Natural Cordage ⌖
Twist, Pull, Tie, Survive
The Natural Cordage Workshop teaches you how to make strong, functional rope from the wild. Using plants, bark, and other natural materials, you’ll learn how to identify, harvest, process, and twist fibers into durable cordage that can be used for shelter, tools, traps, and more.
From nettle to cedar bark, dogbane to basswood, this hands-on experience will show you just how resourceful the forest can be—and give you the skills to use it well.
Workshop Overview
This one-day workshop takes place entirely outdoors, where we’ll begin with fiber ID and ethical harvesting techniques before moving into hands-on processing and rope-making. You’ll learn multiple styles of cordage—including two-ply reverse wrap and splicing—and discover how different materials behave in the field.
You’ll work with both dry and fresh plant material, test the strength of your cordage, and walk away with a roll of rope you made yourself—from the land, with your own hands.
$89.99
Includes instruction + all group materials
Detailed pre-trip gear + packing list
Access to post-workshop field notes
What You’ll Learn
You’ll learn how to identify local fiber sources, harvest them sustainably, and process them into usable strands. From there, we’ll cover the mechanics of twisting, tensioning, and splicing cordage with multiple techniques. You’ll also learn how to store, dry, and apply your cordage for real backcountry use.
Expect to walk away with a solid understanding of both technique and material—plus your own handmade cordage roll to prove it.
From Plant to Rope
Work through the entire process—from plant identification and stripping to finished cord ready for the field.
Tension + Technique
Master reverse wrap, splicing, and cordage maintenance with guidance from instructors who’ve used it in real survival settings.
Built for the Wild
Cordage is a foundational bushcraft skill. Learn how it supports shelter, tools, firecraft, traps, and emergency gear fixes.
Identify and harvest wild plant fibers
Learn multiple cordage-making methods
Build tension control and twisting technique
Test your finished cord’s strength in the field
Use for shelters, snares, packs, and more
All materials provided—no experience required
What to Expect
This is a full-day, outdoor skills course in a backcountry setting. You’ll be carving, crafting, kneeling in the dirt, and working up a sweat as you learn friction fire the hard (and rewarding) way. We’ll rotate through stations, build kits together, and spend plenty of time practicing each method.
Expect sparks, smoke, frustration—and eventually, fire. Bring your focus and a willingness to fail forward.
Natural Cordage Workshop FAQ
Curious about what it takes to turn plants into rope? Here’s what people usually ask before attending the Natural Cordage Workshop.
Do I need any experience to attend?
Not at all. This workshop is beginner-friendly, and we teach everything step-by-step, from identifying plants to twisting your first length of cordage.
What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, water, lunch, and gloves. A pocketknife or small blade is helpful but not required. We provide all core materials and tools.
What kind of plants will we be using?
That depends on the season and location, but common materials include stinging nettle, dogbane, basswood bark, cedar, and other fibrous native plants.
How much cordage will I make?
You’ll likely complete several short rolls of cord, depending on your pace and focus. The emphasis is on technique and understanding, not volume.
Is this physically demanding?
Not particularly, but you’ll be using your hands all day. If you enjoy working with natural materials and detailed work, you’ll be right at home.
Does the workshop run in bad weather?
Yes—unless the weather is unsafe. Rain or shine, we’re out there learning. Cordage doesn’t care about clouds, and neither do we.
