Plastic Bag Sleeping Mats

500 plastic grocery bags, cut into strips, made into "plarn" and crocheted = 1 sleeping mat

We have reached our goal! Anyone still crocheting can bring their mats to church upon completion.

Mats will be delivered to Body and Soul on May 25.

Everyone can participate by doing any of these steps:

1. Collect plastic grocery bags
2. Cut bags into strips
3. Make the balls of "plarn"
4. Crochet the mats using the balls of plarn

Collection and deposit bins are in the Shawver Welcome Center appropriately labeled. 

• Introducing
  

  A New Project of Church & Society    Are you contributing to this project? Please let us know how in the Comment section below.

• Collect
  

  Collect Plastic Grocery Bags Deliver to FUMCR collection bin in Shawver Welcome Center or cut into strips.

   

• Cut
  
  

  Cut into Strips < Straighten and sort by size.  4-5 same-size bags can be cut at the same time in a flat stack. To cut a single bag, fold it in half lengthwise. > Then fold it in half again. > < Cut the bottom of the bag(s) off. > < Cut the handles off. > Recycle the bottoms and handles. They are not used for this project. Smaller bags, from Tom Thumb, Kroger and Albertsons, are best cut into 4 strips.  < Cut bags in half horizontally. Then cut each half in half horizontally again. > Larger bags, from Target and Central Market, can be cut into 5 pieces.  < First cut one strip about 1 1/2 - 2" wide. then cut as above by cutting in half and in half again. This will make 5 strips. > Each strip is a loop that will be connected to other loops to make "plarn."

  
  
  
• Make Plarn
  
  

  Connect Loops to Make Plarn < Take two loops and wrap one around the other.   <  Pull the other end of the loop through itself until it forms a knot. > When attaching loops, make each loop side the same length.    < Avoid this.    If this occurs, loosen the knot and straighten both sides. >         < Roll into balls.

  
  
  
• Crochet
  

  Pattern for Plastic Bag Mat Using “P” or 10 mm crochet hook, LOOSELY chain 37 (or chain 36 and use beginning loop as first chain). Turn, single crochet in 2nd chain from hook. Single crochet across (36 SC). Should measure 2 ½-3 feet. (30-36”). Chain 1 turn and repeat until bed is approximately 5 feet long. Last row: make carry strap. Chain 1 turn and single crochet across 8 stitches. Chain 75-80. Single crochet across remainder of row. Finish off. Weave in end of plarn. Fold mat in half lengthwise, roll up and use strap to secure around bed.