Natural Cordage (revised)
Cordage is perhaps one of the most important tools in a survival situation. It can be used for everything from shelter, to snares, to a bow, to a bow drill, to fishing line. Surviving without it can be difficult. The good thing is, it doesn't take many tools to make it, and with a little practice it is easy. Also, natural cordage can be very strong if done right.
Note: I added notes to the small pictures as well, but you can only see them if you click on them.
Collect Fibrous Plants
I used a type of wild raspberry plant for my cordage. It makes the strongest cordage I have ever seen. However, lots of other plants work. Another one of my favorites is nettle fiber. Don't be afraid to experiment with lots of plants and find your own.
Process Stalks to Fibers
This step was hard to do without damaging the fibers, so take your time. You need to crush the stalks with a couple of rocks to loosen the fibers. Be careful and use smooth rocks so you don't cut the fibers.
Refine the Fibers.
Thinning and drying the fibers creates stronger cordage. The more the fibers separate and wrap together, the better.
Creating Cordage: Reverse Twist Method.
This is slightly hard to see, so I will write out the steps.
Step 1: Place several fibers together to start the cordage. The number of strands depends on how thick you want the cordage. Always make sure there are several strands to make it stronger.
Step 2: Twist the cordage until it forms a loop.
Step 3: Continue to twist the strands and allow them to twist together.
Adding in Strands to Continue the Cordage.
When one end runs out of fibers, or it is too thin, you need to add in another piece.
This is why longer strands are easier to work with.
When you add in a piece, leave a small tag end to wrap into the other strand so it stays in place.
Finished Cordage
The finished product. So, the next time you get lost and forget your paracord bracelet, you know what to do. It is important to practice any survival skill before you need it. You can't look up an instructable in the middle of nowhere when you need it most and your life depends on it. Thanks for viewing. Also, I am entering this in the outdoor survival contest so vote for me!
Extra Pics!
A few close up shots of my cordage. Let me know how yours turns out in the comments section.