If you don't have rope, you can't build a complex shelter, set a snare, or make a bow drill fire. Fortunately, nature is full of fiber waiting to be twisted into strong cordage.
Sourcing Material
You need fibers that are strong, flexible, and long. Excellent sources include:
- Dogbane (Apocynum): Harvest dead stalks in autumn. The outer bark peels away to reveal strong, silky fibers.
- Nettle: Stinging nettle stalks contain excellent fiber. Crush the stalks to remove the woody pith.
- Yucca/Agave: Scrape the flesh off the green leaves to reveal very coarse, strong fibers.
- Inner Bark (Cambium): Willow, Basswood, and Cedar have flexible inner bark that can be stripped and used.
The Reverse Wrap Method
This is the universal technique for making 2-ply cordage:
- Hold a bundle of fibers. Twist roughly 1/3 from the end to form a kink or loop.
- Hold the loop between your left thumb and forefinger. You now have two strands (Top and Bottom).
- Twist the Top Strand away from you (clockwise) until it is tight.
- Bring that twisted strand toward you (counter-clockwise) over the Bottom Strand.
- The Top Strand is now the Bottom Strand. Repeat the process: Twist away, wrap toward.
The opposing key-lock forces keep the cord from unraveling.
Splicing for Length
As you run out of fiber, lay a new bundle alongside the thinning strand (staggered overlap) and twist them together. Do not wait until you run out completely to add more.