Tuesday, April 28, 2009

How to Make Plastic Yarn (Continuous / Single-Strand Strip Cutting Method)

There are multiple strip methods you can use to make and connect plarn (plastic yarn) strips. The 3 methods I'm aware of are - 1) Double-Strand; 2) Continuous (Single-Strand) Strip and 3) Connecting Strip.









Tip: Any of the strip methods can also be used with fabric; t-shirts, etc..


Tutorial for cutting a Continuous (Single-Strand) Strip:Lay the bag out flat, straightening out the straps. Fold bag in half (folding bottom up to be even with the top) matching up the handles then a couple more times for easier cutting.








Cut straps off right at the base of the straps and cut off bottom seam of bag. Just a sliver is all that is needed.












Put your hand through the middle of the bag to pull it apart and lay flat as a tube. Fold this tube to within 1 inch from the top (I call the main fold the spine).









Continue the fold multiple times until your tube is small enough to make one cut. You’ll cut from the bottom to the top of the initial fold – not through the spine. Determining the width of you’re the strip is based on the needs your for your pattern. The rule of thumb is not less than 1”, 1 1/2 to 2” pieces are typical cut sizes.








Straighten out the strips – it almost looks like tentacles. Here comes the fun part – separate the strips by separating it at the spine. You can either lay it out on a flat surface or use one of your arms (I use the arm way which is why I'm suggesting it). To use your arm, take one hand at the beginning of the spine and separate each half.


















Whether you lay it out on a flat surface or use your arm - to begin cutting place your scissors on the bottom half of the spine, angle your scissors in an upward motion to the next section over and cut. Continue cutting until you reach the other end. You should have a pile of one single continuous strip.














Making the Ball –
The easiest way I have found to make a ball is put your pointer and middle fingers together. Place the end of the strip between the fingers and begin wrapping the strips around both fingers about 5 times. Then pull off the fingers and begin wrapping the strips around it. Before you know it, your ball begins to take shape.




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