Plarn bag crochet is a fun and environmentally friendly activity. Plarn, or plastic yarn, is made by cutting plastic bags into strips and tying them together into a long single strand. This material can then be used to crochet sturdy and durable items such as bags, baskets, placemats, coasters, and even backpacks. With around 40-50 plastic bags, you can create a unique and useful item while also reducing your carbon footprint. It's a great way to upcycle plastic bags and give them a new purpose.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Plastic bags, hook, yarn needle, scissors |
Number of plastic bags | 40-60 |
Type of plastic bag | Without holes or obvious stretching |
Type of hook | 6mm, 8mm, 9mm |
Size | 21 inches (width) x 15 inches (height) |
What You'll Learn
Plarn bag crochet for beginners
Plarn is a type of yarn made from plastic bags. It is a great way to upcycle plastic bags and create something useful and unique. The process of making plarn involves cutting plastic bags into strips and joining them together to form a continuous strand that can be crocheted into a bag. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started on your first plarn bag:
Materials Needed:
- Plastic bags (about 50-60 bags)
- Scissors
- Crochet hook (size N/9 millimeter)
- Yarn needle
Preparing the Plarn:
- Start by selecting bags without holes or obvious stretching.
- Fold the bag in half, bringing the handles together.
- Fold the bag in half again, twice more, so that it is about an inch wide.
- Cut off the handles and the seam along the bottom.
- You will now have a long strip of plastic. Fold this strip in half and cut it into smaller strips.
- Repeat the folding and cutting process until you have several thin strips of plastic.
- Join the strips together by tying a knot at the end of each strip.
- Wind the plarn into a ball for ease of use.
Crocheting the Bag:
- To begin, make a slip knot and chain a few stitches to create the base of the bag.
- Single crochet (sc) into each chain, creating a circle.
- Continue crocheting in rounds, increasing stitches as needed to form the base of the bag.
- Once the base is complete, continue crocheting without joining the rounds to create the walls of the bag.
- Crochet until the bag reaches your desired height.
- To create a handle, chain a few stitches and turn the work. Single crochet into each chain, creating a strap.
- Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Tips:
- It is important to use a larger crochet hook when working with plarn, as it can be difficult to fit the hook through the stitches.
- Do not use any tension when crocheting plarn, as it can stretch and weaken the material.
- You can add a lining to your bag if desired, or decorate it with additional crocheted flowers or motifs.
- Experiment with different colours and patterns of plastic bags to create a unique design.
Plarn bag crochet is a fun and eco-friendly way to upcycle plastic bags into something useful and durable. With a little practice, you can create your own unique plarn bags and make a positive impact on the environment!
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Plarn bag crochet patterns
Plarn, or plastic yarn, is a great way to recycle plastic bags and create something sturdy, durable, and unique. It's also an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and help preserve the planet. Here are some crochet patterns and ideas to get you started with plarn bags:
Market Bag
This is a great option for a plarn bag as it adds an element of strength and durability, making it perfect for carrying groceries or other heavy items. You can find a free pattern for a plarn market bag online, which includes detailed instructions on how to create the plarn and the bag. The pattern also includes suggestions for changing colours if desired.
Large Durable Tote
For a more substantial bag, you can try this pattern for a large tote bag. It's a great size for grocery shopping or a day at the beach. The pattern suggests using an N/9 millimeter hook for the main body of the bag and a smaller K or L hook for a more compact version. You will need about 50 plastic bags worth of plarn for this project.
Messenger Bag
If you're looking for a more stylish option, a messenger bag made from plarn is a great choice. This pattern will teach you how to create a bag with a flap and a strap that can be comfortably worn across the body.
Upcycled Backpack
For those who prefer a hands-free option, an upcycled backpack made from plarn is a fun and unique project. This pattern will guide you through creating a backpack with adjustable straps and a spacious interior.
Coasters and Placemats
Not only can you make bags with plarn, but you can also create smaller items for your home, such as coasters and placemats. These are a great way to add a pop of colour to your table setting while also being easy to clean and durable.
Other Ideas
The possibilities are endless with plarn! You can create laundry baskets, pot scrubbers, bracelets, garden kneelers, and even festive trick-or-treat bags. Get creative and see what unique plarn projects you can come up with.
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Plarn bag crochet instructions
Plarn, or plastic yarn, is a great way to recycle plastic bags into something useful and sturdy. You can use plarn to create a variety of projects, including bags, mats, baskets, coasters, and bracelets. Here are detailed instructions on how to make a plarn bag:
Materials:
- Plastic bags (approximately 40-60 bags, depending on the size of your bag)
- Scissors
- Crochet hook (size N/9 millimeter or size J/6.00 millimeter)
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
Preparing the Plarn:
- Start by folding in the corners of a plastic bag so that it collapses flat.
- Fold the bag in half lengthwise, so the handles are together.
- Repeat this step two more times, so that the bag is about an inch wide.
- Cut off the handles and the seam along the bottom of the bag.
- You will now have a long strip. Fold this strip in half widthwise and cut.
- Continue folding and cutting the strips until you have 16 pieces of cut bag, with each piece being a complete loop.
- Tie all the loops together using a lark's head knot. Ensure the knots are tight enough to hold the pieces together but loose enough to easily crochet around them.
- Wind the plarn into a ball for ease of use.
Crocheting the Bag:
- Using your crochet hook, make a slip stitch to form a circle.
- Chain 11 stitches.
