🧵 Thread and Cloth

From plant stems and sheep's backs to thread, cloth, color, and clothes that keep the weather out.

Free fibers from plants Soak nettle or flax stems in water until the woody parts rot away and the long strong fibers come free. takes patiencetwo weeks Get wool ready to spin Shear a sheep or comb a goat, wash the wool, and comb it fluffy and straight. takes patiencetwo days Spin thread with a drop spindle Twirl a weighted stick so it twists wool or plant fiber into long, even thread while you walk or talk. takes patiencea week of practice Weave cloth on a simple loom Stretch threads tight on a frame and weave over and under until real cloth grows row by row under your hands. hardtwo weeks Make felt from wool Rub wet soapy wool until it tangles into thick warm fabric for hats, boots, and blankets — no weaving needed. takes patiencea day Make a needle and sew clothes Stitch with a bone needle, then cut cloth into simple shapes and sew a tunic, a wrap, and a cloak that fit. takes patiencea week Dye cloth with plants Simmer onion skins, roots, and bark with a fixer so cloth takes color that stays through washing. takes patiencetwo days Make shoes and bags from leather Cut, punch, and stitch leather into the shoes, belts, and bags that outlast cloth. harda week