They carefully measure the space where the bale is to go, then use spray paint to mark cutting lines on the bale. Bale twine can also snag in the chain. Mary's bale needles were made by the people who provided the steel posts and I-beams. She recommends two lengths of needles, one to pierce bales crosswise, and another lengthwise. The other end is threaded through the loop, pulled up very taut, then tied off.
Welded wire is cut slightly wider than bale width, with cut ends extending out beyond the bales.
Wire lath is attached to the cut ends, and it wraps around corners, between bales, and around doors and windows. Bale courses are pinned together with rebar. Bob recommends using at least half-inch diameter rebar so it will not bend when driven into place. One wall, before wire lath or stucco had been applied to it, withstood winds as high as 70 miles per hour with no support other than the welded wire and rebar. The Swearingens stress fire safety during construction.