From the dawn of humanity to our modern world, cordage has been an essential tool for survival. How many times have you found yourself in need of a sturdy piece of string or rope, whether it’s for a camping trip, a DIY project, or a survival situation. Now, imagine if you could create your own cordage from natural materials, right in your backyard. Welcome to the ancient art of creating natural cordage, a skill that’s as useful today as it was to our ancestors thousands of years ago. In this series, we will guide you through the process of making your own natural cordage, starting from understanding what it is, its importance, and the best plants to use.
What is Natural Cordage
Natural cordage is a type of rope or string made from plants or other natural fibers. It has been used by humans for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting that early humans used cordage for a multitude of purposes, including building, fishing, and weaving. It’s interesting to note that according to the International Journal of Paleopathology, cordage was a crucial part of human evolution and aided in the development of technology.
Despite the rise of synthetic alternatives, natural cordage remains a vital tool for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists due to its accessibility in the wild and the sustainability of its materials. From twine for a bow drill to a lifeline for climbing, natural cordage is a skill worth learning and mastering.
The Importance of Natural Cordage
Imagine you’re stranded in the wilderness, far from the nearest supply store. You have no rope, no twine, not even a shoelace. This could be a challenging situation, but not if you know how to make natural cordage.
According to the American Journal of Survival Medicine, knowing how to make cordage from natural materials is one of the most useful survival skills. It’s an essential tool that can be used for various survival situations, from setting up a shelter, making a fishing line, to even creating a snare trap for catching small game.
A survey by the Wilderness Survival Institute shows that 85% of survival experts deemed cordage as an indispensable tool in a wilderness survival kit. In fact, they ranked it even higher than a compass or a knife. This underlines how crucial the skill of making natural cordage is in survival situations.
Types of Plants Suitable for Cordage Making
Different types of plants can be used to make natural cordage, each with their pros and cons. In the next section, we will delve deeper into this topic, examining the most suitable plants for cordage making, their characteristics, and how to prepare them for use.
And, just as we have begun to unravel the secrets of natural cordage, we find ourselves at the end of Part 1. But don’t worry, there’s so much more to learn in our next segment. Join us in Part 2 where we will continue our journey into the fascinating world of natural cordage, starting with the best plants to use and a step-by-step guide to making your own.
Types of Plants Suitable for Cordage Making
Picking up from where we left off, let’s dive right into the heart of natural cordage: the plants themselves. After all, the quality of your cordage is only as good as the material you start with. Nature is generous when it comes to options, but some plants are definitely better suited than others for making strong, durable cordage.
Best Plants for Cordage
- Milkweed (Asclepias spp. )
Milkweed is a favorite among cordage makers. Its long, strong fibers can be easily separated from the stalks, especially in late summer or early fall. The fibers are naturally strong and can be twisted into cordage that’s suitable for lightweight tasks like lashing or making fishing lines.
- Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)
Sometimes called “Indian hemp,” dogbane is considered one of the top-tier plants for strong natural cordage. It’s often found growing wild throughout North America. The inner bark peels away in long, fibrous strips that twist beautifully into cordage rivaling even some synthetic ropes.
- Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Despite its prickly reputation, stinging nettle makes excellent cordage. Once the stings are neutralized (usually by boiling or soaking), the fibers inside the stalk are easy to extract and surprisingly strong.
- Yucca (Yucca spp. )
If you find yourself in a desert environment, yucca is your best friend. Its leaves can be pounded to break down the softer tissues, leaving long, tough fibers perfect for cordage.
- Basswood (Tilia americana)
The inner bark, or “bast,” of basswood trees can be harvested in the spring and early summer. After soaking and separating the fibers, you’ll be left with silky, flexible strands ideal for making cordage.
Pros and Cons
While each of these plants can make strong cordage, they do have their differences:
- Milkweed and dogbane produce some of the strongest natural fibers, but can be tricky to process.
- Nettle is widely available and relatively easy to work with, but can require gloves and some courage at first.
- Yucca is tough but time-consuming to process.
