How to Make Sock Type Finch Feeders

With a little bit of work you can turn a pile of mundane items into the local bird's favorite feeding spot. A sock type finch feeder can easily be made out of a simple list of materials and a half an hour of time investment. Understanding how to make this easy sock type finch feeder will enable you to feed the local finches cheaply.

Things You'll Need

• 18 by 18 piece of plastic mesh
• Hole punch
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Shoe lace
• Thistle

Instructions

Making the Feeder

1. Put 15 holes spread out around the mesh. Space these holes 1 1/2 inch apart around the mesh; the birds will eat through these holes.

2. Place the mesh flatly on a table top. Lay your shoelace horizontally across the mesh 1/2 inch from the top. Make sure that the shoelace is hanging off the mesh an equal amount on either side.

3. Fold the top of the mesh over the cord and double-stitch the mesh to itself to hold in the shoelace. The shoelace will help hold the top of the mesh bag shut. Fold the mesh in half along its length. Double-stitch your mesh bag along its open side and along its bottom.

4. Fill your new finch feeder with thistle and pull the shoelace to close the top up. Tie a knot to hold the bag shut and protect the seed from larger animals.

5. Hang your feeder up where the finches will be able to get to it. Watch the birds enjoy your new feeder.

Tips & Warnings

• The feeder can be cleaned with a small amount of bleach and boiled water.

• Be sure to keep any needles safely contained when they are not in use.

References

• American Goldfinch
• Choosing a Bird Feeder
• Feed Wild Birds Responsibly This Winter
• Easy-To-Make Bird Feeders
• Winter Bird Feeding: The Basics

Resources

• Sewing Techniques