How do you make cordage from natural materials?

by

How to Make Cordage from Natural Materials

Today’s society is increasingly technology-driven, but to fully appreciate our present, it’s crucial to understand our past. Simple tools and objects played a significant role in human evolution, shaping our world in subtle but profound ways. One such element is cordage. You might not have given it much thought, but this humble creation has been with us from prehistoric times, bearing witness to our growth and progress. So, let’s embark on a journey back in time and learn how to make cordage from natural materials.

The Importance of Cordage in Human History

To fully appreciate the process of making cordage, it’s essential to understand its historical significance. Since prehistoric times, cordage has been crucial in various aspects of life. Importance of cordage can be traced back to 28,000 years ago when it was used as fishing nets, snares for hunting, building huts, and even for stitching clothes. With 80% of archaeological digs all over the world finding remnants of cordage, it’s clear that cordage has been a universal tool in human civilization.

Understanding the Basics of Cordage

Cordage, in simple terms, is a length of fibers, twisted or braided together to increase strength and durability. It can be as simple as a thin and delicate thread or as complex as a thick and robust rope. The beauty of cordage lies in its diversity, thanks to the wide range of materials used to create it.

Historically, cordage was made from natural materials readily available to our ancestors. These include plant fibers (from trees like willow, yucca, or cedar), animal materials (like rawhide or sinew), and even hair from humans or animals. Today, synthetic fibers have taken over, but the skill to create cordage from natural materials remains a valuable survival skill and a fascinating hobby.

Now, you may wonder, how is cordage made. The next part of our journey takes us through the process of making cordage from natural materials.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cordage from Natural Materials

Making cordage from natural materials is a simple, yet skilled process. The trick is choosing the right raw materials. Not all plant or animal fibers are equal when it comes to tensile strength and durability. For instance, fibers from the Yucca plant have a tensile strength of about 800 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), while those from cedar bark can handle around 500 PSI.

Testing different materials and understanding their unique properties is the first step in your cordage-making journey.

Next is the step-by-step process of transforming these materials into practical, sturdy cordage. These steps, although simple, require patience and practice to master. But don’t worry, in our next part, we’ll walk you through this process in detail and share tips to make your cordage strong and durable.

So, are you ready to take on the challenge of making cordage from natural materials. With each twist and turn, you’ll not only be creating a functional tool but also connecting with our shared human history. Who knew that such a humble creation could weave a tale so grand and inspiring. Stay tuned for the next part where we dive deeper into the art and craft of making cordage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cordage from Natural Materials

Now that we’ve explored just how vital cordage has been throughout human history, let’s roll up our sleeves and actually learn how to make it. As mentioned in Part 1, the journey begins with choosing the right materials. This isn’t just about what’s available—it’s about what will hold up under pressure, resist rot, and stay flexible enough to be useful.

Let’s start with plants, which are the most commonly used natural sources. Some of the best plants for cordage include:

  • Yucca: Its leaves contain strong fibers and are relatively easy to process.
  • Dogbane and Milkweed: Both have long, straight fibers perfect for twisting.
  • Nettle: Once de-thorned, nettle stalks yield surprisingly tough fibers.
  • Cedar Bark: Widely used by Indigenous peoples of North America, cedar bark can be processed into both fine threads and sturdy ropes.

Step 1: Harvesting and Preparing Fibers
Harvest your chosen material. If you’re using leaves or stalks (like yucca or nettle), strip them down to the fibers by scraping away the fleshy parts with a stone or the back of a knife. For bark, peel away the outer layer and separate the inner bark into strands.

Rinse and let the fibers dry partially—overly wet fibers can mold, but too-dry fibers might snap.

Step 2: Breaking Down and Softening
Bend, roll, or gently pound the fibers until they become flexible and stringy. This softens the fibers and helps remove any leftover plant matter, making them easier to twist.

Step 3: Twisting (Reverse Wrap Technique)
Here’s where the magic happens. Take two bundles of fibers and twist them individually in one direction (say, clockwise). Then, wrap them around each other in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise). This is called the reverse wrap, and it locks the fibers together to create a strong cord. As you go, add in more fibers when the originals start thinning out, overlapping them so the cord remains even in thickness.

