I attempt two methods of making cordage from hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum), formerly known as "Indian Hemp."
First, I try to follow the method outlined in Nancy Turner's book, Plant Technology of First Peoples in British Columbia (link below). She uses method of rubbing it on a surface such as skin or buckskin (or jeans) to twist the fibres. After finding my own craftsmanship a bit lacking using this method, I tried the more conventional double twist method.
I made three widths of cordage with the double twist method. The very narrow stuff broke quite easily, but the other three held up against my break test. I used the second thinnest (about the same thickness of hemp string) to make...