Let's Make Rope from Single-Use Plastic Bags!

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Let's make plastic rope! With a bit of patience -- and some handmade passion -- you can create colorful rope from single-use plastic bags.

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    Recycled plastic rope in 5 easy steps!

    Let's make recycled plastic rope in five easy steps!

    1. Collect
    2. Clean
    3. Cut
    4. Combine
    5. Create

    Take a look at the PDF -- or check out the video for our step-by-step process on how to make your own plastic rope ... and then experiment with your own creative inspiration!

    PRO TIP: Once you have your rope, roll it into balls of 10-100 meters. Then you can experiment with making bracelets or keychains (3-5 meters), bags (20-50 meters), wall hangings (100-300 meters) and more. Simply do an online search for traditional macrame patterns -- anything you can create with regular rope, you can experiment with plastic rope!

    Have fun!

Tools

  • Scissors
  • Heat source (lighter or iron for sealing)
  • Measuring tape (for cutting lengths)
  • Clips (to hold strips during assembly)
  • Workspace/table

Software/Resources

  • Online macramé patterns (search-based guides)
  • PDF instructions (referenced in tutorial)
  • Video tutorial (referenced in tutorial)
  • Creative design inspiration (experimentation)
  • Internet access (for research)

Hardware/Materials

  • Single-use plastic bags (collected)
  • Soap and water (for cleaning)
  • Storage spools/balls (for rolled rope)
  • (Optional dye for color customization)
  • Cleaning rag/towel

References

Articles

YouTube Videos

Opensource Designs