Gina Johnson
Plastic bags are a common household item that often ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental concerns. However, there is a creative and heartwarming way to recycle them: crocheting them into sleeping mats for the homeless. These mats, also known as plarn (plastic yarn), provide a hygienic, waterproof, and portable solution for those without shelter. They offer protection from the cold ground, retaining body heat, and can be easily cleaned and transported. This initiative, started by humanitarian Dawn Warmbold, has inspired communities worldwide to craft these mats, providing comfort to those in need while also reducing plastic waste. In this paragraph, we will explore the process of transforming plastic bags into sleeping mats through crocheting, highlighting the benefits and impact of this innovative idea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide homeless people with a comfortable, hygienic, and waterproof sleeping mat |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces plastic waste and keeps plastic out of landfills and marine systems |
| Materials | Plastic bags, crochet hook |
| Process | Cut plastic bags into strips, roll strips into balls of "plarn" (plastic yarn), and crochet into mats |
| Dimensions | Approximately 2.5 feet wide and 4 feet by 6 feet long |
| Benefits | Lightweight, portable, easily cleaned, and free to make |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the plastic bags
Step 1: Fold and Cut
Start by folding a plastic bag in half vertically. Do this two more times, so you have a long, narrow shape. Then, cut off the handles and the bottom seam to create a flat, open plastic tube.
Step 2: Cut into Strips
Next, cut the folded bag into strips. The number of strips you cut from each bag will depend on the desired thickness of your mat. For a thicker mat, cut fewer strips, and for a thinner mat, cut more strips. If you have different-sized bags, try to maintain consistency in the width of the strips by cutting narrower strips from thicker bags.
Step 3: Roll into "Plarn"
Take the strips and roll them together to create a ball of "plarn." This step involves rolling the strips into a long yarn and then coiling it into a ball, similar to how you would prepare wool for knitting or crocheting. The thickness of your "plarn" will depend on the width of the strips you cut—thicker strips will result in chunkier "plarn."
Step 4: Consistency and Variety
As you prepare your "plarn," aim for consistency in thickness and colour to ensure your mat has an even texture and appearance. However, feel free to mix and match plastic bags of different colours to create a unique, multicoloured mat. You can also add plastic bags with patterns or designs to make your mat more aesthetically pleasing.
Step 5: Quantity
Finally, keep in mind that you will need a significant number of plastic bags to create a sleeping mat. On average, you can expect to use around 500-700 plastic bags for one mat, depending on its size and the thickness of the strips. Don't be afraid to ask for plastic bag donations from friends, family, or community members to reach your goal!
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Creating 'plarn'
To make plarn, you will first need to gather a large number of plastic bags. You can use plastic grocery bags for this purpose. Fold each bag in half vertically, and then two more times. Cut off the handles and the bottom seam to create a flat, open plastic tube. Cut the tube into strips—the thicker the strips, the thicker your mat will be. The number of rings you cut each bag into will determine the thickness and length of your plarn. If you cut the bag into four rings, you will have a shorter but thicker plarn that is quicker to crochet and creates a cushier mat.
Once you have cut all your bags into strips, roll the strips into a ball of plarn. You can now begin crocheting the plarn into a sleeping mat. You will need a large crochet hook, preferably size 10 or above, to make the process easier. Chain 42 to start, and then continue crocheting until you reach your desired length. Remember not to make your chains and knots too tight, or they will break. Keep checking both sides of the mat as you work to ensure you haven't dropped any stitches.
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Starting to crochet
To start crocheting a plastic bag sleeping mat, you first need to prepare the plastic bags. Fold each bag in half vertically, then do this two more times. Cut off the handles and the bottom seam, so you are left with a flat, open plastic tube. Cut the tube into strips—the thicker the strips, the thicker your mat will be. Take your strips and roll them into a ball of 'plarn' (plastic yarn). The thicker your strips, the narrower your plarn will be.
Next, you can start to crochet. You will need a crochet hook size 10 or above. A larger hook will make it easier to crochet looser, creating a more cushiony mat. You will need to start at both ends of the mat and weave inwards. Start with around 42 chain stitches, then continue to crochet until you reach your desired length.
Make sure you check both sides of the mat every few rows to ensure you haven't dropped a stitch or made any mistakes. If you do make a mistake, you can usually fix it with a dab of glue. Don't make your chains and knots too tight, or they will break.
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Crochet tips
To crochet a sleeping mat from plastic bags, you will first need to make "plarn" (plastic yarn) from the bags. Cut off the top handles and the bottom seam, then cut the bag into strips. The thicker the strips, the thicker your mat will be. Roll the strips together into a ball of plarn.
Now you can start crocheting! You will need approximately 42 chain stitches, and then continue until you reach your desired length. Remember not to make your chains and knots too tight, or they will break.
- Use a crochet hook size 10 or above. A larger hook will make it easier to crochet looser, creating a more cushiony mat.
- If you have different-sized bags, make the size of the strips consistent by cutting narrower strips for thicker bags.
- Check both sides of the mat every few rows to make sure you haven't dropped a stitch or made any mistakes. It's easier to fix mistakes as you go rather than at the end.
- Keep your chains and knots loose to avoid breakage.
- If you want to add a strap to your mat, use a plastic one so it's lightweight and comfortable to carry.
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How to get involved with community projects
Plastic bag mats are a great way to help the homeless and those living in refugee camps or the third world. The mats are lightweight, waterproof, warm, and easily transportable, providing protection from the cold, hard ground. They are also eco-friendly, keeping plastic out of landfills and our oceans.
There are several community projects that you can get involved with to crochet plastic bag mats for those in need. Many of these projects are open to everyone, and you can either join an existing group or start your own. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Contact a local group: One option is to join an existing group in your community that is already involved in crocheting plastic bag mats. For example, in Oxford, the United Methodist Church runs the "Bags to Mats" program, which is open to everyone. You can contact them to get involved and make the mats at home or during their dedicated service days.
- Start a group within your community: If there isn't already a group in your area, you can start your own community project. You can reach out to local churches, community centers, or schools to see if they are interested in starting a group. This way, you can work together with others in your community to make a difference.
- Collaborate with charities: Another way to get involved is to collaborate with local charities or organizations that work with the homeless or those in need. For example, in Australia, charities such as The Movement Crew, Melbourne Period Project, and Essentials for Women have enthusiastically accepted donations of plastic mats to redistribute to those who need them. You can contact similar organizations in your area to offer your crocheted mats as donations.
- Work with homeless outreach programs: You can also get in touch with homeless outreach programs or shelters in your community. For example, Karissa Uhl from Transitional Living Inc.'s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) distributes the mats to those in need during her outreach work. By partnering with these programs, you can ensure that your crocheted mats reach those who will benefit from them directly.
By getting involved with these community projects, you can help provide comfort and support to those who need it while also contributing to a more sustainable environment.
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Frequently asked questions
First, fold your plastic bag in half vertically and do this twice more. Cut off the handles and the bottom seam, creating a flat, open plastic tube. Cut the tube into strips, then roll the strips into a ball of "plarn" (plastic yarn).
You'll need a crochet hook size 10 or above. A larger hook will make it easier to crochet looser, making the mat more cushiony. Chain stitch approximately 42 stitches, then continue to crochet until you reach your desired length.
These mats are waterproof, lightweight, and easily transportable. They are also hygienic, as bugs don't like them, and they can be cleaned by hosing them off or shaking them out. Each mat keeps 500-700 plastic bags out of landfills, helping both the environment and those in need of shelter.
