Views: 222 Author: Tomorrow Publish Time: 2025-02-10 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Making Plarn from Plastic Bags
● Weaving a Basket Out of Braided Plarn
● FAQ
>> 1. How many plastic bags do I need to make a basket?
>> 2. Can I use different types of plastic bags?
>> 3. What size crochet hook should I use?
>> 4. How do I prevent the basket from losing its shape?
>> 5. Can I make other items with plarn?
Weaving a basket out of plarn (plastic yarn) is a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose plastic bags into something useful and beautiful[2]. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to weave a basket out of plarn, complete with detailed instructions, helpful tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Plarn is yarn made from plastic bags. By cutting plastic bags into strips and joining them together, you can create a continuous strand of "yarn" that can be used for knitting, crocheting, or weaving[6][7]. This is a great way to reduce plastic waste and create unique, durable items[2].
-Plastic bags (grocery bags, shopping bags, etc.)
-Scissors
-Crochet hook (size Q/16 mm or similar)[6]
-Sewing needle[4][5]
-Thread[4][5]
-Pins or sewing needles[1][5]
-Thimble (optional, but recommended)[1][5]
1. Prepare the Bags: Lay a plastic bag on a flat surface and smooth out the wrinkles. Fold the sides inward so the bag lies flat[6].
2. Fold the Bag: Fold the bag lengthwise into fourths[6].
3. Cut Off Excess: Cut off the handles and the bottom seam of the bag to create a rectangle of plastic[4][6].
-Tutorial how to recycle plastic bags making PLARN (Plastic Yarn) - DIY Recycling Ideas[4].
4. Cut into Strips: Cut the rectangle into 1-4 inch wide strips[4][5]. The width of the strips will determine the thickness of your plarn.
-I'm cutting four inches wide strips all the way to the bottom something like this[4].
5. Create Loops: You should now have multiple loops of plastic[6].
6. Joining the Loops: Take two loops and interlock them by slipping one loop through the other. Pull the ends to create a knot. Repeat this process to join all the loops together, creating a long strand of plarn[4].
-when you have all of it of plastic strip left and cannot continue to braid any further we're going to take a new pieces of plastic and you tear and knot it to another to the piece of afraid so we can continue with the braids so we're simply not it's like this and we're gonna take another piece here and we're gonna not be second piece of ball and for the last pair as well[4].
7. Wind the Plarn: Wind the plarn into a ball to keep it organized and prevent tangling[1].
One method for making a basket from plarn involves braiding the plarn and then coiling and sewing the braid into a basket shape[1][4].
Step 1: Braiding the Plarn
1. Prepare the Strands: Divide the plarn into three equal strands[4].
2. Start Braiding: Braid the three strands together, making sure the braid is not too tight or too loose[4].
-so take one piece and put it through it take a second one and then we're going to take one second and then and then we're gonna simply braid it like that should be quite simple go make sure that the braid is not too tight nor too loose[4].
3. Add More Plarn: When you reach the end of a strand, add a new piece of plarn by knotting it to the end of the existing strand[4].
-so after you're done cutting up the strips of the plastic bags order them so they're all in pairs such as this and then to start a basket we're going to take take three pairs of this and loop it around a sturdy a small metal piece that can be either age or or preferably in mail[4].
4. Continue Braiding: Continue braiding until you have a long length of braided plarn (approximately 20-30 feet)[1].
Step 2: Creating the Base of the Basket
1. Coil the Braid: Coil the braided plarn tightly to form a small circle[1]. This will be the base of your basket[4].
-Coil the rope tightly, skinny side up, until you reach a base size you're happy with[1].
2. Secure the Coil: Use a pin or sewing needle to secure the coil in place[1].
3. Sew the Base: Thread a sewing needle with a long length of doubled-over thread. Sew through the layers of the coil to secure them together. Sew four lines across the bottom of the base: one vertically, one horizontally, and two diagonally[1][4][5].
-You're going sew to four separate lines into the bottom - one vertically, one horizontally, and two diagonals going through the center[1].
Step 3: Building Up the Sides
1. Start the First Row: Grab the tail of the braid and bring it up diagonally to form the bottom row of the basket[1][5].
2. Sew the First Row: Push the needle down through the base, bring it over the braid, and back down through the base to secure the bottom row. Do this every 1-2 inches, keeping the thread diagonal and tight[1][5].
-Push your needle down through the base as shown in the first picture, and then bring it over the braid and back down through the base to secure the bottom row. Do this every 1-2 inches, keeping the thread diagonal and tight and the braids upright and straight, until you're left with 3-4 inches of thread[1].
3. Anchor the Layers: Anchor the two layers of braids together by sewing through them and knotting the thread on the inside of the basket[1][5].
4. Continue Building: Repeat this process, coiling the braid on top of the previous row and sewing it in place, until the basket reaches the desired height[1][4].
