Is all nettle good for cordage???

[Jakesnyder]

Anyone ever use common nettle (Galeopsis tetrahit) for making cordage???

[Jakesnyder]

I'll let everyone know how it works. Once they are tall enough I'll give it a go.

[Stoker]

Sounds good, never used it, can't see it not working.
Thanks Leroy

[GlisGlis]

Interested in your experiments. I've tried urtica dioica only

[Jakesnyder]

I found a new type of nettle, called wood nettle. In my research it is a very strong cordage. So I'll be making some cordage out of that and even some bow strings.

[GlisGlis]

they seems closely related to common nettle.
You'll end up with a good amount of fertilizer after you take off the fibers 

[Jakesnyder]

I was successful at making a bow string with it. It is very strong and less stretch than sinew string

[GlisGlis]

Wow that's alot of work! well done. Natural strings are even more rare than selfbows.
I'd check the small section in orange as it seems one of the ply is stiffer making the other twist around it.
It usually ends in one part taking all the wheight.
I'd also add some oil or wax as the dry vegetable fibers tend to become brittle
please let us know how it works
Lately i've made a few baskets out of elm and arundo donax canes
Elm bark is very durable and flexible and I guess it could be turned in a nice string

[Pappy]

Nice job, looks very good.
 Pappy

[Jakesnyder]

Thanks glisglis. Yes i made it real quick to test it out. It was also dark when I was making it. My next testing is going to be a sealant.  I wonder If natives used beeswax and tallow mix??

[Allyn T]

In north America they didn't because honey bees are native to Europe but maybe pine sap and tallow?