This fellow and his wife demonstrated making hemp rope from binder twine. He first strung out about a dozen strands of twine about 40 feet long. One end of the strands, divided into thirds was attached to the three hooks on the small wooden device shown in the photo. Operating the wooden device in a cranking motion rotates the hooks and twists the twine strands. When sufficiently twisted, the three strands, with hand manipulation, form themselves into finished 3 strand layed rope --- amazing. The twine ball, seen in the photo, is identical to the twine used on grain binder machines used before advent of combines 60+ years ago. (I remember). Possibly, grain-binding machines are still used in some countries, explaining the current availability of hemp twine. |