At the 2024 Key Club International Convention, attendees engaged in a meaningful service project that benefited a local nonprofit organization. With the help of the Georgia District, members created plastic yarn — or “plarn” — mats for the local unhoused community. The mats were donated to Hope thru Soap.
If your community includes a population in need of protection from the elements while sleeping outside, all you need to start this project is an abundance of plastic bags ready to be reused—and the information provided below.
What is a plarn mat?
Plarn mats, short for plastic yarn, are created by crocheting re-purposed plastic shopping bags. The mats serve as waterproof barriers for unsheltered individuals needing protection from hot, cold or wet pavement.
Why are plarn mats helpful?
They provide an extra layer of cushion — and they’re lightweight, easy to wash and unlikely to be infested by pests. By upcycling plastic bags, you can reduce waste and provide comfort for those in need. Before beginning this project, connect with an organization serving the local unhoused community to determine how many plarn mat donations are needed.
How do you make a plarn mat?
1. Gather your materials: 500-700 plastic bags (depending on the size) and scissors. If you choose, you can also use a crochet hook.
2. Cut and loop your plarn. Cut the plastic bags into strips. Cut the bags along the bottom seam and along the top, cutting off the handles. Aim for the strips to be about 2 inches wide.
3. Once you have the plastic strips, loop them into a long string. In this video, Key Club advisor Kris Kimmel shows you how.
4. Roll your plarn into a ball.
5. Using your fingers or an N-size crochet hook or larger, make a loose chain that is 3 feet (or 90 centimeters) wide. Single-stitch back and forth until the mat is 6 feet (or just under 2 meters) long. Watch this video of Key Club Advisor Kris Kimmel showing you how to crochet with your fingers.