By K W Warburton, The Reluctant Spoonie
I know that you all love my turtle amis and I’ve made a very special turtle for plastic-free July as well as writing up a free crochet pattern for my turtle.
Read my original turtle post here
What is Plastic-Free July all about?
Plastic free July is a global movement to help reduce the reliance on single-use plastics such as straws, bags and packaging. Plastic waste often ends up in the ocean where it can be harmful to marine wildlife, such as turtles. Even if the plastic beaks down (biodegradable plastic), small micro-plastic particles will be left behind which are also harmful to marine life.
How can I take part as a person with a chronic illness or disability?
Going completely plastic-free may not be possible for you, especially if your medication comes in plastic packaging or you rely on straws to drink from. You may find that there is one item that you can cut from your daily routine. Swapping from liquid to bar soap or buying loose fruit and veg instead of packaged. If you cannot cut plastic from your life completely, try and find places to recycle your plastic or only buy plastic items that are made from recycled materials.
Find out more about Plastic Free July here
How to Make Plarn (yarn from plastic bags)
I used this tutorial by lookwhatimade.net and this video by The Kitchen Table Classroom
It’s the same process as making t-shirt yarn. Be careful when stretching the yarn as it may cut you.
Sea Turtle Crochet Pattern
This free turtle crochet pattern is written in US terms and is suitable for normal yarn as well as plarn. Please size up your crochet hook if you are working with plarn.
Abbreviations
MR = magic ring
sc = single crochet (dc UK)
Inc = 2 sc in same stitch
ch= chain
FO = finish off
Dec = sc two stitches together
Shell
R1: MR (6)
R2: Inc x6 (12)
R3: (Inc, sc) x 6 (18)
R4: sc around (18)
R5: (Inc, sc, sc) x 6 (24)
R6: sc around (24)
R7: (Inc, sc, sc,sc) x 6 (30)
R8-10: sc around (30)
R11: BLO (dec, sc, sc, sc) x 6 (24)
R12: (dec, sc, sc) x 6 (18)
Start stuffing
R13: (dec, sc) x 6 (12)
R14: dec x 6 (6)
FO
Complete stuffing and sew hole with end of yarn.
Head
R1: MR (6)
R2: Inc x6 (12)
R3: (Inc, sc) x 6 (18)
R4: (Inc, sc, sc) x 6 (24)
R5-7: sc around (24)
Add eyes (embroidered or safety eyes).
R8: (dec, sc, sc) x 6 (18)
Start stuffing.
R9: sc around (18)
R10: (dec, sc) x 6 (12)
FO and complete stuffing. Leave hole open.
Legs (make 4)
R1: MR (6)
R2-3: sc around (6)
FO
Tail
Ch 4, turn sc 3. FO
Making up
Sew head to body. Sew legs and add tail.
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