Securing the wings and legs of poultry before cooking it helps to retain a compact shape and prevents the skin from splitting. All you need is white cotton string about 3 feet long.
With the bird on its back and the legs pointing toward you, center the string under the tail, then cross it snugly on top of it. Next bring the string around the drumsticks and cross it on top. pulling the drumsticks as close together as possible. Pass the string under the tip of the breastbone and pull it back toward the wings. Turn the bird over and bring the string over the wings, catching them firmly against the body. Tie a knot; trim the string ends.