How to Make Rope From Natural Materials

Understanding how to create rope from natural materials is an important skill in wilderness survival. Natural rope, or cordage, can secure shelter in place, bind together logs for a survival raft, power animal traps and create a fishing net. While nylon rope is preferable due to its tight weaving and strength, natural rope made correctly can be a venerable alternative in survival situations.

Things You'll Need

  • Fibrous natural material
  • Three small lengths of wood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather your natural materials. Long reeds, tree roots and strips of tree bark tend to work most effectively when braided together. Milkweed, dogsbane and yucca leaves are excellent examples of such material.

    • 2

      Tie two strips of your natural material together with an overhand knot and make a quick tug with your hands. If the material slides apart or breaks under the strain, you need to continue your search.

    • 3

      Tie your natural materials together using square knots into three long strips that are approximately 12 feet long apiece. These knots are only meant to hold the material together for the real binding process: braiding.

    • 4

      Collect one end of each long strand and tie them into a large overhand knot. Loop the knot around a tree branch or wedge it under a rock to hold it in place.

    • 5

      Tie a small length of wood around each of the other opposing ends. These strips of wood will function as handles during the braiding process.

    • 6

      Pull each of the three handles tight and begin braiding. Cross the left and right handles over the handle in the center in an alternating fashion.

    • 7

      Push the braid toward the large knot after every 6 inches of rope to make your cordage much stronger.

    • 8

      Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the braid reaches the wooden handles. Untie the handles and tie the remaining natural materials in an overhand knot to secure your braiding.