Not everyone is going to want to make mats or pillows. You may just want to do a small item even just to try it out. This stuff feels way better than you would think.
Cats love these mats. Just a simple small square large enough for them. It also works well to do two of these squares then single crochet the two pieces together, filling it with styrofoam peanuts before finishing up the fourth side, for them to sleep on. Those work for indoor/outdoor cats.
It goes along that same thing where people leave styrofoam coolers out for outside kitties in the winter. I tried that. Once their nails hit that styrofoam, it breaks off into little bits that gets into their fur and then of course their natural instinct is to clean themselves and thus they're ingesting those little pellets and can't imagine it's healthy. These will still allow for insulation.
I took it a step further and measured out an outside crate on all sides - same could be done with any container. I created filled pillows matching the size of each side with an additional couple of rows for the "seams" and then single crocheted each piece together. For the front, I did do a plain flap that would just cover if needed and they're able to use it as their own lightweight door and it can be tucked under the top to keep it out of the way as well. Just remember to only connect the door on the top leaving the edge so they can get in and out. It's more functional than beautiful! (Make sure to place it on a higher surface to keep them safe from predators. Some generally like a double-exit method (I have one that doesn't) but this doesn't lend itself to that.)
It goes along that same thing where people leave styrofoam coolers out for outside kitties in the winter. I tried that. Once their nails hit that styrofoam, it breaks off into little bits that gets into their fur and then of course their natural instinct is to clean themselves and thus they're ingesting those little pellets and can't imagine it's healthy. These will still allow for insulation.
I took it a step further and measured out an outside crate on all sides - same could be done with any container. I created filled pillows matching the size of each side with an additional couple of rows for the "seams" and then single crocheted each piece together. For the front, I did do a plain flap that would just cover if needed and they're able to use it as their own lightweight door and it can be tucked under the top to keep it out of the way as well. Just remember to only connect the door on the top leaving the edge so they can get in and out. It's more functional than beautiful! (Make sure to place it on a higher surface to keep them safe from predators. Some generally like a double-exit method (I have one that doesn't) but this doesn't lend itself to that.)
I have an indoor cat that didn't care for his thick warm bed in the summer. This worked to cover that bed and allow him to be a little cooler inside. It simply covered the bed and the sides. Honestly I was surprised at how well it worked out! Just be willing to experiment.
Keep in mind that they will put their nails into them and they may create a hole. But it's plastic bags. We have an overabundance of them anyway. Plus it makes them happy!
These can also be used as mats. Have also seen reusable shopping bags, rain hats, coasters (though it wouldn't protect a surface well), and many other things. Just adjust your hook/needles accordingly. And maybe even the size you create your plarn. You may not want as thick of a cut for some projects as you would the mats.
These can also be used as mats. Have also seen reusable shopping bags, rain hats, coasters (though it wouldn't protect a surface well), and many other things. Just adjust your hook/needles accordingly. And maybe even the size you create your plarn. You may not want as thick of a cut for some projects as you would the mats.