After a chat with a friend, I've been inspired to try again at getting a good hemp string sorted out. For those who've not been following my "progress" (aka run of dismal failures) here are the specs I need to follow:
• String should be made from raw hemp fibres, running the full length of the bow.
• Can't be constructed of pre-made hemp cord or rope
• Should be tightly twisted (but not reverse twisted the entire length) and rubbed with a water
glue, as per Smythe 1590
• Between 2mm and 4mm is ideal, with 3mm suiting the average arrow nock width
So here's a batch of combed hemp fibre ready for making into strings, and one formed string made of two hemp plants. Laid-in reverse-twisted top loop, and a section of reverse-twist at the bottom end, for a bowyers knot. Between the two sections of reverse-twist the hemp fibre simply lays together, twisted up. This, I believe, is the true meaning of a "Flemish string".
This string has held at brace on a 140lb bow before being removed and soaked in a thin hide glue mixture, and stretched out to dry.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_cd26aefc921749d68fde870431d9db87~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_720,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/a27d24_cd26aefc921749d68fde870431d9db87~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_791827c621e4418190d2cf8b7f3d0fff~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_720,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/a27d24_791827c621e4418190d2cf8b7f3d0fff~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_f43bbb7a3663422fa5d910a959b547b5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_720,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/a27d24_f43bbb7a3663422fa5d910a959b547b5~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_53cdee72b4d4484d9aa2610e71622f68~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_720,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/a27d24_53cdee72b4d4484d9aa2610e71622f68~mv2.jpg)
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