Are you tired of the accumulation of plastic bags under your sink, about to create a mess all over the kitchen? These products take up so much space and generate so much headache that many countries are banning their use. Still, many people reuse the bags instead of throwing them away. If you want to do this and clear the rubble, start folding them to make things easier. Read the methods below, which are very practical.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Making a Triangle
Step 1. Flatten the bag
Align the sides of it until the handles are parallel. Pay attention to the orientation of the handles, as they will be important in structuring the triangle.
- It's easier to do everything on a sturdy, smooth surface like a kitchen counter.
- If you're very skillful, you can try bending the triangle in midair, without support - but it will be more difficult and frustrating if it goes wrong. If not, try again when you have some experience.
- Do your best to get all the air out of the bag. Run your hands through it to flatten it out well.
Step 2. Fold the bag lengthwise
Start by folding it in half so that one handle is over the other. Then fold it back in the same direction - lining up the opposite ends to the handles. Repeat the process until you form a kind of rectangle, the same width as the base of the handles (and shaped like a thin strip).
- Flatten the bag and remove all the air with each new fold. The smoother it is, the easier it will be to make the triangle.
- The number of folds will depend on the size and shape of the bag handles. Two or three are usually enough.
Step 3. Fold one of the bottom corners of the rectangle
Choose a corner of the bag that is on the opposite side of the handles and fold it over the other, forming another triangle.
- Flatten and flatten the triangle you just made.
- At this point, the folded bag will be shaped like a rectangle, with a shorter end in common with a smaller isosceles triangle.
Step 4. Fold the triangle inwards to form another triangle
Fold the loose corner to turn your base into a new fold.
- The bag should once again be shaped like a strip or a thin rectangle.
- This method is similar to the flag-folding technique.
Step 5. Continue bending the bottom tip inward
Repeat the previous two steps, rolling the triangle lengthwise until you reach the end of the loops. Leave part of the bag unfolded to make one last fold.
- You will make a new isosceles triangle in the "stack" of triangles with each new fold.
- Don't forget to flatten and remove the air from the bag at every step. If the triangle is full, the folds will unravel.
Step 6. Thread the bag handles inside the triangle
Make one last fold, securing the end of the bag. Stick this little tip into the space created by the "roller" of triangles. As always, flatten the object to make it more stable.
Step 7. Repeat the process with the other bags and save everything
Make the rest of the objects into triangles. Now, they will take up much less space and it will be easier to store everything and anywhere: a basket on the kitchen counter or any space under the sink, for example. It's your choice.
Step 8. Unfold each bag when you need to use it
As much as triangles are pleasing to the eye, you can't use bags like that. Whenever you need to, release the tip of the object to unfold it. Hold it by this end and shake it until it returns to its original shape. Depending on the precision of the folds, you may have some work.
Method 2 of 2: Tying the bags in a knot
Step 1. Fold the bag lengthwise
Make it into a thin strip with which you can tie a knot. The orientation of the handles is not important in this method. To do this, do the following:
- Flatten the bag on a hard, smooth surface. Run your hands through it to get as much air as possible. The thinner it gets, the smaller the final knot will be.
- Fold the bag in half lengthwise to form a rectangle. Then flatten it as before.
- Fold the bag lengthwise once more to form another rectangle - this time thinner. Continue until layers are thick enough to generate resistance. Remember to flatten the material with each new step.
Step 2. Fold the bag across
Fold the strip in half to make it smaller. You will now have a thin rectangle, about half the size of the entire bag.
Wrap the strap around your fingers to test its flexibility. If it's too stiff, it won't do the knot; in that case, undo one of the transverse folds and one or two longitudinal folds. Then fold it transversely once more and redo the test
Step 3. Make a small loop with the strap
Position it about 2.5 cm from the bent end of the strip. It should be roomy so that you can fit two fingers inside. Make sure the folded side is the front and that the back, which includes the handles, goes through the back.
- The lasso is the first step; you'll repeat it a few times with simple knots.
- If you have a lot of difficulty making the strip because the bag is too small, undo the fold in a transverse direction. However, it won't be as compact or easy to untie the knot.
Step 4. Pass the base of the bag over and inside the loop
Grasp the irregular base with one hand and bring it inward, over the half of the strip that is closest to the folded edge. Thread it through the loop and pull on the other side - for now, without squeezing.
Step 5. Pass both ends through the loop
Start by taking the base back through the loop a few times, until you reach the end. Clip the end in the middle of the knot. Then repeat the process with the rest of the material, passing it through the loop to increase the "roll". When you reach the end, tighten the loop.
Secure the bag to itself while making it more compact with the knot. Don't tie a different knot over the first one, or it will make things difficult. Double knots are harder to undo
Step 6. Unfold the bag when you want to use it
When folded, these accessories are useless. To loosen a bag, place your thumb in the middle of the loop, in the opposite direction from where the folded end was attached. It will come loose. Undo half the knot and repeat the process at the base of the bag. Ready!
The "roller" will not look as pleasing to the eye or well made as the triangle in the previous method. Instead of leaving the bags on display, store them in a bucket or bag until needed
Tips
- It's best to fold the bags on a hard, smooth surface to get as much air out of them as possible and make knots easier.
- Some stores sell bag handles made of fabric and other materials. These accessories are very convenient and simple, even if you don't fold the bags.
- This article applies to almost every type of plastic bag, but mainly to the most basic ones found in supermarkets. Thicker models, as used in bookstores, tend to be more resistant to bending.
Notices
- Do not keep bags that you use to carry raw meat.
- Make sure the bags are dry before folding them, or you may have a mold problem.
- Do not let babies or small animals play with plastic bags.