Fusing Plastic Bags: The Ultimate Recyclable

If you have saved all those flimsy plastic bags that come from assorted stores, now you can finally use them! The newest trend in recycling plastic bags is to fuse them together to make stronger material that can actually be sewn and turned into a wide variety of beautiful products.

To start off with, you need a large collection of plastic bags that are all about the same size. Cut them open so they form a rectangle of plastic and trim off handles, etc. Stack 6-8 layers of these plastic sheets and make sure they are all about the same size . . . though you can trim them afterwards as well.

Now, lay a piece of parchment paper down on your ironing board. This should be larger than the stack of plastic so you won't end up with messy residue on your ironing board. Put the stack of plastic sheets on top, then top off with yet another piece of large parchment paper.

The idea is to melt the different layers together and fuse them into one solid plastic sheet with your iron. You will need to experiment to find the right heat, but the iron should be fairly hot. Start to iron the plastic bags, moving your iron constantly. If you stop and let it heat one area too much, there will be a hole melted through your plastic sheeting!

When you think you are done, lift the parchment and test the plastic, being careful, as it will be fairly hot. If the layers all seem to be melted together, you are done . . . otherwise, continue ironing until you have one sheet made from the multiple layers. Now you have a sheet of thick plastic bag, ready for crafting. Some people use this sturdier plastic alone to create funky bags and totes or even waterproof hats. It can be sewn like fabric on your sewing machine.

While some people like the look of layers of printing or store logos on their bags, others might prefer to keep that part hidden. If you aren't interested in the "used bag" look, fused plastic makes great liners for toiletry and diaper bags . . . it stays hidden and serves a purpose!

This is a great way to reuse your stash of extra plastic bags. You can even use a new tote made from old bags as your own take along grocery tote! Though not exactly a green craft (the fumes from the melted plastic are pretty potent), it still means that these plastic bags won't be hitting the landfill anytime soon.