Start rope making
Rope is just fiber, twisted one way, then twisted back on itself. Start with a cord you make by hand in ten minutes, then lay your own three-strand rope. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first cord.
Space neededA long hallway or a yard
First projectA twisted cord in ten minutes
Skill levelEasy, with a helper
Good forHistory fans, families, scouts
The video that hooks everyone
Making rope with a medieval to Edwardian technique
Three strands of twine twisted and laid into rope with a wooden top, the way rope was made from medieval to Edwardian times. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't. It's mostly twine.
Starter kit
01Cotton or jute twineA big ball. Smooth, even twine is easiest to twist.
02A rope-making kitA crank with three hooks, a grooved top and a swivel. For the three-strand rope.
03A sharp pencil or a dowelTwists your first cord by hand.
04A hook or a door handleAnchors one end while you twist.
05Tape measureStrands shrink as they twist. Measure, don't guess.
06Masking tapeWraps the cut ends so they don't unravel.
07Sharp scissorsClean cuts on twine.
08Thin waxed threadFor whipping the rope's ends.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Using homemade rope for weightHomemade rope isn't tested or rated. Never use it for climbing, swings, lifting, towing or anything that holds a person.
- 2Letting go of a twisted strandA twisted strand snaps back into a tangle the moment it goes slack. Keep it tight until you're ready to let it twist.
- 3Strands of different tensionIf one strand is looser, it wraps around the others instead of laying with them. Keep all three equally tight.
