Wondering what to do with all those extra plastic shopping bags? Well, learn how to make plarn (plastic yarn) and crochet!

Here in Ohio and maybe where you live, too, they have temporarily banned the use of reusable shopping bags due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This can only mean that we have even more plastic bags filling our cupboards, trash bins, recycling bins and land fills.
Have you been wondering what to do with all those extra plastic bags? Well, I’ve got just the solution – a creative solution nonetheless!
How to Make Plarn
You may be wondering just exactly what plarn is. It quite simply is when you take plastic shopping bags and turn them into yarn. So, plastic + yarn = plarn.
Believe it or not, but plarn has been around for decades. I think the pandemic has certainly made plarn more popular, but it really has been around for a long time.
Tutorial on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry
I’m over on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry today sharing the full easy tutorial on How to Make Plarn.
Every month I share a creative idea on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry and this month is no exception. You’ll not only find the tutorial, but you’ll also find:
- video tutorial
- step-by-step instructions with pictures
- an easy crochet coaster pattern (So you can put your plarn making skills to the test!)
Video on YouTube
You’ll also find the full video tutorial on my YouTube channel.
More Crochet Ideas
If you like crochet patterns and tutorials, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re new to crochet or have been crocheting for years, you’re sure to find something of interest. Here are a few ideas right here on The Birch Cottage blog:
- Learn to Single Crochet with 7 Easy Single Crochet Patterns
- Thermal Stitch Potholders
- Crochet Herringbone Pumpkins
Til next time…

Nancy
Tuesday 1st of September 2020
As a child in the 60s, my mother had me learning to crochet using plastic bread bags to make circular plastic rugs for the doorway from the backyard. They are easy to wash and, unfortunately at that time, tossed when they were falling apart. For a few years now, I have thought about making plastic strip tote bags or rugs.
Pamela Baker
Tuesday 1st of September 2020
Nancy, thanks for sharing that fond memory. Crocheting with plastic takes a little time to prepare the plastic, but it’s kind of fun to work with.
Did you work the bread bags the same way, by cutting them into strips of loops?