There are a variety of Nettle plants that can be harvested for fibers. The fibers can be used to make cordage and can be used for binding, snares, or fish line. The stalk is composed of three basic parts: outer fiber, woody stock, and inner pith core.

Processing the plant for fibers was a new task for me. After stripping off the leaves I found that bending the stalk to break the core in order to release the fibers to be rather difficult. After several attempts I finally found an effective approach.

I would bend the first three inches at the base of the stalk to use as a handle, then lay it over the top of a rounded edge such as a bar, broom handle, dowel, or branch.

With one hand I pull the base downward while at the same time placing the thumb of the other hand on top side of the stalk to ensure contact with the rounded edge. The stalk would flatten and split evenly the entire length.

Then at the base I could lift off the outer layer and place my thumbnail under it and slide up the stalk. By working carefully I could separate the entire length.

Having now gathered the fiber material I look forward to using it for future projects that I will be happy to share.