How to Twine a Bag

Twine is readily available from farmers or feedlots and is often discarded after the hay bale has been opened. However, this twine can be reused and woven into bags with little effort. These mesh, twine bags are most often used as hay bags (or nets) for feeding horses and livestock. Horses can reach between the twine strands and pull out the hay. The hay bags are tied up in a stall or paddock, and prevent waste by keeping the hay dry and off the ground.

Things You'll Need

  • Twine from hay bales -- 16 strands
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Black marker
  • Towel
  • Match
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line the 16 strands of twine up so they are even. Tie a knot at one end and trim off the excess at the top leaving about three inches of twine above the knot and the rest loose beneath.

    • 2

      Pair off the 16 strands so you have eight pairs. Measure 6-inches down and make a mark on the twine with your marker. Tie a knot in each pair so you have eight knots.

    • 3

      Fan the strands out so they fall in a natural progression. Take a strand from one knot and tie it together with the string from the neighboring knot. This knot should be 6-inches down from the previous knots. Continue this pattern until you have finished a row of knots. This pattern will form a diamond shape for the net.

    • 4

      Repeat the pattern above so that you do another row of knots. Put the knots 8-inches below the above row this time so the hay bag will slowly get wider. As your hay bag starts to take shape, roll up a towel and stuff it into the net so the twine falls down on all sides. This will allow you to see your work easier. Continue this until you have about a foot of twine left.

    • 5

      Finish the hay bag by making your final knots into loops. Make sure these loops are tight. Light a match and burn the ends of the twine to keep it from unraveling. You can open, close and hang the hay bale by sliding an extra piece of twine through these loops and securing it.