- Join the chain with a slip stitch to form a ring.
- Single crochet into the second chain from the hook and each of the next 8 chains.
- In the last chain, add 3 single crochets to form a corner.
- Continue crocheting along the bottom side of the work, adding a single crochet in each loop left from the initial chain.
- In the last chain, add 2 single crochets to form the other corner.
- Join the round with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.
- Chain 1, then add 2 half-double crochets in the same stitch.
- Half-double crochet in the next 8 stitches.
- Repeat the increase (2 half-double crochets in the same stitch) and then half-double crochet in the next stitch.
- Continue following a basic crochet pattern, increasing and joining rounds as needed, until you have reached your desired bag height.
- Fasten off and weave in the ends with a yarn needle.
Additional Tips:
- You can create a pattern or design by using plastic bags of different colours.
- To make the bag more durable, avoid using bags with holes or obvious stretching.
- Ensure you are not using any tension when crocheting with plarn, as it can stretch and weaken the material.
- You can add a lining or reinforcement to the bottom of your bag for extra stability.
- Feel free to adjust the size of your bag by increasing or decreasing the number of stitches and rows.
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Plarn bag crochet tips and tricks
Making a plarn bag is a fun and environmentally friendly project. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started and achieve the best results:
Preparing the Plarn
First, you'll need to prepare your plarn (plastic yarn) by cutting up plastic bags. It's important to use bags without holes or obvious stretching. You'll be cutting the bags perpendicular to the handles and bottom to create loops, so make sure the bags are smooth and intact. Fold the bag in half longways, with the handles together, and then fold it in half again. Cut off the handles and the seam along the bottom, then fold the strip in half and cut again. Repeat this process until you have 16 pieces of cut bag, each a complete loop.
Tying the Loops
Once you have your loops, it's time to tie them together. Use a lark's head knot to tie all the loops together. Pull the knot tight with your hands, keeping your fingers closer together for better control and to avoid stretching the plastic. Make sure your knots are at opposite ends of the bag. You can use the seam of the bag to guide you, or flatten the loop and attach the new loop exactly opposite.
Colour Patterns
If you want to create a colour pattern in your bag, plan ahead. Using bags of different colours, you can create a random pattern or a more structured design. For a truly random pattern, use a variety of coloured bags and avoid using too many bags of the same colour consecutively.
Crocheting Tips
When crocheting your plarn bag, it's important to use the right tools. An ergonomic hook can help reduce joint pain, especially if you're working on the project for long periods. Use a larger hook, such as an N/9 millimeter, for a larger bag, or a smaller hook like a K or L for a more compact bag.
Tension and Stitching
Maintain a loose tension when working with plarn. Plarn is strong once crocheted, but it can stretch and weaken if too much tension is applied. Avoid pulling the working plarn tight, and be careful not to fit your hook through the stitches. Basic knowledge of crochet stitches is required for this project, so make sure you understand the different stitches and how to read a pattern.
Final Touches
When joining the handle to the bag, an even number of rows will allow you to attach the handle with the seam on the inside of the bag, creating a neater finish. Always straighten the handle before attaching it to ensure it's not twisted. Finish your bag with a contrasting colour slip stitch around the bag and handles for a polished look.
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Plarn bag crochet troubleshooting
Choosing the Right Bag
Before you start making plarn, it's important to choose the right type of plastic bag. Regular shopping bags are a good option, but pay attention to the colours if you want a fluent design. Most bags are white on the inside, which can wash out the colours. You can also use thicker bags, but keep in mind that you may need a larger needle to work with the wider strips. Additionally, check that the bags are clean and in good condition, as decomposing bags may break easily.
Cutting the Strips
Cutting the plastic bags into strips can be the most difficult part of the process. First, lay the bag flat on a table and cut open any folds or seams to ensure it lays completely flat. Then, fold the bag in half, and again from the middle, leaving a small gap at the edge. Cut the "roll" into strips, leaving a few centimetres untouched at the folded edge. Open up the bag and cut along the diagonal line between the strips to create one long, uninterrupted strip.
Conditioning the Plarn
Plarn, or plastic bag yarn, is flat, while traditional yarn is tubular. To remedy this, the plarn must be "conditioned" before crocheting or knitting. This can be done by either spinning the plarn to give it a tubular form or "softening" it to make it more pliable. Softening can be done by passing the plarn through a narrow hole, such as the gap in a plastic fork, to crumple it and make it softer.
Choosing a Needle
The size of the needle will depend on how wide you cut the strips. For thicker strips, you may need a larger needle, such as a 6mm crochet needle. If you are using thinner or softer plastic bags, you can cut wider strips and use a smaller needle.
Stitching the Bag
Once you have your plarn ready, you can start crocheting the bag. You can follow a basic bag pattern, starting with a chain of stitches for the bottom of the bag and working your way up with half crochet stitches. For the handle, leave a space open, crochet back and forth a few rows, and then loop the stitches back into the holes to create a sturdy handle. Finish the bag with a closure, such as a knob or a drawstring.
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Frequently asked questions
Plarn is plastic yarn and it's created by cutting plastic grocery bags into strips and stringing them together in a long single strand.
Approximately 40 to 60 plastic bags are needed to make plarn for a bag, depending on the width of strips and the thickness of the plastic bag.
Plarn is a great way to make sturdy and durable items such as shopping bags, baskets, placemats, coasters, laundry baskets, and even backpacks.