cordage question...

[PaulSanderson]

hey guys....a couple of questions regarding cordage if i may...

I have made cordage from stinging nettles on a few occasions, but today thought i would try my hand at it using dead nettles. Jury is still out as to what the fibres will be like once dried. has anyone used dead nettle before to make cordage and if so what was it like?

Recondly, regarding stinging nettle cordage. I always let the fibres dry once retted, then resoak before utilising, however, after a few hours it seems almost brittle again. How do people keep their own cordage supple for a long time. ANy info would be great. Many thanks.

 

[PaulSanderson]

Anyone encountered this problem?

 

[a1993h]

Havent got around to making them myself but you're only supposed to dampen the fibres (i.e. in your mouth) rather that soak them. Dampening them just makes them more pliable. Soaking them brings you back to where you started I assume!

Hope it helps

 

[PaulSanderson]

ah cheers...i'll give that a go. i fully soaked them in a bowl of water!! many thanks......

 

[lannyman8]

i just wet my fingers when rolling them together to make the cord in the normal way, i also used nettle from the winter months once, it turned out to be very brittle and did not make good cordage.........

hope you have some better luck with the next lot....

regards..

chris.

 

[merrygold85]

I had a go around November time when they were fairly dead. I did 2 lengths. One was fine for a day or so and began to shrivel up and go loose and frayed. The other one was thicker and I still have it. It seems quite brittle though, a bit frayed too but stronger than it looks. How long is nettle supposed to last when made in its prime?

Dunno if that helps. haha.

 

[PaulSanderson]

cheers lads...i'll just try and wet it with my fingers and see if that makes any difference...watch this space...