Plastic bag knitting helps Riverside woman butter her bread for 14 years
It was by chance that a combination of Vaseline and plastic bags created a job opportunity for Gugu Nkosi, who learned how to knit from her late grandmother.
Gugu Nkosi (44) is a dedicated and self-employed woman who transforms discarded plastic bags into beautiful knits, giving new life to materials others might discard.
Her passion for knitting was born in her childhood, during precious moments spent with her late grandmother, Ester Masango, who lovingly taught her how to knit with wool.
Read more: Margaret Hirsch on the move with women who give back
“When my grandmother passed away, I was heartbroken, and I stopped knitting, as the person who inspired me had left me. Then, I realised that the only way I could ever feel closer to her was to continue.”
Nkosi relocated from Mpumalanga to Diepsloot in 2012. Now residing at Riverside, that’s where she started learning to knit with plastic bags. She would just knit for fun, as it was her hobby.
That is, until one day she was recognised by a woman who was passing by, and asked if she was selling what she was making.
“When this lady saw my work, she was impressed and asked to market my plastic carpets where she works. Then she came back and said she had ten orders for me, so I quickly had to knit more and start selling.”
Also read: Facebook post gives fresh haircuts and stationery to Riverside learners
Nkosi collects plastic bags and then trims them to long, straight, thin layers that look like wool, then she rolls them and sections them according to the colours.
Then, when she knits, she uses Vaseline to smooth the plastic, allowing her to knit without the plastic detangling.
This has been her business for 14 years, and how she provides for her family.
“Knitting is a passion. It comes with love. I cannot go a day without knitting in my life, even if I do not have any orders, I’d sit in my house and knit whatever comes to my mind.
“This type of skill requires a lot of patience and training, as it is not a one-day thing you can grasp. That’s why I always knit whenever I find time.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
