how do you make a blanket out of a plastic grocery bag

How to Make a Plastic Bag Blanket

• Step 1: Materials Materials needed: Plastic bags (approximately 500 plastic bags) Scissors Crochet needle (12mm) ...
• Step 2: Flatten Each Bag Firstly, you need to flatten each bag by pulling from each corner. ...
• Step 3: Fold Each Bag ...
• Step 4: Cut Edges Off ...
• Step 5: Cut Loops ...
• Step 6: Connect Plastic Loops by Knot ...
• Step 7: Roll Line Into Crochet Ball! ...
• Step 8: Begin Crocheting! ...

Full Answer

Can you make a blanket out of plastic shopping bags?

Leneah Havlicek holds a finished grocery bag blanket. Moville United Methodist Church organizer Leneah Havlicek of Moville demonstrates the steps involved in making a blanket out of plastic shopping bags. The first steps, above, involve flattening the grocery bag.

How do you make a bag out of plastic bags?

Instructions: 1 Flatten the plastic bag to best you can and straighten any of the bags creases 2 Cut off the handles and the bottom seam so that you're left with a rectangle. This can then be cut into four strips... 3 After you have lots of loops, hook them together with a basic larks head knot. This is done by overlapping two of the... More ...

Can You crochet a blanket with plastic yarn?

Now that you have your ball of plastic yarn, you can begin crocheting. The process is exactly like you are crocheting a blanket. You will begin by making a chain stitch. I did not count the number of chains. Instead, I lay the chain on my lap and decided how wide I wanted to make the plastic bag blanket.

How do you make homemade fabric strips?

To make usable strips, you must cut and fold each bag. The bags are cut along both side seams through the handles. This is the easiest way to get the bag to lay flat, and it also requires the least amount of cuts. Once the bags are cut, you lay the bag open with the original outside (Pretty side) of the bag down.

How do you make a blanket from plastic bags?

0:462:53How To Make Plastic Bag Sleeping Mats (Where You Live) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou make wider strips. Then we take our strips. And we join them together just loop them through.MoreYou make wider strips. Then we take our strips. And we join them together just loop them through. And pull them tight so they make a nice neat to join then we just keep joining all these loops.

How do you make a bag blanket?

Step 1) Make the blanket/quilt.Step 2) Make the bag. Follow the diagram to create the bag/pocket pattern. ... Step 3) Attach the bag/pocket to the blanket/quilt. Center the bag along one blanket edge with the bag's bottom edge aligned with the blanket's edge. ... Step 4) Fold the blanket/quilt into the bag/pocket.

How do you make sleep mats for homeless with plastic grocery bags?

Bags2Blankets volunteers create colorful 3-by-6 mats by crocheting plastic grocery bags that have been cut into strips. The mats can be folded in half and rolled up, and have a shoulder strap. They are lightweight and can be used as a blanket or a sleeping pad.

Can you fuse plastic bags to fabric?

If you don't have access to a plastic bag recycling bin, you can reuse your plastic bags by fusing them together to create a waterproof, flexible fabric! This fused plastic fabric is great for making things that need to be durable or waterproof.

How do you make a picnic blanket?

0:204:41DIY Waterproof Picnic Blanket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we have a piece of vinyl that was cut by the yard. And we cut it to size of our blanket. So we'reMoreSo we have a piece of vinyl that was cut by the yard. And we cut it to size of our blanket. So we're going to start by adding all of our holes to one side then change out the attachments.

What is a picnic blanket?

A picnic mat is usually a foldable outdoor blanket with a thin foam pad and a water-resistant or waterproof bottom side. And a traditional picnic blanket might be made of a thicker, heavier, more durable material that usually isn't naturally waterproof but may have water-resistant features.

How many plastic bags does it take to make a sleeping mat?

500-700 plasticWhat you'll need: 500-700 plastic shopping bags (for a person-sized mat, but can vary depending on what you're using the mat for)

How long does it take to make a plastic bag mat?

