Pocket Field Guide

Natural Cordage: How to Source and Weave Rope from Plants and Trees

By: Creek Stewart

Narrated by: Nathan Ashcroft

Length: 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Rope joins rank with so many other survival resources that are taken for granted in modern times. First peoples utilized rope of all varieties and sizes for countless important items and tasks, including (but not limited to) clothing, fishing nets and line, shelter lashings, animal traps, tool and weapon bindings, shoes, bags and packs, basketry, bridges, beds, and much more.

Most of this binding material (rope) was manufactured (by hand) from plant or tree fibers. The plants and trees used for cordage varied, depending on the region, but the method of manufacturing was generally the same across the globe. Making rope from plant and tree fibers is a lost art, and it is a survival skill that can absolutely save save your life.

In this guide, you'll learn how to identify the top 6 cordage plants and trees in North America. These include Basswood, Dogbane, Milkweed, Yucca, Cattail, and Nettles. After identification, you'll learn when and how to harvest the fibers in addition to the best methods for turning those fibers (sometimes very fragile) into strong, flexible, and dependable rope. No matter where you live in the world, one or more of the included plant and tree cordage resources will apply to your environment.

In this unique outdoor skills guide, you'll learn:

• How to identify, harvest, and process natural cordage fibers from Basswood, Dogbane, Milkweed, Yucca, Cattail, and Nettles.
• The "secret" to harvesting world-class cordage from the inner bark of trees!
• How to SCUTCH and HECKLE natural plant fibers to produce better quality rope.
• How to RETT fibers in water to separate them from other plant materials.
• How to boil Yucca leaves to harvest incredible yucca fibers.
• How to turn harvested fibers into incredible rope through an ancient skill called the Reverse Wrap.
• AND MORE!

Whether for wild crafting fun or survival training, learning how to identify cordage plants and make natural cordage with your bare hands is a life-long skill that will connect you to the earth and a more ancestral way of living. And, this skill could just save your life!

©2023 Creek Stewart (P)2024 Creek Stewart