[NFB-Blind-Crafters] Finished experiment with weaving plarn

[Michelle Hyliard]

During Covid, my Clubhouse made a project out of crocheting sleeping mat out of plarn made from grocery bags. I didn’t create any of it, but I did use it to crochet two or three sleeping nuts for the homeless. It was a really rewarding project. I enjoyed it a lot, and I can only help that. Maybe somebody actually used the maths that I created. I think what you all are doing is also amazing.
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 15, 2026, at 6:10 AM, Tracy Carcione via NFB-Blind-Crafters <nfb-blind-crafters at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Cynthia.
> That sounds really interesting.  What kind of loom did you use?
> Do you think your bag will be sturdy?  I guess the twine will add strength.
> 
> I crocheted a mat using plarn, and it has held up well.
> Tracy
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFB-Blind-Crafters <nfb-blind-crafters-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cynthia Bock-Goodner via NFB-Blind-Crafters
> Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2026 8:01 PM
> To: nfb-blind-crafters at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Cynthia Bock-Goodner <cmbg at rocketmail.com>
> Subject: [NFB-Blind-Crafters] Finished experiment with weaving plarn
> 
> It was really more of a ‘proof of concept’ and I learned from doing it.  I have been experimenting with weaving plarn (plastic yarn made from grocery or other plastic bags).  
> 
> This bag was made using the soft thin produce bags for the weft or side to side threads.  They feel good in my hands, are easier to manipulate than the thicker grocery bags.  I used plastic household twine that I get from local Asian stores for the warp (up snd down) threads.  It’s strong and reasonably priced locally at about a dollar sixty a spool.  Online it sells for more like six dollars plus shipping.
> 
> I wove pieces for the front and back, sides and bottom, and then two handles. Then I went to lace them together.  What I learned is that I need to weave the pieces tighter and find a better way to finish off all the warp threads once I cut the pieces off the loom.  Also, maybe I should use backpack webbing for the handles.
> 
> Spending a lot money on the webbing goes against my plan to keep it inexpensive, but a creative reuse store just opened where I live and I got several good long pieces for a dollar.  So I’ll try that next time.
> 
> Cynthia
> 
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