How do you make milkweed rope?

The actual inner layer of the milkweed stalk
is used to make a thin but sturdy bowstring. It is
twined into cord and doesn't need to be dried to use,it
can be used dry or green. The easiest way to seperate
the leaves is to soak them for a time. This will aid
in the separation and speed up the process.

For a one strand braid (best for long fibers).. begin
with a stalk or bunch of fibers equal to approximately
one-half the size of your desired completed cord.
Then you fold the fibers in half to the exact center.
Unfold and pinch the fibers with your thumb and
forefinger of both hands on either side of the
center point. (Your thumbs should be approximately
1 and ½ inches apart). This will give you a top
set of strands and a bottom set of strands.

With the right thumb and right forefinger (assuming
here that you are right handed)begin rolling the
fibers away from yourself. Continue twisting the
fibers tighter and tighter in the center section
area until the twist is tight enough that a kink
or loop forms in that center area. Pinch the kink
or loop in your left hand (again assuming here
that you are right handed) between the thumb
and forefinger. Twist the two sides (top and bottom)
over each other away from your body. Twist them as
tightly as you can, then fold the top braid over
the bottom braid, this time towards your body.
It is this alternating twist away and then towards
your body that causes the cordage to remain taught and
even. If you have done it correctly up to this point,
you should be able to release your hold on the
cordage and have it remain together.