Introduction: How to Make Plastic Yarn
This Instructables is here to show you how to create plastic yarn or plarn. Plastic yarn is made from old plastic bags and saves you money from buying regular yarn! You can do all kinds of crafts with plarn. Crocheting and Knitting are just two of the few that most people know. Now lets get started!
Step 1: Materials
Materials:
* Plastic Bag/s
* Scissors
Step 2: Flatten and Fold
Flatten your bag out. Then Fold 2 times
Step 3: Cut Bottom and Top Off
Take your scissors, and cut off the bottom and top off from your bag.
Step 4: Cut
Cut your folded bag into stripes about 1 inch. you don't have to measure because it won't matter.
NOTE: YOU CAN CUT THEM ANY WIDTH but i like them thick for durability.
Step 5: Unravel
Unravel two strips
Step 6: Tie Together
Then, to tie them together, you place one on top of the other. Next you take the one that is under and stick your hand in. Then, grab the one on top.
Connect them all together using this. Then tighten it. Make sure the knot is small so it is easier for you when you crochet, knit, or do anything else. But don't pull too tight because the plastic might tear.
Step 7: Roll Up
Now that you have a long line of Pling (plastic string) roll it all up into a ball.
Step 8: Completed!!!
Now you have Plastic Yarn!!! This is so versatile. If your an expert crocherer or knitter, this is easy. It is not that hard. Yarn is easy, but plarn is a bit harder to slip through. But I am a beginner, and if I think its easy, you should think its a piece of cake!! Enjoy and leave me pics, comments, and questions down below!
17 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
I made this today on my Knifty Knitter loom. It's a really neat project!
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
6 years ago on Introduction
It worked!!! you could get more pling if you cut it width ways leaving about an inch at the top and then cutting diagonally as you would t-shirt yarn
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
Yay I'm glad it worked for you! That is a very good tip thank you!
9 years ago
Awesome thanks!
Reply 9 years ago
No Problem!! :)
9 years ago
Are the strips supposed to be looped when you unravel them? Thanks!
Reply 9 years ago
Yes, so when you crochet, it will be double, which makes it more durable and strong.
9 years ago on Step 7
what size needles did you use for this project?
thanks
Reply 9 years ago on Step 7
I used a 6mm or a J-10 Size
10 years ago on Introduction
Children in Zambia make footballs (soccer balls for the Americans) out of this material by wrapping it around a core material in an intricate weave. They learn to do this from the other children and are quite adept at it. After some time of playing with it, the ball needs to be repaired, but it does last for longer than you might expect. They do not cut up the bag, but twist it and tie one bag onto the next. When we brought many actual soccer balls with us on the mission trip, they said it made them feel as though they were professional players. If the material can stand up to that purpose, it should be able to handle almost anything you can throw at it.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
That is fascinating!!! I never knew that! Thank you for sharing your wonderful piece of information. I think people in other countries should do that too! It would save lots of resources and money.
10 years ago on Introduction
This is sweet! Going to use this to make little owls with signs that say, "Give a hoot, don't pollute."
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
WOW! Really cool idea!!! I totally support you! keep it up and when you are done, post a pic here or send me one!
10 years ago on Step 2
Actually, you might need to fold it 3 times. My mistake. Sorry!
10 years ago on Introduction
Very nice. :)
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Why thank you very much! I really appreciate your kind words!