Plarn, or plastic yarn, is a recent term that is catching on more and more with crafters. Using this material for needle working projects is a great way to recycle plastic bags that would otherwise end up in a landfill. It is a bit tricky to work with at first because it is thin and stretches can be easy to tear but it is cheaper than fiber yarns and once you get used to working with it using the right tension, you will find your finished items to be quite durable.
Plan is an ideal material for knitting market bags and other functional items such as an outdoor rug or welcome mat. It's a great material for working with kids and teens as well as they are fascinated by the idea of taking something seen as useless waste and turning it into a functional and often quite attractive object. (It's great for weaving as well!)
Most people create their plarn by recycling grocery store bags with the handles also known as T-shirt bags commercially. Any plastic bag can be used though just like with fiber yarns it is a good idea to use the same type of material and not necessarily mix and match as different plastic bags will have different thicknesses.
To being working with plarn you will need to lay out your bag on a flat surface. Smooth it out and trim off the handles and cut across the bottom getting rid of the bag's seam. Now cut down one side of the bag to open in flat into a large rectangle. At this point you have two options: cut the plastic into strips or make one long continuous cut.
To make one long cut start about one inch from the edge and cut in a straight line stopping about one inch before you get to the end. Turn and continue cutting in a straight line one inch from the edge and stopping again and turning. Repeat until you have "spiraled" all the way into the center.
You will want to find a way to store your plarn by winding it up on something in the same way you would ball your yarn. You can make a spool for your plarn by recycling cardboard paper towel or toilet paper rolls (and save another item from the landfill). Once you have cut a few dozen bags you will be ready to start your first project!
There are a number of websites with articles and instructions on creating and using plarn. Crafting a Green World has an excellent illustrated guide with tips for controlling gauge and shows an alternative method to the one above for cutting and "balling" your plarn. (http://craftingagreenworld.com/2008/06/19/yearn-wort hy-yarn-plarn/) (There's a link for recycling cassette tapes too!)
A similar guide can be found on ehow (http://www.ehow.com/how_4481779_use-plarn.html) with a few more pictures and tips for both knitting and crocheting with plarn. This site also suggests using wooden knitting needles for better control of your plarn.
Youtube is an excellent source for information on plarn as a number of users have uploaded video clips showing how to make and use plarn as well as the various projects they have made with it.
Most people are just experimenting with plarn free-style but there are a few patterns available online. For using plarn to knit a shopping bag see: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Knit-a-Plarn-Shoppi ng-Bag&id=1827724. For another to create a tote bag visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-7054-Baltimore-Knitting-Ex aminer~y2009m4d9-Plarn-plastic-yarn-tote-bag-pattern ,
More and more people are taking steps to "green" their lives and reuse, reduce and recycle. Knitting with plarn is a great way to do something for the environment while creating durable and useful items.