Free Pattern: Plarn Welcome Mat

  Your guests can see your skills before they make it through your door when you make this plarn doormat. Using a large hook, thick double strands of plastic bag yarn, and 3 DC filet crochet, this pattern works up quickly and easily. The substantial size of each mesh produces an impressionistic view of the word "WELCOME", but it doesn't stand out enough on its own. A bit of surface crochet is the final touch to add some character and depth. The complete highlighted result is a sort of funky, fancy, graffiti-style block lettering.

  With the combination of techniques needed to make this project, you can brush up on a few of your skills, or perhaps add some new ones. Click on the links provided if you need help with filet crochet, surface crochet, or making plarn.

  Do you have a pile of plastic bags to save from a landfill? Plarn is a great way to turn trash into something practical or even stylish. Requiring four to six bags per row, this project uses well over 100 average size grocery bags, so be prepared for a lot of cutting.

  *Here's a tip: If you are skilled with color work, you could make this project really pop! Use color B to work the highlighted solid mesh, or use a third color for even more contrast.

Size is 18" x 36" ( 45.5 cm x 91.5 cm) before finishing.
Finished size with border is 19 1/2" x 36 1/2" (49.5 cm x 92.5 cm)

Skill Level: 

Materials:
Plarn, cut into 2 1/2" -3" (6cm - 7.5cm) wide strips
- over 100 bags for color A
- about 30 bags for color B
Crochet hook size K/10 1/2-6.50MM, or size needed to obtain gauge
Smaller hook for weaving in ends

Gauge:
4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) = 4 rows of 4 mesh,
  or, one mesh = 1" x 1" (2.5cm x 2.5 cm)

Notes:
-Written directions are provided for the beginning chain and first row only. Follow the chart to complete.
-Begin working the chart from the bottom left to right. The next row up is worked right to left, and so on. To help make sure you're working in the correct direction on the chart, follow the arrows.
-Chain 3 for first double crochet at beginning of each row.

Stitches:
Chain (ch)
Slip stitch (sl st)
Single crochet (sc)
Double crochet (dc)

Filet Symbols:

Directions:

Using two strands of color A, ch 90 to begin.

Row 1:
Follow chart from left to right: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each of remaining 86 chs. (87 dc, or 43 solid mesh)

Rows 2 - 23:
Follow chart. Bind off.

Click to enlarge chart.

Rotate work 1 half-turn, repeat rows 22 and 23, beginning in first st of beg ch. Bind off. You may weave in ends now, or work over them while adding the border.

Surface crochet:
Now for the finishing touch. Your guests might not know they are welcome without it.

Using the same size hook unless you need to switch for gauge, change to a single strand of color B. Beginning in any marked mesh you wish, secure with a sl st to the wrong side, ch 1. Remove hook, pull st through to right side.

Following the markings on the chart, surface single crochet as stated for each filet:

To work horizontally:

Solid mesh - Make one surface single crochet for each dc of the mesh (3).

Open mesh - Make 2 surface single crochet in the chain space, one in the next dc.

Long mesh - Make 5 surface single crochet in the chain space.

Lacet - Make 2 surface single crochet in first chain space, 1 surface single crochet in the single crochet, and 2 surface single crochet in the next chain space.

To work vertically, make 3 surface single crochet around a dc post.

For border:
Use the same size hook and double strands of color B.

Except for corner posts, work 3 sc around each vertical post for short sides. Only work 2 sc in corner sps.

For long sides, work 1 dc for each dc available in a solid mesh. Work 2 dc in an open mesh ch-sp. Work 4 dc in ch-sp of a long mesh.

Chain 3 for corners.

Bind off, weave in ends.