Bramble Fiber Sling - Shawn Noah
The fibers from blackberry bushes can be made into a very strong cordage suitable for sling making.
Use the spine of your knife to remove the thorns and branches. If you want finer strips of fiber, wear down the outer layer more.
Smash the first inch of the large end to break apart the fibers. You should find a green outer layer and a lighter colored inner fiber. Leave the outside layer intact if you want a thicker cord.
Separate the fibers into equal pieces, you should be able to get 5 strips from each stalk.
Let your finger ride down the stalk, keeping firm pressure right behind where the fiber is being stripped off.
6 stalks worth of fiber yielding thirty 50" strips
Put two strips of fiber on top of each other and make their lengths slightly uneven by a few inches. Take the center and begin twisting clockwise (away from you) with right hand, while twisting towards you with left hand until a kink forms and the cords cross.
Hold the end with your left hand so it doesnt twist. Continue twisting the right strand clockwise until tight for about 1/2" then cross it over the top to the left side, making the left side strand now on the right- then you just keep repeating the process.
When your within a few inches of running out of fiber, simply set in another strand and continue to twist it in. You can change the thickness of the cord at any time by adding or removing fibers. When your within 3-4" inches of where you want the pouch, (I like it to hang an inch off the ground with my arm relaxed) start adding in more fibers so you can split the cord into 2 separate twists. Continue these 2 main strands for about 4", then bring them back together into one twist to finish the release cord. Finish it with a simple overhand knot. The retention cord end is looped over your index finger, the knotted end (release cord) pinched between your thumb and index. The split pouch can be spread open or closed to fit different sized rocks. The fibers are very strong and pliable so they could also be used for braiding and weaving, I was even able to use it as whipping.
Cordage on left was twined with most of the green layer intact, cord on right made from the inner fiber only. Make thinner cords if you want to combine multiple pieces for braiding.
-Shawn Noah