Tutorial: Indian Hemp/Dogbane Processing for Fiber

How to process Indian Hemp for fiber, in detail.
We process dogbane, starting with cutting the wild stalks. Then we shive to separate the fibers from the stalks. What should we make from our new fibers?

[@benn7639]

Great tutorial. I randomly found some dogbane and after watching this video I now know exactly how to work with it.

[@GoodandBasic]

I'm glad it was useful! JB

[@loves2spin2]

I've been experimenting with stinging nettle this year. Very fun. I still have a lot to learn, and am trying various approaches. I wonder is dogbane grows here in Indiana. Did you know that during the 1st World War, the German army uniforms were made with stinging nettle? It is possible to make a very nice fabric with it. I am certainly not there yet.

[@GoodandBasic]

Keep me posted on this! That is such a cool project! I read an interesting book that mentioned the German nettles use about a year ago that I'm planning on reviewing on the channel. It really got me thinking about more local and independent clothing making.

[@johnprentice1527]

Thank you for this detailed demonstration of manual decortication of hemp/dogbane fiber. I have wanted try this for some time, but most of the videos I have run across have used either decorticating machines or left this step entirely. Again, thanks.

[@edieboudreau9637]

That broken off bit - shives- is great tinder.

[@GoodandBasic]

I'm going to have to save some and give that a try.

[@markishabunn4492]

What do you do with the discarded wood?

[@SandcastleDreams]

Did you know that Dogbane has a medicinal use? It produces a drug similar to digitalis and was used for heart problems.

[@GoodandBasic]

Cool! JB

[@edsiefker1301]

What did you do with the fiber?

[@GoodandBasic]

I'm still collecting it. The plan is to make a shirt from scratch.