Recycle plastic bags into a easy to clean doormat. Cut the plastic bags into 2-inch strips prior to starting the project. Wind the strips into a ball for easy use. A minimum of 50 bags is required for this project.
Things You’ll Need:
50 to 150 plastic bags
Ruler
Water soluble marker
Size Q/16mm crochet hook
Scissors
Instructions for Connecting Plastic Bag Strips Together:
Step 1 – Place the plastic bag on a flat work surface. Place the long edge of a ruler along one side of the plastic bag. Mark every 2-inches. Move the ruler to the opposite side. Place the first mark at 1-inch then the remaining marks every 2-inches apart. Turn the bag over and repeat the process making sure to place the marks in the same locations as on the front of the plastic bag.
Step 2 – Cut through both layers of fabric from the first mark to the mark at ½-inch. Discard the bottom portion of the plastic bag.
Step 3 – Flip the bag over. Cut across to the next mark. Repeat the process until the bag is cut in one long strip.
Step 4 – Fold a short end up 1 ½-inches. Make a ½-inch cut in the center of the strip parallel with the long edge. Unfold. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the strip.
Step 5 – Cut the remaining plastic bags in the same fashion.
Step 6 – Connect the strips together. Pick up two strips. Place one strip on a flat work surface. Insert the end of a second strip through the cut slit. Pull the second strip through the slit approximately 6-inches. Insert the opposite end of the same strip through the slit on the 6-inch piece. Pull the end through the slit. Continue to pull the end until it loops around itself and creates a knot.
Step 7 – Roll the connected strips into a ball.
Step 8 – Connect the remaining strips in the same fashion. Roll the strips into manageable size balls.
Doormat Pattern:
Row 1 – Chain stitch the desired width for the doormat. I suggest beginning with 48 stitches for a doormat approximately 24-inches in width. Chain 1 stitch past the desired width.
Row 2 – Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 3 – Chain 3 stitches. Double crochet in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 4 until the desired length is achieved – Repeat Row 3.
Last Row – Chain 1 stitch. Single crochet in each stitch across. Finish off. Weave the plastic bag tail back and forth through the last row of stitching.
Clean the crocheted plastic bag doormat by giving it a shower or spraying it with a hose.