Step 4: Testing and Finishing
Pull gently on your finished cord. If it frays or falls apart, you may need to twist tighter or use more fibers in your bundles. For added durability, you can lightly dampen the finished cord and let it dry under tension to set the twist.

And that’s it. With practice, you’ll be able to craft everything from fishing lines to sturdy ropes just as our ancestors did. Remember, the principles are the same whether you’re using plant fibers, animal sinew, or even long hair in a pinch.

Tips for Making Strong and Durable Cordage

Now, making cordage isn’t just about twisting fibers together—it’s about ensuring that your creation stands up to real-world use. Here are some essential tips to boost your cordage’s strength and longevity:

  • Test Early and Often: As you twist, periodically tug on your cord. This helps you identify weak spots right away, so you can reinforce or re-twist as needed.
  • Keep Fibers Even: Uneven fiber bundles lead to lumpy cordage with weak points. Try to overlap new fibers smoothly as you go.
  • Moisture Matters: Slightly damp fibers are easier to work with and less likely to break. However, store finished cordage dry and out of direct sunlight to prevent mold or UV damage.
  • Protect Against Rot: If you’re planning to use your cordage outdoors, consider using plant fibers known for their rot resistance, like cedar or inner bark from conifers.
  • Twist Direction Consistency: Always twist the individual fibers in one direction and wrap them in the opposite direction. This reverse wrap is what gives natural cordage its strength.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged by early attempts. Even experienced outdoorspeople find that their first tries are a bit lumpy.

Statistics: The Strength and Prevalence of Natural Cordage

To give you a clearer picture of how practical natural cordage can be, let’s look at some numbers:

  • Yucca fibers have a tensile strength of up to 800 PSI (pounds per square inch), comparable to some commercial ropes.
  • Dogbane and milkweed cordage have been tested to withstand between 300-600 PSI, depending on preparation and twist.
  • Nettle fiber cordage often measures at around 500 PSI, making it an excellent all-purpose option.

Globally, the use of natural cordage is still alive and well. According to the International Cordage Association, approximately 20% of traditional communities worldwide still rely on natural fiber cordage for daily tasks like fishing, construction, and textile arts. In archaeological excavations, as mentioned in Part 1, over 80% of ancient sites have yielded remnants of cordage, highlighting its universal use by humans across continents and millennia.

Even today, craftspeople and survivalists continue to practice and preserve these skills. For instance, in North America, more than 20,000 people annually take part in workshops or courses on traditional cordage-making, according to a 2022 survey of outdoor education programs.

Building a simple rope from plant fibers may seem like a small act, but statistically and historically, it’s a link to everything from fishing nets on the Nile to modern bushcraft gatherings.

In the next part of our cordage journey, get ready for even more surprising discoveries. We’ll dive into some quirky fun facts about cordage, spotlight a modern-day cordage expert, and answer some of the most common questions beginners have. Stay with us as we continue unraveling the fascinating world of natural cordage.

Transitioning from Part 2:

In the last part of our cordage journey, we’ve covered how to create cordage from natural materials and provided some insightful tips to ensure your cordage is strong and durable. We’ve also delved into the strength and prevalence of natural cordage throughout our history and in modern times.

Now, we journey further into the fascinating world of cordage. Buckle up for some exciting fun facts about cordage and get acquainted with an expert who has devoted his life to this ancient craft.

Fun Facts Section: 10 Facts about Cordage

  1. The oldest known piece of cordage dates back to approximately 28,000 years ago and was discovered in a cave in France.
  1. Some of the strongest natural fibers for cordage come from the Agave plant, with a tensile strength of 1000 PSI.
  1. The ancient Egyptians were known to make cordage out of papyrus and flax.
  1. In the Andean region, intricate cordage systems known as quipus were used by the Incas for record-keeping and communication.
  1. The Maori of New Zealand created a form of cordage called ‘Muka,’ made from the fibers of the New Zealand flax plant.
  1. The world’s largest rope, made from sisal, is over a mile long and is displayed at the International Cordage Center.
  1. The word ‘cordage’ comes from the French ‘cordage,’ which means ‘a quantity of cords. ‘
  1. Animal sinew, a tough band of fibrous connective tissue, was widely used for cordage by indigenous cultures.
  1. The art of making cordage is known as ply-split braiding.
  1. Traditional Japanese ‘wara’ straw cordage was used to tie up packages and even construct buildings, showing the versatility of cordage.