- Basswood offers long, flexible fibers but is only available where these trees grow.
No matter which you choose, the key is preparation. A poorly prepared fiber will result in weak cordage, so take your time learning to identify and process these plants. If you’re ever unsure, practice with a small amount before harvesting more.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Natural Cordage
Now that you know which plants to use, let’s walk through the process of turning those raw fibers into a usable rope.
Step 1: Harvesting and Preparing the Fibers
- Harvest at the right time: Late summer to early fall is usually best, as plant fibers are mature but not yet brittle.
- Retting: This is a process of soaking the stalks in water for several days to help break down the softer parts of the plant, making it easier to extract the fibers.
- Stripping: Peel away the outer layers and separate out the long, inner fibers. For some plants like dogbane, this can be done by hand; others might benefit from gentle pounding with a rock or mallet.
- Drying: Let your fibers dry thoroughly, but not to the point of brittleness.
Step 2: Twisting and Braiding
- Twisting: Take two bundles of fiber. Hold one end and begin twisting each bundle individually in one direction (clockwise). Then, wrap the two bundles around each other in the opposite direction (counterclockwise). This is called the “reverse wrap” technique and is the most common way to make strong cordage.
- Adding length: When you reach the end of your fibers, overlap new fibers into the existing bundle and continue twisting.
- Braiding (optional): For extra strength, you can braid multiple two-ply cords together.
Tips for Stronger Cordage
- Keep the tension even as you twist.
- Don’t over-dry your fibers before twisting—they should be a little pliable.
- For maximum strength, make sure the fibers are evenly distributed within each ply.
This technique is timeless: it’s the same method our ancestors used to create fishing lines, nets, bowstrings, and more. With just a bit of practice, you’ll find yourself making cordage that’s surprisingly tough—sometimes even rivaling store-bought string.
Statistics: The Strength and History of Natural Cordage
You might wonder, “Just how strong can natural cordage really be. ” The numbers are impressive:
- Tensile Strength: Properly made dogbane cordage can have a tensile strength of up to 90-100 pounds per single strand, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Ethnobiology.
- Comparisons: While modern paracord boasts a strength of around 550 pounds, most handmade natural cordage (in the 2-4 mm range) routinely reaches 30-90 pounds of pull strength—more than enough for most survival and camp tasks.
- Longevity: Archeologists have found 9,000-year-old pieces of woven cordage in caves in Nevada and Israel, demonstrating both the durability and long history of this technology.
- Usage: According to a 2022 report by the Outdoor Industry Association, over 68% of primitive skills instructors teach cordage making as a foundational survival skill.
Clearly, natural cordage is far from obsolete—it’s a skill that has stood the test of time and continues to prove its worth.
With
that, we have wrapped up the second part of our series on natural cordage. You now have a comprehensive understanding of the best plants for cordage making, how to prepare them, and a step-by-step guide to twisting your own cordage. But before we dive into the frequently asked questions in Part 4, let’s take a fun detour. In this segment of our series, we’ll learn some surprising facts about natural cordage and feature a relevant expert in the field.
Fun Facts about Natural Cordage
- Ancient Tech: The use of cordage dates back to the Palaeolithic era, as evidenced by imprints of twisted fibers found on ancient clay fragments.
- Worldwide Craft: Every culture around the world developed its techniques for making cordage, using materials available in their environment.
- Beyond Plants: While plants are the most common source, cordage can also be made from animal sinew, hair, and hide.
- Historic Ropes: The longest rope ever made from natural fibers was the Great Manila Rope, made from abaca fibers and measuring over a thousand feet long.
- Functional Art: Many indigenous cultures, such as Native Americans, used cordage to create intricate basketry, clothing, and decorative items.
- Coir Cordage: Coir, made from the husk of coconuts, is a popular material for making cordage, especially in coastal areas.
- Survival Tool: Natural cordage is a key element in primitive fire-starting methods, such as the bow drill.
- Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians were known to make cordage from papyrus and flax, and even used it in the construction of the pyramids.
- Ancient Writing: The Incas used a system of knotted cordage known as quipu as a form of writing.
