Abstract: An improved method is provided for wrapping generally cylindrical bales of hay with twine to maintain the structural integrity thereof, in which a unique pattern of twine bindings is utilized to achieve greater strength and reliability. A related form of improved bale wrapping apparatus is also provided, in which the electrically driven twine guiding tube is electrically controlled in manner to automatically produce the pattern of bindings contemplated by the method, and which requires operator attention or control only for initiating the otherwise automatic operating cycle. The method and apparatus significantly utilize time reference techniques correlated with the known rate of rotation of the bale to produce the improved pattern of bindings and to control the production thereof automatically.