-You'll keep repeating this process until you get close to the end of the braid, or until you reach a size you like[1].
Step 4: Finishing the Basket
1. Finishing the Top Row: When you reach the end of the braid, tuck the end behind the top row and stitch it into place[5].
2. Secure the End: Trim or fold over the end of the braid to make it look neater[1][5].
3. Final Touches: Make sure all the stitches are tight and secure. Weave in any loose ends of thread[1].
Another method involves coiling the plarn and securing it as you go to create a basket[8]. This method is similar to working with rope or twine.
Step 1: Start the Base
1. Coil the Plarn: Start by coiling a small length of plarn tightly to form the center of the basket's base.
2. Secure the Center: Use a needle and thread to sew the coil together, creating a stable center for the base.
Step 2: Build the Base
1. Continue Coiling: Keep coiling the plarn around the center, gradually increasing the size of the base.
2. Sew the Coils Together: As you coil, use the needle and thread to stitch the new coil to the previous one, ensuring a tight and secure base.
Step 3: Form the Sides
1. Transition to Sides: Once the base is the desired size, begin to angle the coiling upwards to form the sides of the basket.
2. Maintain Shape: Continue coiling and sewing, maintaining the desired shape and height of the basket.
Step 4: Finishing
1. Secure the End: When the basket is the desired height, secure the end of the plarn by tucking it under the previous coil and stitching it in place.
2. Reinforce: Add extra stitches where needed to reinforce the structure of the basket.
Crocheting with plarn is another excellent way to create sturdy and unique baskets[6][7].
Materials Needed:
-Plarn
-Crochet hook (size Q/16 mm or similar)[6]
-Locking stitch marker[6]
Basic Crochet Stitches:
-Single Crochet (sc)
-Slip Stitch (sl st)
Instructions:
1. Create a Magic Ring: Start with a magic ring to form the center of the base.
2. Round 1: Work single crochet stitches into the magic ring.
3. Round 2: Increase by working two single crochet stitches in each stitch around.
4. Continue Increasing: Continue increasing in each round to create a flat base. For a larger basket, increase for more rounds[6].
-This basket was made with 6 rnds of increases in the Basket Base[6].
5. Transition to Sides: Once the base is the desired size, stop increasing and continue with single crochet stitches in each stitch around to build the sides of the basket[6].
-Once you have the base of your basket as big or as small as you want it, continue as follows for the sides.Rnd 1: sc in each st around. Repeat Rnd 1 as many times as you like to make the sides of your basket[6].
6. Finishing: When the basket is the desired height, finish off by slip stitching in the next 5 stitches, fasten off, and weave in the end[6].
-When you are happy with the height of your basket, sl st in the next 5 sts. Fasten off, leaving end 4-8 inches long. Use a size K, L, or M crochet hook to weave in your end[6].
-Use a Thimble: A thimble can be very helpful when pushing the needle through the thick plastic[1][5].
-Vary Your Fingers: If you don't have a thimble, try varying the fingers you use to push and pull the needle[1][5].
-Pull Thread Tight: Always pull the thread tight to keep the braids in the right position and prevent them from shifting[1][5].
-Create Curves: Depending on how tight or loose you pull the braids as you sew, you can create curves in your basket[1][5].
-Alternative Materials: If you're not excited about using plastic bags, consider using braided t-shirts or other fabrics[1][5].
-Larger Bases: Larger bases might require additional lines of stitching to maintain stability[5].
Weaving a basket out of plarn is a rewarding and environmentally friendly project. By following these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you can transform plastic waste into a beautiful and functional basket. Whether you choose to braid, coil, or crochet your plarn, the end result will be a unique and sustainable creation.
The number of plastic bags needed depends on the size of the basket and the thickness of the plarn. A smaller basket may require around 34 bags, while a larger one could need about 54 bags[6].
Yes, you can use different types of plastic bags, such as grocery bags, shopping bags, and produce bags. However, keep in mind that the thickness and texture of the bags may vary, which can affect the overall look and feel of the basket.
A crochet hook size Q/16 mm is recommended, but any size close to this will work[6]. The size of the hook will affect the tightness of the stitches and the overall size of the basket.
To prevent the basket from losing its shape, make sure to pull the thread tight when sewing the coils together. You can also add extra stitches in areas that need more support.
Yes, plarn can be used to make a variety of items, such as coasters, frisbees, rugs, and even larger items like tote bags and mats[3].
[1] https://www.instructables.com/Make-a-basket-out-of-plastic-bags/
[2] https://basketweavee.com/how-to-weave-a-basket-out-of-plarn/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEFYZXG-w7Y
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEchvxS7KN8
[5] https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/how-make-basket-out-plastic-bags/
[6] https://bananamoonstudio.com/plastic-baskets-pattern-crochet-with-plastic-bags/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx9o_3rsPxo
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH0gRzOvARs
