natural string material

[ozy clint]

what are some natural string materials? looking for something for a 70# bow. what's good for performance, durability etc?

[Little John]

To me sinue or gut would pe the real primitive choices altho any natural fiber could be incorperated into a string. Most will lack the performance and durability of modern strings. You can use linnen or other thread but to me you might as well use fast flightas both come from a purchased spool.   Kenneth

[ricktrojanowski]

Dogbane, milkweed, and stinging nettle will make good cordage, but I don't know if any of the above will hold up to a 70#bow. 

[Hillbilly]

What LJ said. Sinew, rawhide, or gut are probably the strongest natural materials for strings. Many plant fibers would work, if processed right, but most NA bowstrings seem to have been of animal fiber. Linen and hemp are traditional materials in Europe, but if you buy factory-made thread, it's not very natural. As Tim Baker said, you can grow flax in your yard, or hemp in your neighbor's yard....