How to make cordage from plant fibers
  • 1. What is the first step in making cordage from plant fibers?
A) Adding water to the fibers.
B) Twisting the fibers together.
C) Gathering and preparing the fibers.
D) Applying wax to the finished cord.
  • 2. Which of these is NOT a good quality for plant fibers used in cordage?
A) Brittleness
B) Flexibility
C) Length
D) Strength
  • 3. What is the primary reason for retting plant fibers?
A) To add a scent to the fibers.
B) To make the fibers waterproof.
C) To separate the fibers from the plant stalk.
D) To make the fibers more colorful.
  • 4. Which of these is a common method of retting?
A) Air frying
B) Water retting
C) Freezing
D) Fire retting
  • 5. What does 'spinning' refer to in cordage making?
A) Dyeing the fibers a specific color.
B) Twisting the fibers to create a continuous strand.
C) Soaking the fibers in a special solution.
D) Cutting the fibers to a specific length.
  • 6. What is the main purpose of plying multiple strands together?
A) To increase the strength and thickness of the cord.
B) To make the cord more flexible.
C) To make the cord lighter.
D) To change the color of the cord.
  • 7. What direction should the final plying be done in relation to the initial spinning?
A) Same direction
B) Opposite direction
C) Upwards direction
D) Random direction
  • 8. Which of the following knots is commonly used to finish off cordage?
A) Overhand knot
B) Figure eight knot
C) Clove hitch
D) Bowline
  • 9. What is a benefit of practicing reverse wrapping while creating cordage?
A) Makes the fibers stronger
B) Keeps tension even and prevents unraveling
C) Adds color to the cordage
D) Reduces friction
  • 10. What is the term for combing the fibers to align them?
A) Plying
B) Hackling
C) Spinning
D) Retting
  • 11. Which of these plants is NOT commonly used for cordage?
A) Rose bush
B) Flax
C) Nettle
D) Hemp
  • 12. Why is it important to remove the pith from some plant fibers?
A) The pith is weak and degrades easily.
B) The pith makes the fibers too heavy.
C) The pith changes the color of the fibers.
D) The pith is poisonous.
  • 13. What is the advantage of using a spindle for cordage making?
A) Removes thorns from the plant.
B) Allows for greater control and continuous spinning.
C) Makes the fibers more waterproof.
D) Increases the speed of retting.
  • 14. What is the benefit of waxing finished cordage?
A) Makes the cordage lighter.
B) Makes the cordage more flexible.
C) Changes the color of the cordage.
D) Increases water resistance and durability.
  • 15. What environmental condition is most likely to damage stored cordage?
A) Bright sunlight
B) Extreme cold
C) Humidity
D) High altitude
  • 16. Which of the following describes the 'Z-twist' in cordage?
A) The strands spiral upward to the left.
B) The strands are braided together.
C) The strands are tied in a knot.
D) The strands spiral upward to the right.
  • 17. What is 'bast fiber'?
A) Fiber collected from the inner bark of a plant.
B) Fiber collected from the leaves of a plant.
C) Fiber collected from the fruit of a plant.
D) Fiber collected from the roots of a plant.
  • 18. Why is it important to maintain consistent tension while spinning?
A) To change the color of the cord.
B) To make the process faster.
C) To create a uniform and strong cord.
D) To make the cord lighter.
  • 19. What is a 'sennit'?
A) A tool used for retting.
B) A type of knot used in cordage.
C) A braid or plait of three or more strands.
D) A single strand of twisted fiber.
  • 20. Which of the following is an advantage of using natural dyes on cordage?
A) Makes the cordage more resistant to fire.
B) Increased strength of the cordage.
C) Camouflage in certain environments.
D) Makes the cordage lighter.
  • 21. What type of fiber is jute?
A) Leaf fiber
B) Root fiber
C) Seed fiber
D) Bast fiber
  • 22. What is the purpose of de-cortication?
A) Twisting the fibers to create cordage
B) Removing the outer layer of a plant stalk
C) Dyeing the fibers
D) Adding water to soften the fibers
  • 23. What property of the plant fiber is most critical for making strong cordage?
A) Color
B) Taste
C) Smell
D) Tensile strength
  • 24. What is the effect of twisting fibers in the same direction when plying?
A) The cordage will change color.
B) The cordage will unravel easily.
C) The cordage will become stronger.
D) The cordage will become lighter.
  • 25. Which of the following is a common use for plant-based cordage?
A) Computer cables
B) Car tires
C) Fishing nets
D) Electrical wiring
  • 26. What does 'scutching' refer to?
A) Spinning fibers into cordage
B) Dyeing fibers a specific color
C) Soaking fibers in water
D) Separating fibers from woody material using a scutching knife or machine
  • 27. Why is it important to dry plant fibers thoroughly before spinning?
A) To make the fibers easier to dye.
B) To make the fibers lighter.
C) To prevent mold and rot.
D) To make the fibers more flexible.
  • 28. Which of these factors impacts the overall quality of the final cordage?
A) Selection and Preparation of fibers
B) Spinning and Plying Techniques
C) All of these factors
D) Environmental conditions where cordage is stored
  • 29. What benefit does adding a resin to cordage provide?
A) Softens the fibers
B) Increases water resistance and durability
C) Reduces the risk of splinters
D) Acts as a natural dye
  • 30. What determines the thickness of the plant fiber cordage being produced?
A) The brand of wax used to coat the finished cordage
B) The amount of water used in retting
C) The amount of fibers used and the tightness of the twist
D) The location of the plant harvested
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