Here's part one of a series on how to make cordage with Dogbane.
One of the most valuable skills to have in the wild is making string from natural materials. Before there was metal to make hammers and nails for building, ancient people used natural fibers for many purposes.
I made a really cool discovery in my backyard. I just found a plant called dogbane or indian hemp. It's great for making cordage. The dogbane can be identified by the deep red woody stalks and the slender pods that contain downy like seeds.
To prepare the Indian Hemp to make cordage.
First, crush the stem into four sections. Then, pull it apart into the four sections and line up flat. Pull the fibers back over index finder then break the woody stems into sections and remove from the fibers.
Once you get the long ribbon of fiber, the fibers need to be buffed. You buff them by rolling them on your leg. This will break away the red bark and leave you with the fibers.
Click below to go to part 2.
https://steemit.com/bushcraft/@trosanelli/how-to-make-natural-dogbane-indian-hemp-cordage-part-2-3