Making improvised cordage

Rope and string are needed for shelters, splints, carrying loads and fishing. If you run out, you can make strong cord from things around you.

Use what you already have

Before you make anything, look around:

• Bootlaces, drawstrings and belts.
• Electrical cable and extension leads, with the plugs cut off. Make sure they're disconnected first.
• Strips cut from bed sheets, clothes or plastic bags.
• Inner strands from paracord, if you carry it.
• Tape twisted on itself.

Plastic bag cord

1. Flatten a carrier bag and cut it into strips about 3 cm wide.
2. Knot or loop strips together end to end.
3. Twist two lengths together (see below) for extra strength.

Natural fibres

Good sources include:

• Nettle stems: wear gloves or crush the stings first. Split the stem, remove the woody core and keep the outer fibres.
• Inner bark from dead or fallen branches of willow, lime or similar trees. Strip the soft fibrous layer under the outer bark.
• Long grasses, reeds and rushes: strong when fresh, better still when twisted.
• Plant roots: thin roots of conifers are tough and flexible.

Only take bark from dead or fallen wood to avoid killing trees.

The reverse wrap

This method turns weak fibres into strong cord.

1. Take a bundle of fibres and fold it in half, with one side slightly longer than the other, so the joins don't line up later.
2. Pinch the fold between your thumb and finger.
3. Twist the strand furthest from you away from you, tightly.
4. Bring it towards you, over the other strand. This locks the twist.
5. Now twist the new far strand away and bring it over.
6. Repeat, keeping the twists tight and even.
7. When a strand gets short, lay a new bundle alongside it and keep twisting.

The cord holds because each twist pushes against the other. Finish with an overhand knot.

Plaiting

For flat, wide straps, plait three strands like hair. Good for handles and carrying straps.

Testing

• Pull firmly and steadily before relying on any cord.
• Double or triple it for heavier jobs.
• Natural cord gets weaker as it dries out or rots, so check it often.

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