What is... Plarn?

What is... Plarn?

Plarn is quite simply; plastic yarn. Usually made by cutting strips of plastic shopping bags plarn has many uses and because of the durability of plastic it can make a great, sturdy (and wipe-clean!) alternative to traditional crochet.

In issue 34 we featured a pair of brilliant earrings by Helen Walsh that were ironed after completition, melting the plarn and creating a hard, durable pair of earrings (left)

Continuous

• Cut the handles and bottom off of a plastic bag
• Cut a continuous spiral strip 0.5-1cm wide around the bottom and wind

Knotted

• Lay the plastic bag on a flat surface, smoothing out any creases
  
• Fold the bag in half (width ways so the handles meet), then fold it in half again
• Fold in half again (you should now have a long, thin rectangle)
• Carefully cut the bag into 1-2cm thick loops, discarding both the bottom and handles
• Knot the loops together and roll into a ball