I mentioned in an earlier post that I recycle the twine that comes off my hay bales. I really try not to cut the twine when freeing a bale and if I have to I make a conscious effort to cut it next to the knot. This way I have a length of twine that is the most usable. With most of my hay used up I have a healthy pile of twine ready for repurposing. This time it went into a rug.
|
|
|
Size ‘P’ crochet hook
Baling Twine – approximately 100 bales worth for a 3×2 foot mat
Scissors
Grocery bag
Muscle power!
Preparing the Twine
Step 1:
Twine around bales have knots in them. You want to cut these knots off and toss them in your grocery bag. Jute twine is a nice fire starter so I keep mine to get a camp fire going in the summer.
Step 2:
Knot each strand to another to form a long jute rope. Make sure the knots are nice and tight and trim any extra twine hanging out on the off side of the knot. Yes, I save this too for fire starter
Crochet Pattern
Row 1: All SC – This row will be the Length of your rug – Add one extra SC and turn
Row 2: Into backs only! SC all the way add one and turn
Row 3-?: Repeat Row 2 until desired width of rug is achieved
By crocheting into backs only this creates a ribbed pattern which helps with 2 things. It gives your knots a place to hang out and creates ridges so you can scrub the mud and dirt off your barn boots.
Though the pattern is very simple I would have to say this is an intermediate project for one reason. Twine is a P.I.T.A. to work with! It’s not flexible, carries a twist and every 6 feet you have a knot to deal with. When you’re finished with your rug, your hook arm will be very very tired.
If you’re part of the Fiber Arts Friday crowd check out Wonder Why Gal for more cool projects.