From the page: The plastic bag deserves a second life
Idea 3
Sturdy outdoor rug
Yarn made from repurposed plastic, called "plarn" (yarn made from plastic bags cut into strips and joined), was born in communities that needed durable, waterproof materials. It works because plastic doesn't absorb moisture, doesn't rot and resists the sun, becoming firm pieces even after years on balconies and laundry areas.
What you need
- Clean, dry plastic bags (20 to 30, depending on the rug's size)
- Scissors
- Thick crochet hook (size 4 to 6)
- Ruler or measuring tape
How to make it
-
1
Wash the bags if necessary and let them dry completely, because damp plastic slips in your hands and makes the work harder.
-
2
Cut each bag into strips about 3 to 5 centimeters wide, cutting entirely in a spiral or in rings.
-
3
Join the rings with a joining knot (pass one ring through the other and pull the ends), forming a single ball of continuous yarn — the firm knot keeps the rug from falling apart with use.
-
4
Start with a chain of 30 to 40 stitches with the hook, which will be the rug's width.
-
5
Keep working in rows of single crochet, keeping the tension firm so the rug stays compact and doesn't wave.
-
6
Finish by fastening off the last row well and hiding the yarn end between the stitches.
Finishing touches
To add color, sort the bags by tone and make stripes or simple mandalas. Outdoors, a periodic shake and a wash with soap and water are enough to keep the piece looking good for a long time.
This is one of the ideas from the full page — see all the possibilities.
This page feeds the collective knowledge 🌱 — every discovery makes the next answer better.