Crafting Comfort: Crochet Mats For The Homeless From Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, with billions of bags dumped into landfills each year. However, one innovative way to reuse these bags and benefit the community is to crochet them into sleeping mats for the homeless. These mats, known as 'plarn' (short for plastic yarn), provide a comfortable, hygienic, and waterproof barrier between the ground and the sleeper, helping to retain body heat. They are also easily transportable, lightweight, and bug-resistant. In addition to helping those without access to shelter, this initiative keeps plastic out of landfills and marine systems, benefiting the environment. It's a win-win situation!

How to make plastic yarn ('plarn') from plastic bags

Plarn is the term used to describe yarn made from recycling plastic bags. It can be used to craft a coupon pouch, braid a bracelet, crochet a bowl, or knit a bag for holding plastic bags. Making plarn from plastic bags is an easy process that can be done in a multitude of ways. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make plastic yarn (plarn) from plastic bags using the slit skirt method and the spiral method.

Slit Skirt Method:

• Flatten the bag so that the side gussets are folded out and the sides are straight, forming a rectangle.
• Trim the bag, removing the top of the bag where the handles are, and the bottom above the seam.
• Place a craft cutting mat, old tablecloth, child's playmat, or even a flattened piece of cardboard on top of your table to protect it.
• 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 1/2 to 1-inch-wide strips, working from the bottom fold to 1 inch short of the other fold.
• Open up the bag to a single layer with the uncut section in front of you.
• Cut from the end of one slit to the start of another, working diagonally across the uncut space.
• Cut across the space between the lower first slit and the second top slit at an angle. Leave the top first slit for now.
• Continue cutting diagonally from the lower slit to the upper slit all the way across the bag.
• At the beginning of the bag, you will have an additional loop hanging off the strand where the first slit is. Cut it at an angle to open it up.
• Trim any odd extra bits of plastic off the plarn to smooth the edge.

Spiral Method:

• Cut the bottom seam and handles off the bag and throw them away or recycle them.
• Turn the bag so 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 1/2 to 1 inch (or to the desired strip width).
• Continue cutting around the bag, moving in a spiral, taking care to keep the strip the same width.
• With this method, it is easy to accidentally cut off the strip from the bag. If this happens, simply restart cutting as necessary.
• When you've got your continuous strip cut, wind your new plastic yarn into a ball.

Once you have your plarn, you can crochet plastic bag mats for the homeless.

Crochet a sleeping mat with plarn

Step 1: Make the plarn

Start by gathering 500-700 plastic bags. Take around 10 bags at a time and straighten them out by pulling at the ends and handles to make them smooth and flat. Cut off the handles and the bottom of each bag. For a standard-sized plastic grocery bag, cut each bag into four strips. Loop these strips together to form one long plastic chain, known as 'plarn' (short for plastic yarn).

Step 2: Crochet the sleeping mat

Use a crochet hook size 10 or above. A larger hook will create a looser crochet, making the mat more cushiony and comfortable to work with.

Set-up: chain 42. This will be the width of your mat (minus two stitches) and should be approximately two and a half feet wide.

Row 1: single crochet into the 40th stitch, and single crochet all the way across. Chain two, then turn your work over. Check that your mat is about 2.5 feet wide.

Row 2 and beyond: repeat row 1 until your mat reaches your desired length. A standard sleeping mat is approximately six feet long.

Cast off, and your mercy mat is complete!

Optional: Add a strap

Create a six-foot chain, then single crochet down the entire length of the chain. Put the two ends together (without twisting) and join them. Fasten off. This will allow the mat to be easily carried over a homeless person's shoulder.

Tips:

• If you have thicker plastic bags, cut smaller strips, but not too narrow, or they will break.
• You can use any kind of plastic bag, including those from grocery stores or dry cleaners.
• If designs matter to you, sort plastic bags by color, so you can work with them in batches.
• If you want to practice, start with a small mat for your back door or a mat for your outdoor shower.

