PLastic + yARN, plarn, is what is used to knit or crochet re-purposed plastic shopping bags in to sleeping mats. These mats can be used by unsheltered homeless individuals to provide a waterproof barrier for sleeping on the ground. This is not a new concept worldwide but new to LTHC.

What does Plarn mean?

Noun. plarn (uncountable) Plastic yarn made from strips of plastic bags.

How strong is Plarn?

You may not think that plarn would be strong, since grocery bags are relatively weak, but once you combine and stitch them, they are astonishingly durable. The first plastic bag yarn bag I ever made was in 2010, a nice simple drawstring mesh bag.