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How to Make String Out of Sticks

If you forgot string or rope on a camping trip, you can make your own using sticks with the right kind of bark. Making your own string is a time consuming process and requires strong hands, but the end product is useful for securing tarps and nets or tying around anchors.

Instructions

- 1
  Find straight, yellow birch branches at least 4 feet long with no wood knots. Soak the branches in water for half an hour to loosen the bark.
- 2
  Strip the bark off the branches to make 4 foot long, 3/8-inch wide strips. Bundle the strips together in bunches of six and tie each bundle together at the top with another strip of bark.
- 3
  Place the bundles of bark in a container of water until you are ready to use them. This will keep them soft and workable.
- 4
  Twist one bundle of branches together tightly. Tie the string around a board or branch, leaving one end free. Repeat this process with two more bundles of branches.
- 5
  Cross the twisted right strand to the left, over the other two strands. Repeat this process, taking the right strand and crossing it over the other two strands to make a tight rope. Wind the branch or board around to coil up completed rope as you work further down the strands.
- 6
  Tie a knot at the end of the rope to prevent it from unraveling.

Nature