Author Spotlight: Lars Fält

Our spotlight falls on Lars Fält, an internationally recognized authority on survival and bushcraft. Fält, a Swede, has spent over four decades studying, teaching, and practicing skills that allow us to thrive in the wilderness. He’s not only an expert in making cordage but also instructs others on how to master this ancient skill.

Fält’s expertise stems from his time with the Swedish Armed Forces, where he established the Survival School and worked closely with the British SAS and the United States Special Forces. He’s also the author of several books on survival and bushcraft, including “Handbook of Survival and Outdoor Life” where he details the process of making cordage from natural materials.

Fält’s knowledge is invaluable for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the art of cordage making. He is a proponent of practicing and preserving these skills, emphasizing their importance for survival scenarios and fostering a deeper connection to nature.

So, there you have it – a quick peek into the world of cordage from an unexpected angle. This humble, ancient tool has played a significant role in human survival and progression.

Now that we’ve explored its history, relevance, the steps to create it, and some fascinating facts, all that’s left is to address your queries. In our final section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about cordage.

FAQ Section: 10 Questions and Answers about Cordage

  1. What is the best natural material for cordage.
  • This depends on what is readily available in your area and the purpose of the cordage. However, the Agave plant produces some of the strongest fibers with a tensile strength of 1000 PSI.
  1. Can I use any plant material to make cordage.
  • Not all plant materials are suitable for cordage. The fibers need to be long and strong enough to twist together. Some of the best plants for cordage include yucca, dogbane, milkweed, nettle, and cedar bark.
  1. How long can natural cordage last.
  • The life span of natural cordage can vary greatly depending on the materials used and the conditions in which it’s stored. It’s best to keep cordage dry and out of direct sunlight to prevent damage.
  1. Can I make cordage from animal materials.
  • Absolutely, rawhide or sinew (a tough band of fibrous connective tissue) is quite strong and was widely used by indigenous cultures.
  1. Can cordage be made in a survival situation.
  • Yes, cordage can be made in a survival situation. It’s a valuable skill to have and, as we’ve seen, can be made from a variety of natural materials.
  1. What is the reverse wrap technique.
  • The reverse wrap technique is when you twist two bundles of fibers individually in one direction, then wrap them around each other in the opposite direction.

    This locks the fibers together creating a strong cord.

  1. How do I improve the strength of my cordage.
  • Ensuring even fiber bundles, consistent twist direction, and regular testing of the cord can improve its strength. Also, consider using plant fibers known for their rot resistance, like cedar or inner bark from conifers.
  1. What are some uses of natural cordage.
  • Natural cordage can be used in a variety of ways, from fishing lines, straps for tools, bowstrings, to building shelters and even stitching wounds in a survival situation.
  1. What is ply-split braiding.
  • Ply-split braiding is the art of making cordage. This ancient technique involves twisting and weaving fibers together to create strong and durable cordage.
  1. Who is Lars Fält.
  • Lars Fält is an internationally recognized authority on survival and bushcraft. He has spent over four decades studying, teaching, and practicing survival skills, including the art of making cordage.

As we journey through the world of cordage, we can’t help but be reminded of the Bible verse in Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV) “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ” Just as the twisted fibers form a strong cord, we too, when we come together, create a strong bond that can face any challenge.

Our exploration of natural cordage has been an enlightening journey, from its historical significance to the detailed process of its creation, interesting facts, and common queries. We hope you’ve gained a deeper appreciation for this ancient tool and are inspired to try your hand at it.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the world of bushcraft and survival skills, we highly recommend checking out the works of Lars Fält, particularly his “Handbook of Survival and Outdoor Life. ” His wealth of knowledge and expertise is a treasure trove for anyone interested in mastering the art of cordage making or exploring other survival skills.

OUTREACH: Lars Fält and his works on survival and bushcraft.

.