic waste.
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How to crochet a strap
To crochet a strap for your plarn sleeping mat, you will need to make a chain that is approximately 6 feet long. Then, single crochet down the entire length of the chain. Put the two ends together, ensuring that there are no twists, and join them. Fasten off. This will create a strap that is a few stitches wide and long enough for a person to carry the rolled-up mat crossbody or over the shoulder.
The length of the strap can be adjusted to your preference. You can also add a plastic bag crochet flower or other embellishments to decorate your strap.
If you are not interested in crocheting a strap, you can use a yoga mat strap or carrying sling instead.
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Where to donate your mats
Once you've crocheted your mats, you'll need to find a place to donate them. Here are some suggestions on where to donate your mats:
Local Shelters and Non-Profits
Reaching out to local homeless shelters and non-profit organizations is a great way to start. These organizations often have connections to those in need and can distribute the mats directly to those who will benefit from them. They may also have specific requirements or requests for the mats, so be sure to communicate with them beforehand.
Churches and Community Groups
Church groups, knitting or crochet groups, youth groups, and scout organizations can be excellent avenues for collecting and distributing the mats. They often have a wide reach and can help connect you with people in the community who need these mats.
Charities
Several charities across Australia, such as The Movement Crew, Blanket Melbourne, The Melbourne Period Project, and Essentials for Women, have taken the initiative to accept and redistribute plastic mats to the homeless. If you're based in Australia, these charities have drop-off stations in various cities and can ensure your mats reach those who need them.
Direct Donation
If you know of anyone in your community who is homeless or in need of a sleeping mat, you can consider donating your mats directly to them. This ensures that your mats make an immediate impact and provides an opportunity to connect with those in need.
Remember, these mats can make a significant difference in the lives of those without access to shelter. They provide comfort, hygiene, and protection from the cold ground. Your donation can help improve the quality of life for those who need it most.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need 500-700 plastic grocery bags to make a person-sized mat.
The process of making yarn out of plastic bags is called "plarning".
A crochet hook size 10 or above is recommended for this project.