Using Plarn (Plastic Yarn) for Wrapping Gifts!

I love wrapping gifts! At any time of year, spending a little bit of time to wrap a gift is a small way to sprinkle some personal touches on an already thoughtful present. Christmastime is a field-day for me, with some days spent marathon-wrapping last-minute gifts that need to make it under the tree before the 24th of December. Seeing my loved ones unwrap their gifts is so special to me, and is something I hope to repeat over the years.

Since I love it so much, I have attempted over the years to find ways to reduce the waste involved with wrapping/unwrapping Christmas gifts. While its still a work in progress, this year I'm trying out something new (to me): using "yarn" that is made of plastic shopping bags to add the gift tags to the presents! I started making my own gift tags to avoid purchasing the stickers or tags in the store, but didn't want to use yarn or ribbon that could be saved for other projects instead of ending up in the landfill.

So, in this instructable, I'll show you how I made the plarn, added the gift tag, and wrapped up the presents. At the end, I'll also add in links to ideas from other people on how to reduce gift wrapping waste, since I'm far from the first person to think about this!

I hope this is helpful for you and all your gift wrapping needs!

Here is what I used:

For the plarn:

• plastic bags (any that you get from a store)
• scissors

For the wrapping:

• wrapping paper
• scissors
• tape

For the gift tags (optional):

• white cardstock
• cricut air 2
• this pattern
• sharpie/other pen (for writing the to/from note)

There are many ways to go about this step-- this is just the one I used. If you have ever made t-shirt yarn before, the process will be very similar!

I started out with a regular grocery bag, and then cut off the bottom and the handles. I was left with the "body" of the bag, which should look like a rectangle when you flatten it out.

Then, cut inch-wide strips starting from one of the sides that is still connected (not from the side where you cut off the bottom or handles). Do not cut all the way through. At the top, leave about an inch or so (its not precise).

Finally, you'll open it up and see that there are several ribbons connected by the part you left uncut. What you'll do is follow the red lines in the images I have provided to cut out the long strip of plarn.

If you want more detailed instructions or a different approach, try out these links below!

How to Make Plarn (Spruce Crafts)

How to Make Plarn - Plastic Yarn Tutorial (liveaboutdotcom)

I created a simple gift tag using my cricut, which you can find here if you want the same one! I used white cardstock for these, but I bet they would still be cute with other patterns/colors!

It doesn't matter which one you use, but you'll want to try to have one that has a hole somewhere in it so you can thread the plarn through.

I recommend writing the to/from parts before you put it on the gift, just to make it easier.

Thread the plarn and try to position the tag where you would want it on the gift; it won't move much, especially once you've done the final step! Try to leave some plarn at the end that can be used to tie it up in the back.

To finish up, you'll want to first wrap the gift with the paper of your choice. I'm still working through my baby yoda paper, so I used that!

When you are ready, position the tag where you want it, and wrap the plarn towards the back. Then, twist it so you can get them to be 90 degrees from the first ones, and wrap around the front. Bring it towards the back, cut it, and tie them together.

Your gift is officially wrapped!

I hope you enjoy this process as much as I did! I can attest that this process holds up through plane travel too, since I brought them from Michigan to Texas without a tear.

Once I use up my wrapping paper, I'm looking to start using more sustainable methods for wrapping. Here are some methods I've found, if you're interested too.

Fabric wrapping paper / Furoshiki (clever octopus)

I Tested These 10 Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Ideas. Here Are My Favorites! (ecocult) - Includes ideas about thrifting old scarfs, towels, etc. for wrapping!