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