Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: toomanyknots on February 18, 2011, 07:32:19 pm
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Welp, seems my "how in the world do you process/ret nettle fiber" question was answered today. The date is Feb 18th, and I figured I would go check on my favorite nettle patch down by the river. See, I had trouble earlier last year trying my damnedist to get some nettle to ret that I have cut from the same patch. Just wouldn't do it for me. So I got there and all the shorter little nettle that I didn't take last year was just sitting there perfectly retted. :) :) :) So I guess (for me) the best way to process nettle is not to. Just collect it after it rets itself. It was so easy to pull off the stocks and these nice shiny soft fibers pop right out. I know it probably isn't strongest, like for bowstrings, but was very strong and didn't have alot break. Even after beating the fiber out against my arm. Really don't think it was "over retted" as you would think it, like moldy or very fragile. Pretty strong. Definitely enough for general cordage/wife's yarn spinning/or maybe a hide glue sized very fat bow string, ;D. (maybe) Heres some pics:
(http://i54.tinypic.com/2daddl5.jpg)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2qi5u9l.jpg)
(http://i54.tinypic.com/166kn50.jpg)
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Good to know! Cool stuff there. Should make excellent cordage.
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I wonder if it would be any good as bow backing...
looks like you waited 'til the right time to harvest. good find!
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"I wonder if it would be any good as bow backing..."
Well I know it's a cousin to hemp. Supposed to be around the same strength of flax and hemp. I wonder if species differ maybe... I believe what I have is "wood" nettle.
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I tried retting this stuff in a bucket and that was a rotten experience. Pun intended. I have found favor with collecting the stalks in September or October and then slice the stalk in half to remove the pith. You method is appealing and I am interested in trying it.