Introduction: Opening a String-sealed Bag Without Scissors
Occasionally in life I've come across one of those string sealed bags - you know the kind that are IMPOSSIBLE to get to open. Often times they seal big bags of rice, or large sacs of dry ingredients and when I come across them I have been able to get them open every 5th time or so without frustration. Most of the time though, I resort to just cutting the whole top of the bag off to avoid the trouble!
I know this feeling well, and so when I was recently at a farmer friend house he to show me the mysterious trick to opening these string sealed bags without any scissors, knife or special tool required! For him it's a necessity as he opens several of these string sealed grain feed bags every week to feeds his chickens and cows.
Meanwhile, my world has been changed - I hope yours will be too!
Step 1: Examining the Bag and String
It seems the trick lies in which side of the string you start unraveling from. But to me it all looked the same, until I was told what to look for.
Take a look at the string closely on both sides of the bag. On each side there is a different stitch.
- On one side: there is a doubles-stitched string
- On the other side: there is a single-stitched string
In order to open the bag, make sure the single stitch side (second photo) is facing you.
Step 2: Pick the 'right' Side, and Pull!
To open the bag now, you literally have to pick the RIGHT side of the string. (just remember, right single-stitch side is correct, and left is not).
Steps to open the bag:
- Again make sure you turn the bag so the single stitch side of string is facing you
- Looking at the single stitch side and follow it to the far right end of the string.
- Undo the first little loose knot by pulling the string tail out of the loop.
- Pull the tail of the string gently and it will slowly unravel the stitching.
The string should come off in one piece without any fuss!
Note: if you pick the other side (left side with single string facing you), it will be frustratingly impossible!
I hope you find this helpful! For me, after coming across string bags every once in a while, its a really satisfying feeling to be able to open this type of bag quickly and easily! Plus, now I can open grain feed bags like a pro - and the cows really appreciate that !
