Crafting Crochet Shoes: Plastic Bag Revolution

Plastic bags are a common sight in our daily lives, but what if instead of discarding them, we could transform them into something unique and useful? Plastic bag crochet, also known as plarn (plastic bag yarn), is an innovative way to upcycle plastic bags into colourful and sturdy creations. By cutting the bags into strips and joining them together, you can create a variety of items, from tote bags and purses to floor mats and even shoes. This process not only reduces plastic waste but also allows you to express your creativity and craft one-of-a-kind pieces. So, get ready to give those plastic bags a new lease of life and crochet your way to a more sustainable future!

Plarn vs. t-shirt yarn

Plarn, or plastic yarn, is made from recycling plastic grocery and shopping bags. The best bags for this are the thin ones from chain grocers and big-box stores like Walmart. The process of making plarn involves cutting the bag into strips and joining them to form a continuous piece of yarn. This can be done in a few different ways, such as the spiral method and the slit skirt method.

T-shirt yarn, or "tarn," is made from recycled materials like plarn, but it has a different feel and texture. It can be made from various materials, including cotton, polyester, bamboo, hemp, velvet, or linen. The process of making t-shirt yarn is similar to that of making plarn. It involves cutting the t-shirt into strips and joining them together. The main difference is that t-shirt yarn is typically cut into wider strips than plarn, resulting in a chunkier yarn.

Both plarn and t-shirt yarn are suitable for knitting and crochet projects. Plarn is best crocheted with a size K crochet hook or larger. T-shirt yarn is a DK weight yarn but can also be chunky, depending on the width of the strips and the fabric's weave.

When choosing between plarn and t-shirt yarn for your crochet shoes, consider the desired thickness of the yarn, the availability of materials, and the specific properties of each type of yarn. Plarn is a good option if you have a lot of plastic bags to recycle, while t-shirt yarn might be preferable if you want a wider range of colours or a softer, more flexible yarn.

In terms of care, both plarn and t-shirt yarn can be washed, but it is important to avoid exposing them to heat to prevent shrinkage.

How to make plarn

Plarn is a type of yarn created by cutting and tying together strips of plastic bags. It can be used for knitting and crocheting, and is a great way to recycle plastic bags. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make plarn:

Preparing the Plastic Bags:

Start by laying out a plastic bag on a flat surface. It is recommended to use thin plastic bags as they are easier to work with. Smooth out any wrinkles and tuck in the side seams to create a flat rectangle.

Cutting the Bag:

Using sharp scissors, cut off the very bottom of the bag, as close to the seam as possible, to avoid wasting material. Remove the handles as well. You will now have a plastic tube.

There are two common methods for cutting the bag into strips: the spiral method and the slit skirt method.

Spiral Method:

This method is a bit more straightforward but can be harder to control. First, fold the bag in half so that the closed sides are together. Then, cut the folded bag into strips that are about 1/2 to 1 inch wide. You can cut multiple bags at once to speed up the process.

Slit Skirt Method:

This method involves cutting slits in the bag and then connecting them to form strips. First, lay the bag flat with the open ends on each side. Cut slits from the bottom fold up to about 1 inch short of the top fold, creating strips that are about 1/2 to 1 inch wide. You should now have something resembling a hula skirt.

Creating the Plarn:

To create the plarn, open up the bag so that you have a single layer with the uncut section in front of you. Cut diagonally from the end of one slit to the start of another, working your way across the uncut space. Continue this process until you have cut through all the slits.

Winding the Plarn:

Once you have created the strips, it's time to wind the plarn into a ball. Start by wrapping the end of the strip around your finger, then continue wrapping it around itself to form a ball. Switch directions every few wraps to create a secure ball.

And that's it! You now have plarn that you can use for your crochet or knitting projects. You can follow any pattern that calls for yarn and substitute it with plarn. Get creative and experiment with different colours and textures of plastic bags to add a unique touch to your creations.

Plarn shopping bag patterns

Plarn is a great way to recycle plastic bags into something sturdy and durable. The best bags to use for this are the thin ones from chain grocers and big-box stores like Walmart. To make plarn, you'll need to cut the bags into strips and then join the strips together into a long single strand. Here's a step-by-step guide to making plarn and some patterns for plarn shopping bags.

