How to Make Yucca Cordage

Used by southwestern peoples, like the Pueblo and the Chumash, yucca plants provide a wealth of tools for hikers, survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts from the plant’s edible fruit to the soap derived from the yucca root. Cordage is an invaluable survival tool that may be used to lash down tents or gear and may be woven from the fresh or dried leaves of the yucca plant. Durable, strong and lightweight, yucca cordage is relatively quick and easy to weave together in an emergency or survival situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh, green yucca leaves
  • Cigarette lighter or small knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Harvest the leaves when they are green as the fibers will be stronger. Depending on the variety of yucca plant, you may need to peel the leaves down the middle, breaking them into two long pieces.

    • 2

      Bend the pieces at the middle and roll them between your fingers. This will loosen the inner fibers of the leaf. Do this along the length of each piece to break the fibers apart.

    • 3

      Pull the loosened fibers apart to create a number of individual strands about 1 foot in length.

    • 4

      Gather a number of fibers together into two bundles to make two larger, thicker strands. Tie a knot in one end of the strand and hold the stands in your hand, pinching the end between you index finger and thumb.

    • 5

      Twist the strand farthest from you between the index finger and thumb of your other hand, and wrap the strand back toward you and over the other strand. Repeat the process using the other strand, which should now be the strand farthest from you, switching back and forth between strands to form a tight braid.

    • 6

      Continue the process until you’ve reached the end of the strands. You may lengthen the cordage without having to tie knots in the cord by laying another bundled strand on top of the ends of the strands you already have, twisting the new strand into the cord in the same manner.

    • 7

      Tie a knot into the end of the braid once you’ve reached your desired length. Use the knife or a lighter to cut or burn the frayed fibers protruding from the cordage.

    • 8

      Rub the cordage over the thick branch of a tree. This will loosen the overall cordage to make it easier to use.