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Cedar bark cordage

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CherokeeKC:
I have tried a couple of times to get the bark off of cedar and use it for rope.  It seems to break really easy.  Am I using the wrong part of the bark?  I know your supposed to use the "inner bark" but I dont know if I am actually using that or not.  I also find it difficult to peel the bark off of the tree without it breaking.  If anyone has any pointers or pictures that would be great.

Thanks
KC

PrimitiveTim:
 Yeah, the outer bark is really weak.  No reason to use it unless it's for a wick or something.  Only use the softer part of the bark.  Try to get rid of the parts that are rigid.  Also what you do have break up into smaller pieces and work it until it feels softer.  As you're making it be gentle with it so it doesn't break.

What is the purpose of this cordage?

I've never used the inner bark I don't think

TRACY:
I cut and peeled a 2 inch sapling the other day and the barked slipped right off with the sap being up. I agree, the cambium layer doesn't seem strong for good cordage.

Tracy

nclonghunter:
Not certain about making rope, but I have pulled outer cedar bark off to make fire tinder. I would roll it in my hands and that would separate the lose stuff leaving the string like fibers. Those are like a birds nest bundle and can then be twisted into cordage. The fibers are not long but long enough to be twisted.
Get a piece of sisal cordage and untwist it looking at the fibers. Very similar to cedar. Take 10-15 lengths of cedar strings and twist them together to make a rope.

This may be what you are doing already, just adding this to help out...Good Luck

CherokeeKC:
It is Eastern Red Cedar.  I just wanted to make some rope to see how soft and strong it was.  Thanks for all the tips guys.

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