The other night, while I was simultaneously cruising the web and watching one of my favorite movies, I came across instructions for how to make plarn. Now if you are like I was, and have never heard of plarn before, then you are in for a treat. Plarn is a “green” use for different kinds of plastic bags. This method can be applied to newspaper bags, pillow sleeve bags, English muffin bags and any other plastic bag that has a long, skinny shape . By learning how to make plarn you will discover how to recycle plastic bags by turning them into plastic bag yarn.
When you follow this method the result will be short plastic loops that you then connect to form one long continuous strip of plarn. After this is done, all that is left to do is decide what kind of project you want to make. One of the things that I especially like about plarn is that it can be used for knitting, weaving, and crocheting! Just a few of the great projects you can make using plarn are reusable shopping bags, cute and colorful tote bags, and cool drink coasters.
The first method I learned about was one that involves only scissors and the plastic bag. This is a very simple method that also does not take much time! But I also came across a different set of instructions for How To Make Plarn on our FaveCrafts site! This method involved knitting some of the pieces of plarn together.
The first step of learning how to make plarn the simple way is to take your newspaper bag, roughly measured at 7.5 inches wide and 21 inches long, and carefully flatten it out. The second step is to take the flattened bag and fold it in half lengthwise. Once you have done this you can fold it lengthwise in half again and now you are ready to begin cutting. Once you have your scissors handy begin cutting the short length of the bag into small, one inch strips. This will result in your having several, one inch wide, plastic loops. Now, because the strip that was the end of the bag is sealed off, you will need to cut off a thin piece of the plastic from the closed end of that strip. This will make it into an open loop just like the other strips.
After you have done this it is time to connect the loops to create one long piece. This final step for how to make plarn is surprisingly simple. You interconnect each strip to the next by knotting the ends together and then making sure to pull the knot tight. Once you have completed this step, you can begin whatever fun project you have decided to use your plarn to make!
Is this the first time you have heard of plarn? If so, what projects are you interested in making with it? If not, what kinds of crafts have you already used it for?
If you are interested in seeing a visual tutorial then check out this easy-to-follow video for how to make plarn!
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I love using plarn! It’s great for crocheting bags.
Great Idea!. This would be great for teaching kids and adults how to knit. Not a lot of money invested in yarn. However, one complaint: Take out the music in the video–distracting, over rides the instructor. It’s not necessary.