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Plarn 101: Why Crochet with Plarn

MoiraCrochetsPlarn by MoiraCrochetsPlarn
My journey towards crocheting with plarn was a complicated one but I found a lot of good reasons to stick with it along the way. In this lens (Squidoo jargon for web article), I enumerated the advantages and disadvantages of crocheting with plarn and included a debate module for us to exchange thoughts why we use plarn or traditional yarn. There are links to a thread, group, and blogs about crocheting with plarn that I find relevant.

I shamelessly promoted my Zazzle products throughout this lens.

PLARN 101

This is a series in progress.

This is a series of articles that archives everything I've learned about crocheting with plarn.
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What is Plarn?


You Don't Need Wings mousepad
You Don't Need Wings by MoiraCrochetsPlarn
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Plarn is yarn derived from plastic bags. To make plarn, a plastic bag is cut into strips and tied together to form yarn. The resulting plarn could be spinned to make it more pliable to crochet and give it a neat, strong texture.

Have you written anything about plarn? Share a link here.

  • Cheryl Moulton Apr 1, 2012 @ 4:56 pm | delete
    It looks easy and inexpensive.
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Plarn Vs. Traditional Yarn

Which is best for crochet - plarn or traditional yarn?

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I LOVE PLARN!!!! Definitely!

Teresa Wooley (http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/) says:

Move Over Yarn, Make Room For Plarn ...

I have been crocheting for 40 years, the last 15+ years with plarn. I also knit (needles & loom), canvas and macrame with plarn. I have designed items from head to toe and everything in between, indoor and outdoor items, toys, pets, etc.. There are so many positive reasons working with plarn and only 1 negative that I can think of. And that negative is heat. I think the biggest reason of all is the tremendous amount of satisfaction that is derived from working with it. The artisian single handedly avoided that # of plastic bags from ending up in the landfill.

Lynn (puhlease) says:

Plarn is great for tote bags/shopping bags! In fact, I taught myself to crochet using online tutorials JUST SO I could crochet with plarn. I find that it is tougher to "finish off" than regular yarn, though, or add a new piece to the work. It's too slippery to weave in and after having a few handles come loose, I decided to always knot it off. I have lots of knots from my plarn-making anyway, so no biggie there.

It's free and it's great for the environment! I'll let the more experienced crocheters have all the yummy yarn!

Beaddoodler says:

i like repurposing materials. Plarn is affordable (free?). Your imagination is the only limit to what you can do with plarn even though it takes a bit of practice to get used to it. On the other hand I don't think it is great for such things as clothing.

JJNW says:

Wow - Well, I suppose it depends on what you are making. Plarn flowers would be cute on top of gifts. I assume you are using bags that are ripped and have no more use as bags? Interesting!

wordstock says:

I have a friend who taught me how to crochet a great sun hat made of plarn. What was great about it was that I was able to make the brim the size I wanted. I like traditional yarn but there is definitely a place for plarn.

Traditional yarn is the best!

Greensmith says:

I've only used "plarn" a couple of times. Both times using the Walmart/grocery bags and about 1 inch wide. I found it to be a pain! To make and on my fingers.
Perhaps I didn't get it narrow enough. I do like the solid color look. Sure beats seeing the words "hoppin" or "lace" show up randomly.

One day I may try it again. When I run out of yarn!!!!

happynutritionist says:

I can't honestly say traditional yarn is the best yet, because I haven't tried plarn. But am just over on this side because all I've used is yarn. I'm in the middle of a project now, and have a few others to do for Christmas, in the meantime, I've been storing some plastic bags and will be trying plarn soon...and I know where to come to learn! Thanks for all the helpful info!

 

Advantages of Plarn

1. Upclycling

The noblest reason that I keep on crocheting with plarn is that I am helping alleviate the world's solid waste problem. I know crocheting plarn does not return the carbon in plastic to Earth (so other living organism's can use it and continue the carbon cycle). But at least, I can save the fishes from choking from ingesting colorful plastic bags and keep waterways from clogging to prevent floods.

Pink Crochet Rose print
Pink Crochet Rose by MoiraCrochetsPlarn
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2. Zero Cost

I don't have work and my family only relies on my husband's meager income. Meaning, I don't have enough to buy yarn. But I really, really love to crochet! What I do have, though, are lots of time and plastic bags.
Plenty of time + Abundance of Plastic Bags = Plarn
PROBLEM SOLVED.

White Crochet Rose print
White Crochet Rose by MoiraCrochetsPlarn
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3. Low Maintenance

The thing I hated the most when I crocheted with crochet cotton are the fluffs (you know, the outer edges of the yarn separates.) That's not the case with plarn. DUST is your only maintenance problem. No fluffs - I love it.

Yellow Crochet Rose print
Yellow Crochet Rose by MoiraCrochetsPlarn
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4. Easy to Attach

I can immediately attach a new color of plarn since its end is a loop. Plarn is basically a series of loops tied together.

5. Variable Size

Because I make the plarn myself, I can vary the thickness of my plarn. I live in a country where there's only crochet cotton and acrylic yarn. Having plarn is like a gift to me.

3D Crochet Flower with Stamens mousepad
3D Crochet Flower with Stamens by MoiraCrochetsPlarn
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Disadvantages of Plarn

1. Heat Sensitive 
    I can't use plarn to crochet items that will be subjected to extreme heat, such as potholders.
2. Time-Consuming
    Tying strips of plastic bags can take a lot of time. And if you decide to spin it, even more time is consumed.
3. No Standard Size
    I cut my own strips, so there's a huge tendency that their sizes will vary. If they vary too much, it will show in the finished crocheted piece. However, I've learned from other plarn crocheters that this problem can be minimized by using a rotary cutter.
4. Inappropriate for Wearables
    Plarn is itchy to the skin. So I can't use it to crochet shawls, scarfs, or clothes. Even though I crochet it to make bracelets and necklaces, itch is always a factor. Good for me for I have grown accustomed to the itch but others will not like it.

Purple Crochet Rose mousepad
Purple Crochet Rose by MoiraCrochetsPlarn
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Plarn on the Net

How to Make Plastic Yarn (Continuous / Single-Strand Strip Cutting Method)
I will try this method of making plarn. Seems easier than tying it all together.
How to Make Plastic Yarn (Double-Strand Cutting and Connecting Tutorial)
I make my plarn this way.
Alternative Yarn Group
This is a group of alternative yarn artists on Ravelry. If you have questions about any alternative yarn, someone from this group can answer you.
Ideas for Plarn (Thread)
A long discussion about beautiful things to do with plarn.

Who is MOIRA?

My mission in life is to TRANSFORM PLASTIC BAGS INTO LITTLE CROCHETED TREASURES.

This So Crafty page written by

MoiraCrochetsPlarn

I'm Moira. My mission in life is to transform plastic bags into little crocheted treasures.

What else? I'm 20 something years old, was a licensed science... more »

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