How to Make Rope From Hemp
Hemp is a versatile plant that has been cultivated for a variety of uses. The fiber from hemp plants is extremely durable. Hemp fiber is known for its strength and natural resistance to mold and the damaging UV rays of the sun. Producing an average of 250 percent more fiber than cotton per plant, hemp is most commonly used for making shoes, canvas, bags and rope. Rope is created by taking strong fibers and twisting them together. Modern ropes are generally created by machines, but by following the directions below, you can easily make rope at home or in a survival situation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Separate the hemp fibers or unwind the hemp yarn and cut into lengths approximately twice as long as the desired length of the rope. Continue cutting until you have a bundle of fibers approximately half the size of the diameter of rope you'd like to make.
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2
Grab the bundle of fibers and fold it in half, securing the fold by placing a dowel rod through the resultant loop and into the ground. Smooth the fibers of this bundle down by running your hand along the length of the cord.
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3
Divide the bundle in two, holding half the fibers in your left hand and half the fibers in your right.
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4
Twist each bundle clockwise until the cord you are creating begins to kink and loop. Pull as hard as you can while twisting.
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5
Twist the two cords together, wrapping one over the other in a counterclockwise motion, to form a rope.
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6
Secure the ends with overhand knots beginning with the end in your hands. Once the first end is tightly tied, slip the rope off the dowel rod and tie it as well.
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7
To make a cable, repeat steps 2 through 7 and twist the two ropes together. This process can be repeated as many times as you like, making thicker, stronger cables as you go.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure fibers are completely dry before starting. Keep the fibers, cords and ropes pulled taut at all times.
It is illegal to grown hemp in the United States, even if you are only using it for rope. Hemp products must be imported or made from imported hemp.
Resources
- Photo Credit Lori Smith