Each 6-foot-by-2½-foot mat is made from 600 to 700 recycled plastic grocery bags and takes about 50 hours to make.

How do you make a rug out of a grocery bag?

0:4810:24Braided Plastic Bag Rug part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you get some grocery bags. And you flatten it down. I cut maybe four or five at a time becauseMoreFirst you get some grocery bags. And you flatten it down. I cut maybe four or five at a time because the actual cutting doesn't have to be really neat just gotta cut the bottoms. Off.

How do you harden plastic bags?

0:533:14Recycle Plastic Bags Into Plastic Sheets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by laying down a large piece of baking parchment on a heat resistant. Surface. Then lay downMoreStart by laying down a large piece of baking parchment on a heat resistant. Surface. Then lay down four plastic sheets. Place one more piece of baking parchment on top of them. Now take your iron.

How do you turn plastic into fabric?

Step 1: Cut Tracing Paper. ... Step 2: Make Sure to Have an Ironing Pad Below the Tracing Paper. ... Step 3: Cut the Seams and Handles Off of the Plastic Bags. ... Step 4: Sandwich Plastic Between Tracing Paper. ... Step 5: Set Iron on a Low Setting and Keep It Moving ! ... Step 6: Finished !More items...

Is melting plastic bags toxic?

The burning of plastics releases toxic gases like dioxins, furans, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (better known as BCPs) into the atmosphere, and poses a threat to vegetation, and human and animal health.

How do you make a blanket out of a backpack?

2:276:03How to Make a Blanket Roll Bag - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut blanket bed first start out by laying out your blanket on the ground. And then you can grab theMoreBut blanket bed first start out by laying out your blanket on the ground. And then you can grab the stuff you want to put in the back.

What size is an airplane blanket?

The optimal size of a blanket for travel will measure 60-by-43 inches when folded. This is a medium-sized blanket. It will not be too bulky to pack and will not drag on the floor of the cabin when flying. This is the average size of a throw blanket for the home, so it can be used after your travels.

How do you crochet a blanket out of plastic bags?

0:382:32Women Crochet Plastic Bags to Help the Homeless - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe cut off the handles. And then we cut strips. So they're continuous loops. And then we loop themMoreWe cut off the handles. And then we cut strips. So they're continuous loops. And then we loop them together. And we make a long string of yarn. And that's how I'm able to get the yarn to crochet it.

How long is a 3 by 6 crochet bag?

Make a swatch to test your gauge to determine the number of stitches. A 3′ by 6′ marks standard size, minimum length is 5′. The thickness of the bag can slightly alter the gauge. I found thinner plastic bags such as ordinary grocery store bags (or my favorite Kroger bags!) were the easiest to knit; plarn looks thin, but actually knits or crochets like bulky yarn.

How to carry a yoga mat?

The carrying strap is simply a few stitches wide and long enough for a person to carry the rolled up mat cross body or over the shoulder. Roll the mat like a tube, attach one end of the strap and test the length of the mat on a volunteer to gauge the length needed before attaching the second end. Yoga mat straps also make a very practical and useful carrying strap.

What is plarn yarn?

Plarn is the ‘yarn’ also called plastic yarn that you will use to knit or crochet the plastic mat. Plarn is constructed from the plastic bags and will be used just as one would use yarn in knitting or crocheting. We will go through the steps below to make plarn and then the knitting and crocheting will begin.

What size knitting needles are available for bamboo?

The minimum size of knitting needle used is usually 10.

Can you crochet with plarn?

Let the knitting and crocheting begin! As with any new project once you are acclimated to the plarn, the stitches will begin to fly faster after those first few rows. Anything goes with plarn – it is quite flexible and forgiving – if a piece breaks simply tie it back together with a knot and continue where you left off.

Can you use bamboo needles with plarn?

Tip: Plarn can have a tendency to be sticky on the needle, I found bamboo knitting needles were the easiest to work with plarn. Some plarners report rubbing the needles with wax paper helps the plarn glide easily over the needles. I have tired a few different types of needles from my needle stash and definitely prefer large gauge bamboo needles.

