With two tutorials in one pattern, this download has everything you need to make a sleeping mat out of plastic grocery bags. This pattern includes detailed instruction (with pictures!) of how to make plarn, which is plastic yarn, out of grocery bags. There is also a pattern for the sleeping mat.

The plarn instructions are useful, even if you wish to make something other than a mat. Simply use the plarn like any other super bulky yarn.

The sleeping mat is super simple to crochet, but the plarn is a little difficult to work with until you get used to it, so I don’t recommend this as a first-time crochet project. However, it makes a wonderful second or third crochet project.

I donate these sleeping mats to a local charity my church works with, and they distribute them to those in need. We get wonderful feedback from the recipients about them. Please consider asking a local charity if they could use mats like this. Not only is this a great charity project, it also keeps lots of plastic out of landfills.

The pattern includes both condensed and complete, detailed instructions. Use whichever you prefer.

I’m offering this pattern completely free in the hopes it is useful to you or can help someone in need. Happy Crafting!