Natural Cordage Resources and Inspiration
Cordage is made from lengths of fiber twisted together to make it stronger than it would be otherwise. I started experimenting with making natural cordage from my local plants during quarantine and enjoyed the meditative and satisfying process. Here are some of the most helpful resources I’ve found along the way!
harvesting note:
If you choose to look for cordage plants on your own, be sure to observe good wildcrafting protocol: don’t collect on private land without permission, don’t over-harvest (take only the best specimens / 1 out of 5 stalks), and don’t disturb any animals or animal habitats while collecting. It’s always nice to say please and thank you if you think of it. :)
Cordage-making Tutorials
Written Instructions
Video tutorials
Sally Pointer’s YouTube channel - an amazing resource for all kinds of primitive nature-based activities, from cordage and basketry to foraging and medieval crafting.
Suzie Grieve (ForagedFibres) on Instagram - many short and simple photo and video demonstrations.
Cordage Plants (KS + North America)
Plants in N.E. KS I’ve had success with:
(N.B.: bast refers to a layer of long, strong, flexible fibers between the outer bark and pith (core) of a plant. Also sometimes called “inner bark.”)
Mulberry bast
Willow bast
Juniper (Eastern Red Cedar) root
Grapevine
Nettle (stinging and wood)
Dogbane hemp
Milkweed (several varieties)
Daylily leaves
Cordage-harvesting + processing supplies
Harvesting:
Pruners
Gardening gloves
Something to carry long stalk materials (I use a cotton zip-up yoga bag)
Optional for brambles: piece of leather or denim for stripping thorns
Processing:
Sharp knife (pocket knife / craft knife)
Plastic razor blade scraper (good for removing outer bark without damaging fibers)
When making cordage: plastic bin for soaking fiber or a spray bottle of water + towel to wrap them in
Storage for whole stalks/branches (if taking home to process later), cordage fibers, and finished cordage
Inspiration
If you haven’t already checked out Sally Pointer and Suzie Grieve’s accounts up above, you should!
Facebook Groups
I have a Pinterest board with some techniques and craft ideas saved here.
Animated Carrick Bend Mat Knot
If you have a resource that you think belongs here, drop a comment below!
Last updated: Feb 16 2023 (added photo)