Do you need a carrying strap for mats?

Depending upon the needs of the organization where you are donating the mats, an optional carrying strap can be included. Check with the organization first to determine their needs for the population they serve; many shelters like to have a few mats in their inventory particularly with cold weather approaching in the north.

How many plastic bags do you need for a crochet hook?

What you'll need: 500-700 plastic shopping bags (for a person-sized mat, but can vary depending on what you're using the mat for) 10mm or larger Crochet hook. Scissors.

What is blanket Melbourne?

Blanket Melbourne is a relatively new project that distributes warm and clean blankets to people living on the streets and have already reached their goal of providing each person with a blanket for winter.

Can you donate plastic mats to the homeless?

Several charities across Australia have taken this initiative on board and have enthusiastically agreed to accept donations of plastic mats to be redistributed to the homeless. So get crochet crazy and improve the quality of life for those who need it most.

Can you reuse plastic bags?

Opting to use green canvas bags for your grocery shopping is an effective option, but many people still have excess plastic bags lying about the place. Rather than throwing them out, you can reuse them by crocheting them into multi-purpose mats (known as 'plarn' – plastic yarn).

Can plarn be used as a sleeping mat?

In particular plarn can be used as sleeping mats for people without access to shelter. As sleeping mats, they're more hygienic, water proof, easily transportable, and provide protection from the cold concrete. They're a welcome comfort to those living rough, while also keeping more plastic out of landfill and our marine systems!

How to make a spiral out of plastic bags?

The backing is simply another plastic bag split open. You should have a large enough sheet so that there is overlap all around.#N#First, put the spiral pin-side down on an iron safe surface. Then lay your sheets of plastic bag (s) over the back of the spiral. Note I put the sheets ink side down so that the ink didn't have a chance to transfer to any other surface. Then lay the wax paper on top of the plastic sheet. The plastic bags will melt to the iron! Be sure to only iron on the wax paper Then iron only on the wax paper for a short time. (The time will vary depending on the thickness of each bag. i.e. thinner bags will melt faster) My times varied from a few seconds to a minute or so.#N#After you pull away the iron and the wax paper, give the rug a minute or so to cool and harden. If you try to move it around while the plastic is still molten, you may ruin the fusing.#N#Leave all of the overlap, when you continue the spiral the backing will already be partially in place.

How to lay a bag flat?

This is the easiest way to get the bag to lay flat, and it also requires the least amount of cuts. Once the bags are cut, you lay the bag open with the original outside (Pretty side) of the bag down. You then fold the long cut edges inward until the whole strip is about 2 inches wide.

How to make braided bags into a rug?

To begin forming the braided bags into a rug, you have to lay the braid in a spiral pattern. As you lay the braid down, use straight pins to temporarily hold the spiral together.

How to make a spiral pen?

First, put the spiral pin-side down on an iron safe surface. Then lay your sheets of plastic bag (s) over the back of the spiral. Note I put the sheets ink side down so that the ink didn't have a chance to transfer to any other surface. Then lay the wax paper on top of the plastic sheet.

Can you lay bags on the back of a chair?

The bags will try to unroll, but laying them on the back of chair seem to help keep them in the right shape. If you have extra-large bags or bags that are a thicker material, you can divide those bags lengthwise (parallel to the original side seam cuts) to make extra strips. Ask Question.

Can you skip sorting a rug?

Note : If you don't want your rug to follow a pattern, you can skip sorting.#N#To make creating the colored rings in the rug easier, I took my bags of bags and sorted the various bags into separate colors.#N#While the blue or yellow bags can be mostly sorted together, the white bags tend to have accent colors that can come out in the finished rug. So I have the "White with Pink accents" separate from the "White with Black accents and etc. See the image below for further explanation.

Do plastic bags melt faster on the iron?

The plastic bags will melt to the iron! Be sure to only iron on the wax paper Then iron only on the wax paper for a short time. (The time will vary depending on the thickness of each bag. i.e. thinner bags will melt faster) My times varied from a few seconds to a minute or so.