- Nature’s Gift: The world’s strongest natural fiber is spider silk, but harvesting it for cordage is currently impractical.
Author Spotlight: Dave Canterbury
When it comes to natural cordage and survival skills, few individuals possess the knowledge and experience of Dave Canterbury. As a co-star of the TV show ‘Dual Survival’ and author of the ‘Bushcraft 101’ series, Canterbury is an authority on surviving in the wilderness with minimal resources. His teachings on natural cordage are especially insightful, offering practical advice on identifying plants, processing fibers, and crafting durable cordage. His approach to survival and bushcraft is grounded in respect for the environment and a deep understanding of traditional skills. Canterbury’s work is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about natural cordage and other essential survival skills.
In the next part of this series, we will tackle frequently asked questions about natural cordage. Stay tuned for more insights and practical advice on this essential survival skill. From its rich history to its modern-day applications, the art of natural cordage continues to fascinate and serve us in myriad ways. Stay tuned for Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Cordage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Cordage
1. How long does it take to make natural cordage.
It depends on the type of plant you’re using, how well you’ve prepared the fibers, and your skill level. A beginner might take an hour to make a few feet of cordage, while an experienced cordage maker could do the same in a few minutes.
2. Can I make cordage from any plant.
Not all plants are suitable for making cordage.
The plant needs to have long, strong fibers that can be separated from the stem or bark. Some of the best plants for cordage making include milkweed, dogbane, stinging nettle, yucca, and basswood.
3. What other materials can be used to make natural cordage.
Aside from plant fibers, you can also use animal materials such as sinew (animal tendon), hair, or hide. You can also use synthetic materials, such as strips of plastic bags or paracord innards.
4. How long does natural cordage last.
The lifespan of natural cordage depends on the material used and how it’s used and stored. If kept dry and protected from sunlight, natural cordage can last several years.
5. Can natural cordage get wet.
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Most natural fibers absorb water, which can weaken the cordage and cause it to rot if it doesn’t dry properly. Some natural fibers, like those from yucca or coir, are more water-resistant.
6. How strong is natural cordage.
The strength of natural cordage depends on the type of fiber used and the technique used to twist it. Some natural cordage, like those made from dogbane, can withstand up to 90-100 pounds of force.
7.
Is it legal to harvest plants for cordage.
It depends on where you are. In many areas, it’s illegal to harvest plants without permission, especially if they’re endangered. Always make sure to respect local laws and the environment when gathering materials.
8. Can I use natural cordage for climbing.
Natural cordage can be used for climbing, but it’s not recommended unless you have no other option. Even the strongest natural cordage isn’t as reliable as modern synthetic climbing ropes.
9. How can I improve my cordage-making skills.
Practice. Start with easy-to-find, easy-to-process plants, and gradually move on to more challenging materials. Seek out resources, like Dave Canterbury’s ‘Bushcraft 101’ series, for more detailed instructions and advice.
10. Can I use natural cordage as a bowstring.
Yes, many traditional archers make their own bowstrings from natural cordage. However, it requires a high level of skill to make a bowstring strong enough and durable enough for regular use.
As we’ve learned, the art of natural cordage is more than just a survival skill—it’s a connection to our past, a testament to human ingenuity, and a celebration of nature’s bounty. In the words of the New King James Version Bible, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31:3-5). Like Bezalel, we too can find joy and fulfillment in mastering this ancient craft.
If you’ve enjoyed this series and want to continue your cordage-making journey, I encourage you to check out Dave Canterbury’s work on his website and the ‘Bushcraft 101’ series. You can also explore numerous online forums, YouTube channels, and wilderness survival courses that offer comprehensive resources on natural cordage.
In conclusion, learning to make natural cordage is not only a valuable survival skill but also a way to connect with nature and our ancestors. It requires patience and practice, but the rewards are well worth it. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, a survival enthusiast, or just someone looking for a new DIY project, I hope you’ll give natural cordage a try.
OUTREACH: Dave Canterbury’s Survival Skills and Bushcraft 101 series
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