How to Weave a Blanket Out of Plastic Bags

Weaving a blanket out of plastic bags is a surprisingly simple yet rewarding craft project. It’s a great way to upcycle those ubiquitous plastic grocery bags into something useful and beautiful, while also contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing your plastic bags to the final finishing touches. You’ll be snuggling under your cozy, eco-friendly creation in no time!

Gathering Your Materials and Preparing the “Yarn”

Before you begin to weave a blanket out of plastic bags, you need to gather your materials. Surprisingly, the list is quite short! You’ll need plenty of plastic bags (the number depends on the desired blanket size), scissors, and a crochet hook or large knitting needles. The type of plastic bag you use can affect the final texture and appearance of your blanket. Thicker bags will create a sturdier blanket, while thinner bags result in a lighter, more flexible one.

First, prepare your “plarn” (plastic bag yarn). Flatten each bag and cut off the handles and bottom seam. Then, cut the remaining plastic into loops, approximately 1-2 inches wide. Connect the loops by tying them together or looping one through the other. This process creates a long, continuous strand of plarn. The more consistent your loops, the more uniform your finished blanket will be.

Check out this medium brown plastic weave basket for inspiration – the weaving techniques are similar!

Weaving Your Plastic Bag Blanket

Now for the fun part: weaving! If you’re using a crochet hook, you can create a simple single crochet stitch blanket. If you prefer knitting needles, a basic garter stitch works well. The size of your hook or needles will affect the density of the weave. A larger hook or needles will create a looser weave, while smaller ones will result in a tighter, denser fabric.

How many stitches you cast on initially will determine the width of your blanket. Keep weaving rows until you reach your desired length. This is a great project to work on in stages, as you can easily pick it up and put it down whenever you have some free time.

Finishing Touches and Care Instructions

Once your blanket reaches the desired size, fasten off your yarn and weave in any loose ends. You can add a decorative border if you wish, or leave it as is for a simple, rustic look. Cleaning your plastic bag blanket is easy. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or hand wash it in cold water with mild detergent. Allow it to air dry completely. Avoid machine washing or drying, as this can damage the plastic. This crochet stitch like basket weave but not might offer alternative weaving patterns if you’re feeling adventurous.