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Yucca cordage

 
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This is about 200 ft of yucca cordage that I made from just a couple of handfuls of leaves/fronds! You can definitely tell the difference between the pounded and boiled leaves. The tender, inner leaves make a fiber almost as fine as linen when boiled.
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Judson, this is amazing! I have some yucca growing wild. What are the steps in making the finished product?
 
Judson Carroll
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Angela Wilcox wrote:Judson, this is amazing! I have some yucca growing wild. What are the steps in making the finished product?



Thanks! It isn't hard - just pound or boil the leaves and scrape them to expose the fibers and twist into cord.  Next I'll use them in basket making... and that does take a little practice!  Sally Pointer's videos show how to twist the cordage https://www.youtube.com/@SallyPointer
 
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Judson, next time you pass by your yucca, could you take a pic if what you consider a handfull of leaves?
 
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Cool. Any idea on the breaking strength of the cordage?
 
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T Blankinship wrote:Cool. Any idea on the breaking strength of the cordage?

 

At least 50 lbs
 
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Is this the same yucca as the soap yucca, please?
 
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Carla Burke wrote:Is this the same yucca as the soap yucca, please?



I'm not sure.  They look awfully similar and I know these have saponins that can make soap.  I bet they could be used interchangeably.  
 
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Judson Carroll wrote:

Carla Burke wrote:Is this the same yucca as the soap yucca, please?



I'm not sure.  They look awfully similar and I know these have saponins that can make soap.  I bet they could be used interchangeably.  



I do love multi-purpose stuff, be it tools, supplies, critters, or plants!
 
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Judson Carroll wrote:This is about 200 ft of yucca cordage that I made from just a couple of handfuls of leaves/fronds! You can definitely tell the difference between the pounded and boiled leaves. The tender, inner leaves make a fiber almost as fine as linen when boiled.



Could you please describe your method for boiling? I have mostly worked with pounded and scraped yucca, I've watched a video of a method for charring a variety from the southwest, but I haven't yet learned the boiling process.  Thanks!
 
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Kathryn Chapman wrote:

Judson Carroll wrote:This is about 200 ft of yucca cordage that I made from just a couple of handfuls of leaves/fronds! You can definitely tell the difference between the pounded and boiled leaves. The tender, inner leaves make a fiber almost as fine as linen when boiled.



Could you please describe your method for boiling? I have mostly worked with pounded and scraped yucca, I've watched a video of a method for charring a variety from the southwest, but I haven't yet learned the boiling process.  Thanks!



Sure, I just simmered it for a half hour, then left it in with the lid on until cool.
 
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