How to Knot a Hay Net

Knotting a recycled hay net for your horse is a rewarding project that makes good use of all that twine you usually end up throwing out. Synthetic baling twines are excellent for use in hay nets. Using a hay net for travel keeps your horse occupied and healthy, and using it for everyday use in the barn or pasture reduces wasted hay and slows feeding. Determine the size you need for the net, as well as the size of the diamond pattern; a smaller diamond aids in slowing down horses that go through their hay too quickly. Smaller nets are ideal for the trailer, while larger ones can accommodate up to half a square bale at a time and are great for regular feedings. The longer your twine, the larger the net, and vice versa.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 lengths of twine, each at least 7 feet long
  • Nail
  • Ruler
  • Marker
  • 3 lengths of twine, each at least 4 feet long
  • Scissors
  • Lighter
  • Stuffing material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Even up the ends of the 10 (or greater, as long as the number is even) strands of twine and secure them together with an overhand knot. After tightening the knot, tighten each strand on its own to make sure it is secure.

    • 2

      Fasten the knot to a sturdy surface if desired, using a nail through the knot to hold it. This may be a wall, post or a board or table you have designated for such projects.

    • 3

      Measure a minimum of 4 inches from the knot and mark your chosen measurement with the marker on each string. You may spread the strings out and mark each knot placement now, or do it as you work. Enlarge each diamond a little as you get to the middle of your strings, and then begin shrinking them again towards the top. Your center diamonds should ideally be around 6 inches long.

    • 4

      Knot the strands at your first mark below the base knot in pairs.

    • 5

      Knot the next row by splitting each knotted pair at your mark and knotting it to its neighbor. Continue the procedure until you have reached the last mark on your twine.

    • 6

      Create loops as you tie the final row of knots by doing the overhand knot but pulling through a loop before you tighten it. You should end up with half the number of loops as the number of strands of twine with which you began. There should be five loops for 10 strands of twine.

    • 7

      Braid together the 4-foot lengths of twine, securing each end with loose knots. You may also fasten the twine with your nail to give you something to pull against as you braid.

    • 8

      Thread the plait through the loops on the hay net.

    • 9

      Close the circle by untying the knots at either end of the plait, putting the ends together and tying a tight overhand knot.

    • 10

      Trim any loose ends to within an inch of their knots and melt with a lighter to reduce fraying.