How to Make Plarn:

• Flatten a plastic bag and smooth it out, tucking in the side seams.
• Cut off the very bottom of the bag.
• Fold the bag lengthwise.
• Cut the folded bag into strips that are about 1.5 inches wide.
• Unfold one of the strips and loop it around your thumb and index finger.
• Grab another strip, unfold it, and bring the loop in your right hand over the loop strip in your left hand.
• While maintaining the loop in your right hand, grasp the strip from your left hand and pull it partially through the loop in your right hand.
• Put your left hand through the leftmost part of the strip and let it rest on your wrist.
• Grasp the other end of the strip with your left thumb and index finger, and draw it through the loop on your wrist.
• Continue pulling the knot tight and joining bag loops until you've used up all your bags.

Now that you've made your plarn, you can use it to crochet a variety of sturdy and reusable shopping bags. Here are some patterns to get you started:

• Large Durable Plarn Tote: This pattern will create a sturdy and durable tote that can be washed and reused. You will need plarn made from approximately 40-45 plastic bags and an N-15 / 10.00 mm crochet hook.
• The Cutest Plarn Grocery/Beach Bag: This pattern will create a cute and functional bag that can be used for groceries or a day at the beach.
• Upcycled Crochet Backpack: Get creative and make a backpack using plarn!
• The Ultimate Recycled Market Bag: Take your plarn shopping bag to the next level with this market bag pattern.
• Messenger Bag Crafted from Plastic Bags: This pattern will show you how to make a stylish messenger bag using plarn.

So, get crafting and happy crocheting!

Other free plarn crochet patterns

There are endless possibilities for creating unique and eco-friendly crochet projects using plarn, or plastic yarn. Here are some additional free plarn crochet patterns to try:

• Plarn Half Moon Tote Crochet Pattern: This elegant tote bag is made from plastic grocery bags cut into thin strips to create plarn yarn. The beige colour and simple design make it a stylish accessory, and no one will guess its humble beginnings!
• Plarn Market Bag Crochet Pattern: This pattern allows you to create a functional and attractive bag using recycled plastic bags. You can customise the design by using bags of different colours to create a fun and modern colour palette. The pattern includes an oval base, a body worked in the round with half double crochet, and a slip stitch trim for the handles and top of the bag.
• Crochet Patriotic Plarn Banner: Perfect for a patriotic summer party, this festive banner is made from brightly coloured recycled plastic tablecloths. It's a simple and quick project for beginner crocheters, featuring vibrant colours and a basic shape.
• Crochet Recycled Plarn Can Cozy: This project is perfect for those who love to crochet and want to create something sustainable. Using a plastic bag cut into strips, you can create a 100% recycled can cozy that's fun to work on and makes a great gift.
• Plarn Ear Saver Pattern: Keep your loved ones warm and protect them from the cold with these plarn ear savers. They are quick and easy to make, and a great way to use your plarn stash to create something functional and pretty.
• Plarn Fun Ball Pattern: This project is perfect for both advanced and beginner crocheters. By crocheting with unique materials like plarn, you can create a harmless and enjoyable toy for children, with a colourful texture that will attract their attention.

How to crochet with plarn

To crochet with plastic bags, you first need to make 'plarn' (plastic bag yarn). Start by laying out a plastic bag, tucking in the side seams and flattening it out. Then, cut off the very bottom of the bag with scissors. Fold the bag lengthwise, and cut it into strips that are about 1-1.5 inches wide. Unfold one of the strips and join it to another strip by looping it around your thumb and index finger. Bring the loop in your right hand over the loop strip in your left hand and pull the strip from your left hand partially through. Put your left hand through the leftmost part of the strip and let it rest on your left wrist. Grasp the other end of the strip with your left thumb and index finger and draw it through the loop on your left wrist. Continue pulling the knot tight. Repeat this process until you've used up all your bags. The resulting 'plarn' can be crocheted with a size K crochet hook or larger.

Frequently asked questions