The gateway drug for DIY, in the case of the Stitch n’ Bitch crowd, is that first pair of knitting needles or crochet hooks. From there it’s a quick slide into a mysterious netherworld populated by afghan squares, sweater sleeves, and endless scarves. But as any stitchy bitch will soon find out, the price of yarn being what it is — particularly for the nicer wools — it’s certainly no money saver to knit your own clothes.

Resourceful recyclers have already discovered the possibilities of a pre-worn, yet underused sweater which can be harvested for its yarn, but for those looking toward the next level of reuse, one especially ubiquitous material can be easily turned into a serviceable skein suitable for crafting bags, crocheted caps, even footwear.

This material is the dreaded, non-biodegradable plastic bag, which get handed out by the handfuls in grocery stores, Chinese restaurants, and pharmacies across the country. Even assuming you put these to use as alternative bin liners or dog-waste retrieval apparati, you probably have a pile of them hiding away in a drawer in your kitchen somewhere, just waiting to be used.

What You’ll Need

1) Plastic bags. The standard grocery-style bag is easiest to work with. Make sure it’s clean and in relatively good shape.

2) Scissors

How To

1) Flatten the bag, then fold lengthwise into a strip about 1”-2” wide.

2) Cut the handles and bottom seam off. Discard or save for other projects.

3) Cut the remaining plastic widthwise in strips of 1”-2”. The result, when unfolded, should be a series of identical loops.

4) Lay on end of one loop over another, knot together by doubling one loop of plastic over itself through the overlap. Pull gently to tighten. The resultant “yarn” will double-stranded. Use bags of different colors for a fun effect.

5) Repeat ad infinitum. To avoid tangling, roll your yarn into balls or skeins as you go.

While plastic bag yarn may never replace mohair as the top choice for knitting material, it’s always exciting to try out something new — especially when it’s made from something old. 

Photo courtesy of Natalia Trico via flickr.