How to make a hay bag.
Step 1
Measure out your fabric, it really depends on the size of your cage, as i have a c&c i aim to make mine around the size of a grid, which is 35 x 35cm, leaving a bit extra to make a 'folding flap' at the top. This is where i'll put my velcro strips later, so if you are choosing velcro fastening ensure you leave a wide enough gap!
You can also choose what shape and size you want your 'eating holes' to be. I choose rectangles as they are quick and easy to sew but you could always try stars, circles or anything else you can think of!
I used a measurement of 4cm x 6cm for mine. Be aware your finished holes will be around 1-2 cm bigger than the original size you measure out!
Measure out your fabric, it really depends on the size of your cage, as i have a c&c i aim to make mine around the size of a grid, which is 35 x 35cm, leaving a bit extra to make a 'folding flap' at the top. This is where i'll put my velcro strips later, so if you are choosing velcro fastening ensure you leave a wide enough gap!
You can also choose what shape and size you want your 'eating holes' to be. I choose rectangles as they are quick and easy to sew but you could always try stars, circles or anything else you can think of!
I used a measurement of 4cm x 6cm for mine. Be aware your finished holes will be around 1-2 cm bigger than the original size you measure out!
Step 2
Cut out your holes, don't worry too much about making them neat and straight at this point, you'll sort that out a bit later on. Your hay bag should be starting to take shape by now.
Step 3
Cut a small diaganol slit in each corner of your holes, try to keep each slit the same size, it doesn't have to be very big, just enough that you can fold the fabric over.
Cut a small diaganol slit in each corner of your holes, try to keep each slit the same size, it doesn't have to be very big, just enough that you can fold the fabric over.
Step 4
This is where having pins or something to tack your fabric down can be helpful but as usual i'm always rushing everything and didn't take the time to use them!
Fold one of your edges back, to the inside of the fabric, try to keep it as straight as possible, sew along this line so the flap is fastened to the inside of the bag leaving a nice straight seam. This should also take any pen lines out of view!
This is where having pins or something to tack your fabric down can be helpful but as usual i'm always rushing everything and didn't take the time to use them!
Fold one of your edges back, to the inside of the fabric, try to keep it as straight as possible, sew along this line so the flap is fastened to the inside of the bag leaving a nice straight seam. This should also take any pen lines out of view!
Do this all the way around each of your boxes that you've cut out and you should have a nice square box with a clean finish! Perfect.
Obviously for fabric this light i'd recommend white thread but i chose to use black to help this tutorial be easier to follow!
Step 5
Now is the time to turn your bag inside out and finish it off, turning it into an actual bag!
Sew straight along the 2 sides, leaving the top open for filling up the hay!
Once you've turned your bag the right way again, you should see a nice seam with nothing for piggies to get their teeth onto!
Now is the time to turn your bag inside out and finish it off, turning it into an actual bag!
Sew straight along the 2 sides, leaving the top open for filling up the hay!
Once you've turned your bag the right way again, you should see a nice seam with nothing for piggies to get their teeth onto!
Step 6
Here is where you can either finnish or add a few extras. You may choose to just hang your bag up as it is with pegs to hold the top over and attach it to your cage, or like myself you can choose to add a strip of velcro on each side to create a sealable opening.
I also decided to sew to little elastic loops onto the back of my bag so i can add little hooks and then attach to my cage.
There are lots of other options from pop clips to a simple button the choice is yours!
Here is where you can either finnish or add a few extras. You may choose to just hang your bag up as it is with pegs to hold the top over and attach it to your cage, or like myself you can choose to add a strip of velcro on each side to create a sealable opening.
I also decided to sew to little elastic loops onto the back of my bag so i can add little hooks and then attach to my cage.
There are lots of other options from pop clips to a simple button the choice is yours!
Now ensure all loose threads are tied off and out of the reach of any naughty piggies, then fill with hay and allow your pigs to enjoy!
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Any suggestions for tutorials to try or different styles of tutorial? I'd love to hear! If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me through the contact page. Found here... |