If you are considering constructing a hammock, you might consider learning how to make cordage from natural fibers. This article will discuss materials, techniques, and machinery used in the process. It also covers the history of cordage making and the reasons for its popularity. Here are some tips:

Materials

The bark from many trees can be stripped in strands and torn into thin strips. If you do not have experience with making cordage, try experimenting with different local trees to make your cordage. Typically, the bark from basswood, elm, walnut, cottonwood, and oak is flexible. Using a sharp stone will cut the fibers of plants. Once you have the right thickness, you can splice the strands together to form a cordage.

When making cordage, you'll need to consider its strength and floatation. You'll want something that can withstand water and ice, or else it will turn into a solid ice stick. While hemp cordage is one of the most common types, manmade materials can be used to make ropes and cordage. You can also choose exotic materials that are stronger than standard materials, but they will cost more per foot.

Techniques

There are two basic types of cordage. A simple ply is one ply, and a complex cord has many layered fibers. Single ply is the basic building block of reverse-twist cordage. Simple ply is often thin or thick, and is usually the basic building block of a complex cord. Both simple and complex cords are constructed with multiple plies. A simple cord has one or two plies, and a complex cord has more than two.

This primitive technique produces a thick, durable cord with irregular plies. Though it does not produce the strongest strands for bowstrings, it is a good starting point for making serviceable cords. The outer fibers will be twisted tighter than the inner ones, but not to the point of breaking. Although this method is less durable, it is still an effective way to make a bowstring. The outer fibers must break first before they can grip the inner ones, making it more stable and durable.

Machines

The process of making cordage with machines has evolved over the centuries. While hemp and thread have been replaced with synthetic materials, the basic process has remained essentially the same. Using a "rope walk" method, strands of material were stretched across hooks, secured on each end, and then twisted into rope by a wheel. Today, these processes are automated, and machines can perform many of the functions traditionally performed by a human rope walker.

The first step in making cordage with machines is to prepare the raw material. You will need yarn or thread, which you must prepare before starting. You should also know the diameter of the rope, as this will determine how much tar you will need to apply. You can also scale up the rope operations based on the diameter that you want. For example, a model boat can be made from scale cordage made from thread, while an inch-thick rope can be created from heavy yarn.

History

The first book to discuss the history of making cordage was a 1943 publication by H. W. Dickinson, A Treatise on Rope Making, and this is the last substantial book in English on the topic. While the material is largely accurate, many errors remain. One of these is the misprinting of the Huddart patent number. Nonetheless, the book is worth a read for its detailed account of the development of cordage.

The process of making cordage begins with the breakage of raw materials. Small fiber bundles are twisted and wrapped together to produce stronger cordage. This method was used by the Plains Indians to make bowstrings. It's a simple process and is not difficult to master. Once the raw material is broken down, it can be spliced together into different lengths and thicknesses. Once completed, the cordage is ready to use.