Crocheting Plastic Bag Mats For The Homeless: A Guide

Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, clogging up landfills and oceans. One way to reuse them is to crochet them into mats for the homeless. These mats are lightweight, waterproof, and easily transportable, providing a hygienic barrier between the sleeper and the ground. They can be made by cutting plastic bags into loops, tying them together into 'plarn' (plastic yarn), and crocheting them into mats. This process is a fun and fulfilling project for individuals or groups who want to give back to their community.

Flattening and cutting the plastic bags into strips

To flatten and cut the plastic bags into strips, start by pulling at the ends and handles of each bag to straighten it out and make it as smooth and flat as possible. You can also fold the bag in half vertically three times and then cut off the top handles and the bottom seam, creating a flat, open plastic tube.

Next, cut the flattened bags into strips. The width of the strips will depend on the size and thickness of the bags you are using. For standard-sized grocery bags, cutting each bag into four rings or strips will result in a 'plarn' (plastic yarn) that is the right thickness for crocheting. If you make the strips too thin, they may break during the crocheting process. If you make them too thick, the resulting mat may not be as cushiony.

If you are using bags of different sizes and thicknesses, try to keep the width of the strips consistent. You can also adjust the size of the strips to ensure they are uniform. For thicker bags, cut narrower strips, and for thinner bags, you can cut wider strips.

Joining the strips to create 'plarn' (plastic yarn)

Joining the strips to create plarn (plastic yarn) is a simple process. Once you have cut the plastic bags into strips, you can join them by looping them together. Overlap two of the loops end-to-end, then pull the top of one end through the middle intersection of the two loops. Repeat this step until you have a long plastic chain. This long plastic strip is called 'plarn', short for plastic yarn.

The number of rings you cut from each bag will determine the thickness and length of your plarn. For a standard-sized plastic grocery bag, cutting each bag into four rings is ideal. This will give you a plarn that is not too thin or too thick, and it will create a cushiony mat. If you cut the bag into more rings, you will get a longer but thinner plarn, which will take longer to crochet and create a less cushiony mat. On the other hand, if you cut the bag into fewer rings, you will get a shorter and thicker plarn, which will be quicker to crochet but may not be as comfortable for sleeping mats.

It is important to note that the thickness of the plastic bags can also affect the gauge of your plarn. Thinner plastic bags, such as ordinary grocery store bags, are usually easier to work with and create a plarn that looks thin but actually crochets like bulky yarn. Additionally, thicker bags should be cut into smaller strips to ensure they don't break.

Once you have created your plarn, you can start crocheting your sleeping mat. You will need a crochet hook size 10 or above, and approximately 42 chain stitches to start. Continue crocheting until you reach your desired length, usually around 6 feet for a standard-sized mat.

Crocheting the plarn into a mat

Once you have your plarn, you can start crocheting it into a mat. The size of your crochet hook will depend on the thickness of your plarn, but it should be at least 10mm or larger. The bigger the hook, the easier it will be to crochet looser, making the mat more cushiony and comfortable.

To start, you'll need to chain stitch a base row of approximately 42 stitches. This will give you a width of around 2.5 feet for your mat. Then, you'll single crochet into the 40th stitch and continue single crocheting across the row. Chain two stitches and turn your work. Check that your mat is approximately 2.5 feet wide. Repeat this row until your mat is around 6 feet long.

You can add a carrying strap to your mat by crocheting a 6-foot chain and then single crocheting down the entire length of the chain. Put the two ends together, ensuring there are no twists, and join them. Fasten off the end.

When your mat reaches the desired length, cast off and roll it up tightly. Secure it with a string or ribbon, and it's ready to be donated!

Adding an optional carrying strap

To add a carrying strap to your crocheted plastic bag mat, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a crochet hook, plastic bags, and any additional hardware you may want to include, such as swivel clasps, rings, or clips. You will also need a needle and thread for sewing the strap onto the mat. If your mat is made from thicker plastic bags, you may want to use a larger crochet hook to make the process easier.

Next, decide on the length of your strap. Measure and cut the plastic strips to your desired length, keeping in mind that you will need enough length to comfortably carry the mat over your shoulder. Remember that you can always cut the strips longer and adjust the length later if needed.

Now, create your "plarn" (plastic yarn) by cutting the plastic bags into strips and looping them together into one long chain. You can do this by flattening and straightening the plastic bags, cutting off the handles and bottom seam, and then cutting the bag into four strips that become loops when opened up. Loop these rings together with a basic lark's head knot, and continue until you have your desired length for the strap.

Once you have your plarn chain, you can start crocheting your strap. Make a slip knot and chain a few stitches to begin. You can decide on the width of your strap by adjusting the number of chains. Single crochet down the length of the chain, and then join the two ends together without twisting. Fasten off, and you have your basic strap!

Finally, attach the strap to your mat. You can sew it on by stitching through the plastic loops of the mat and the strap with a needle and thread. Make sure to reinforce the attachment by stitching back and forth a few times. Alternatively, you could use hardware such as swivel clasps or rings to attach the strap to the mat, allowing for more flexibility and movement.

Your crocheted plastic bag mat now has a carrying strap, making it even more convenient and comfortable for those using it!

Donating the mats to a shelter or charity

Once you've crocheted your mats, you can donate them to a shelter or charity. There are several charities that accept these mats and distribute them to those in need.

In Australia, charities such as The Movement Crew, Blanket Melbourne, The Melbourne Period Project, and Essentials for Women have all agreed to accept donations of plastic mats. The Movement Crew, in particular, has drop-off stations in multiple cities across Australia and New Zealand, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast, Perth, Auckland, Wellington, Bay of Plenty, Nelson, and Whangarei.

Additionally, you can contact your local homeless shelter or charity to inquire about their specific needs and whether they would find these mats useful. It is important to consider the perspective of those experiencing homelessness and whether the mats would be a practical item for them to carry. Some suggestions from those with lived experience of homelessness include sanitary items and pouches for women, scarves, hats, socks, and blankets.

Before donating, it is also worth considering the practicality and durability of the mats. For example, ensuring they are washable and dryable without causing damage to laundry facilities, and that they will not fall apart or crumble after exposure to the elements.

Overall, while the intention behind crocheting mats for the homeless is commendable, it is essential to keep in mind the perspectives and needs of those you aim to help and to be open to alternative suggestions that may be more practical and useful for them.

Frequently asked questions