Repurpose Plastic Bags to Make a Garden Fence

Deconstruct plastic bags to create braided ropes, then tie them together to create a functional fence for your garden.

Plastic bags
Scissors
Knowledge of how to braid
Knowledge of how to tie a knot
Measuring Device
A few 5 - 10 lb objects

What plastic do you have? What plastic do you throw away that could be saved? The bulk of my fence is shopping & newspaper bags. I also used bread and produce bags. I almost threw away some bubble wrap that came in a package, but realized once I cut it, the bubbles deflated and made a great rope. Although possible, thick, small bags that hold rice or microwaveable frozen vegetables bags do not make good ropes. Once you determine what plastic you consume most often, start saving! My fence consist of approximately 240 bags and 54ft of packing material.

Each bag will be different. But, in most cases, I cut both edges off to open the bag lengthwise. Then, cut the bag lengthwise into 3-12 one inch strips. The thickness and size of your bags will determine how many strips it will produce. 3 strips = 1 braided rope. The newspaper bag is so thin I used one whole bag as a strip... 3 bags = 1 braided rope. Tie 3 strips into a knot at the top and braid. I used my knees to hold the top knot when I braided while sitting and a closed door to hold when standing. I did most of my braiding while watching tv or on the phone.

Determine the height, length and mesh size of your fence. For example, I made a rabbit fence for my small garden. The fence needed to be at least 28in high and I needed about 8ft in length. The mesh of my fence varies from 1x2in squares at the bottom gradually getting larger to 4x2in squares at the top.

Pick a spot out of the way where it can remain until fully assembled. You will not finish this in one setting! I pieced at it for a month. Also, you do not have to have all your braids completed before starting the fence. Braid a big pile of ropes, start your fence, then braid some more. This method helps break up the braiding task.

Grab your braids and select the thickest of them to layout the height and width of the frame. Knot the braids together to connect the frame, leaving the end of the fence either disconnected or loosely tied to make final adjustments easier. Next, using your fence specifications, connect all the horizontal rows by knotting them together. For mine, I connected a horizontal row every one inch towards the bottom then every four inches towards the top.

After connecting all the horizontal rows, you can start weaving in the vertical rows. My vertical rows are every two inches. I started at the bottom, knotted the braid to the frame, then wrapped the braids around (over then under) each horizontal row and then knotted the braid to the top of the frame. Use something heavy to hold the fence as you work.

When you are at the end of the fence, knot/adjust all horizontal rows to the last vertical row. Once complete, install your newly created, plastic, repurposed mesh fence!