DIY Tarp Cover Made From Feed Sacks

Here is another useful project that was made from something that would have been tossed into the trash. In the last 5 years I have noticed a lot of our Livestock & Pet's Feed sacks are all made of Tarp Like Material with great graphics. I began saving the bags for future projects because I knew there was something I can make besides shopping bags.

I searched Instructables and Google for anything made besides shopping bags & purses from these feed sacks and the search result showed next to nothing.

This feed sack project idea came about when I needed a tarp to cover some hay temporarily. It was a great way to learn how to use this material, in turn this project has given me some ideas for future projects, projects that will include their graphics. We have a small farm and we buy our livestock & pet products from Tractor Supply Store. Sense we shop there at least once a week I don't have a problem of not having enough feed sacks for my future projects.

What I liked about this project is it was basically free the only thing I had to buy was sewing thread. If your into being GREEN and Saving the Environment or just Saving Money this project is for you.

Step 1:

Tools & Material Needed:

Feed Sacks (I used 15 sacks to get a 91"x195" Tarp)
Dish Washing Soap & Scrubbing Brush
Sewing Machine
Sewing Machine Needles for heavy material
2 Outdoor UV Resistant Sewing Thread (Walmart)
Scissors
Several Clips

A LOT of elbow-room
You can Do this Project by yourself but it will be a lot easier if you recruit a helper

Step 2: Preparing Feed Sacks

Remove the seam at the bottom of the Feed Sack. The easiest way requires luck, if you pull on the correct string the whole seam will unravel. If your not you will have to use scissors or seam ripper.

Find the glued seam on the sack, here is where it will be separated to make a 44"x32" flat sheet. Once you have pulled it apart enough to get a solid grip with both hands then pull it apart fast and it will come apart cleanly with no snags. If you pull gently it will hang up and tare. Once pulled apart you may have to trim the edges.

Lay sheets out to the size you want, my tarp required 15 Feed Sacks.

Wash feed sacks using dish washing soap. My stock tank sure made it easy scrubbing them.

Step 3: Sewing

To make My Tarp it took 5 sheets for 1 row X's 3.

Set you stitch at the longest setting and be sure your using the heavy duty sewing machine needle.

To make a row make a double seam on the 32" edge and the side you want exposed facing each other.

This is where the Extra Person comes in handy. When sewing have your helper sit on the opposite side of sewing machine to help pull and guide the feed sack as you sew.

Lay the 1st row down with the good side facing up then lay the second row on top of the 1st row with bad side facing up. Have your helper stand at the opposite end so you can pull to make the row lay flat. Place several clips on one side to help hold in in place. You and your Helper are ready to take it to the sewing machine to be given a double stitch.

Repeat this process for the second row. As you can see in the photos having elbow room and a Helper makes the project easier but not necessary.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

You will need to put a hem around your tarp to prevent unraveling. You will be making your folds for your hem as you sew by folding twice so the cut edge is hidden. The clips are handy keeping the folds in place while you sew.

To make the tie straps cut 44" strip 3" wide.
Fold the strip in half and press to make a crease.
Fold both edges in till they meet center crease then press.
Fold in half and sew in place.

Place the strip at the edge of the tarp's edge and extend it out then fold it to the width you want. Then sew it on putting sewing machine forward  and reverse several times. Then cut the remaining strip off. Repeat this step till have the amount of tie straps you want.

Your Tarp Is Finished