Milkweed string

[RAU]

When you guys talk about making string from milkweed your are talking about using the fibers running up the stalk right, not twisting the fluff up in the pod? I know the reverse twist method of cording and how to splice as Ive used sinew. What are the 1st steps to extracting workable fiber as Ive got access to tons of the stuff.
Thanks,
Don

[1/2primitive]

Yes, that's right, the fibers running up and down the stalk. THere are several ways you can extract the fibers, one is by retting, I believe you keep it submerged in water untill the stalk starts to rot away, then pulling the fibers free. or you can simply break the inner stalk (the fibers won't, or shouldn't break with it), then pulling the fibers out.

Hope this helps.
     Sean

[richpierce]

You can work milkweed green- cut it, top it, strip off all leaves, squash the stem (stomping works as does a kitchen baking roller run over it) and let it dry a day.  Then it will have shrunk up some and the fibers will be easy to peel out.  Let the fibers dry some before using else the resulting cord will be loose after a while.