Benefits of crochet plastic mats for the homeless

Plastic bags are one of the worst offenders when it comes to waste products polluting the Earth's oceans and landfills. By crocheting plastic bags into mats for the homeless, we can help the environment while also providing comfort to those in need. Here are some benefits of crochet plastic mats for the homeless:

• Hygiene and Cleanliness: Plastic mats offer a cleaner and more hygienic way for the homeless to sleep. Bugs, bedbugs, and lice are not attracted to the plastic material. When the mats get dirty, they can be easily hosed down, shaken off, or scrubbed in a sink, making them more sanitary than traditional bedding options.
• Protection from the Elements: The mats provide a barrier between the ground and the body, helping to retain body heat and offering protection from cold, wet concrete. They are also waterproof, ensuring a dry sleeping space, which is crucial for health and comfort.
• Portability and Convenience: Crochet plastic mats are lightweight and easy to transport. They can be carried over the shoulder with a strap, making them convenient for those who need to move around frequently. Their portability also means they can be used in various settings, such as homeless shelters, outdoor spaces, or refugee camps.
• Eco-friendliness: Each crochet plastic mat keeps approximately 500-700 plastic bags out of landfills and our marine systems. By reusing plastic bags, we can reduce waste and contribute to environmental sustainability. This initiative not only helps the homeless but also addresses the global issue of plastic pollution.
• Community Engagement: Creating crochet plastic mats can bring communities together, fostering a sense of collective action and social responsibility. It is a creative and meaningful way for individuals, groups, and charities to get involved in helping the homeless and making a positive impact in their communities.

While there may be differing opinions on the practicality of these mats for the homeless, they undoubtedly offer multiple benefits that can improve the lives of those in need while also promoting environmental consciousness.

Charities accepting plastic mats

Several charities are accepting donations of plastic mats made from crocheting plastic bags to help the homeless. Here are some organizations leading the way:

• The Movement Crew: This volunteer-run initiative distributes necessities to the less fortunate and has drop-off stations in several Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Wollongong, and Perth, as well as stations in New Zealand.
• Blanket Melbourne: This project focuses on providing warm and clean blankets to people living on the streets of Melbourne.
• Melbourne Period Project: Based in Melbourne, this organization primarily deals with providing sanitary items and other necessities for women experiencing homelessness.
• Essentials for Women: Operating from Perth, this charity also focuses on sanitary items and other essential supplies for homeless women.
• Open Door Mission: This organization accepts plastic mats and other items for the homeless. They have multiple drop-off locations, including the Garland Thompson Men's Center, Lydia House, and Timberlake Outreach Center, with additional Family Outreach & Donation Centers.

These charities provide an excellent opportunity to contribute to the community and improve the lives of those in need. By accepting these plastic mats, they are offering a way to keep plastic out of landfills while providing a hygienic, waterproof, and easily transportable solution for those without shelter.

How to get involved in mat-making groups

Making mats out of plastic bags is a great way to help the homeless and reduce waste. These mats are more hygienic, waterproof, easily transportable, and provide protection from the cold ground. They are also very comfortable to sleep on and can be easily dried if they get wet.

If you want to get involved in mat-making groups, there are a few things you can do:

• Find a local group: Look for local organizations or charities that are accepting donations of plastic mats. These could be homeless shelters, churches, or other community groups. You can contact them and ask if they are in need of any mats or if they know of any groups in the area that are making them.
• Start a group: If you can't find a local group, you can start your own! Reach out to your friends, family, and community members who may be interested in helping. You can also post about it on social media or create a group on a platform like Facebook or Meetup to find people in your area who want to get involved.
• Get the necessary materials: To make the mats, you will need plastic bags, a crochet hook, and some basic knowledge of how to crochet. You can find instructions on how to make the mats online. It is recommended to use a crochet hook size 10 or above. You will also need about 500-700 plastic bags for a person-sized mat.
• Spread the word: Once you have found or started a group, spread the word to get more people involved. You can post about it on social media, tell your friends and family, or even contact local churches or community centers to see if they would be interested in helping.
• Contact the creator: The idea of crocheting plastic bag mats for the homeless was started by Dawn Warmbold from Arkansas. You can contact her at [email protected] to get more information or to see if she knows of any groups in your area.

Getting involved in mat-making groups is a great way to help the homeless and make a positive impact on your community. It is also a fun and creative way to reduce waste and help the environment. So, why not give it a try?

Frequently asked questions