Don't think of recycling as a chore; it's a lot of fun if you approach it with creativity and enthusiasm. Case in point: you can use crochet and / or knitting as your means for recycling plastic bags and turning them into useful items that are handy to have around. This page is dedicated to providing you with innovative free crochet patterns and craft ideas for using plarn.
What is plarn, you might ask? In a nutshell, it's "plastic yarn." Find tutorials here:
- At the About Knitting Website: How to make plarn. Sarah E. White shares a tutorial for making plarn in the spiral cutting method, which is most similar to the one I've used in my free crochet patterns (listed below.)
- At the About DIY Fashion Website: plastic yarn tutorial. Rain Blanken shares a slightly different method for making plarn; this is a great method to know about, although the way I do it is a little different.
Please note that you might find other variations of these basic instructions; there are probably a zillion different ways to cut up a plastic bag. My favorite method is to cut the plastic bags into one long continuous spiral piece, but I'm still doing plenty of experimenting and learning.
Plarn Crochet Pouch Pattern
Plarn Crochet Pouch -- Photo © Amy Solovay
As far as plarn projects go, this pouch is an easy one; if you've never worked with plarn before, it's a great starter pattern. It'll give you a chance to get familiar with plarn before you tackle a larger project like a purse or tote bag. it's also a good pattern to try if you don't have large numbers of plastic bags on hand, but you still want to do something cool with them.
Plarn Scrubbie -- Free Crochet Pattern
Plarn Scrubbie to Crochet -- © Amy Solovay
This dish scrubbie is hand-crafted using a unique combination of plarn and abrasive plastic produce bags. The plarn is crocheted and then the additional mesh layer is sewn in place.
- Discover more free crochet scrubbie patterns and more kitchen patterns
Plarn Craft Ideas and Pictures
The following pages will take you to links that don't necessarily include any patterns or detailed instructions, but they are fantastic for getting ideas about what you can do with plarn.
- At About DIY Fashion: Plarn jewelry by Fantastic Plastics
- At About DIY Fashion: plarn creations -- pictures of jewelry, bags and even a granny square crocheted out of plarn
