Want To Prep But Not Sure Where To Begin?

Sign Up for Our Newsletter and Get Your FREE One Year Urban Survival Plan!

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    How to Make Char Cloth

    This post may contain affiliate links.* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read our affiliate policy.
    Pinterest Hidden Image
    image_pdfimage_print

    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    How to Make Char Cloth

    If you're into bushcraft, survival, or primitive fire-marking, you've probably heard of char cloth. If not, you should know it's one of the best materials for catching a spark and starting a fire. It's made by heating cotton in a low-oxygen environment until it carbonizes. The result is a blackened fabric that easily catches fire.

    You can buy it online, but it's actually very easy to make. All you need is a small tin and some cotton. In this video, Current1776 demonstrates step by step how to make char cloth. You can watch the full video below, but I typed up the instructions for those who prefer to read. (By the way, be sure to check out his other videos.)

    Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It On Pinterest!

    Materials:

    • A metal container – An Altoids tin is ideal, but any small tin with a lid will work.
    • Cotton material – It needs to be 100% cotton. Denim works great, just cut up some old jeans.
    • Fire – A campfire, camp stove, grill, or even a gas burner.
    • Small nail or awl – This is to punch a tiny hole in the lid.

    How to Make Char Cloth Step by Step

    1. Prepare Your Tin

    Punch a small hole in the lid. This lets gases escape while preventing too much oxygen from entering, which keeps the cloth from burning completely.

    Tin With Hole

    2. Cut Your Cotton

    Cut your cotton material into small pieces that will easily fit in your container. You can lay them flat or roll them up, whichever fits best.

    Denim in Tin

    3. Heat the Tin

    Place the sealed tin in the fire or heat source. Set it directly on the coals or flames. As it heats up, you’ll see smoke venting from the hole.

    Tin in Fire

    4. Wait for the Smoke to Stop

    Once the smoke stops, your char cloth is done. Remove the tin from the heat and let it cool off completely before you open it.

    Tin in Tongs

    5. Open and Check

    Inside, you’ll find your char cloth. It should still hold its shape and feel lightweight but fragile.

    Char Cloth in Hands

    How to Use Char Cloth

    1. Place a small piece of char cloth next to your tinder.
    2. Strike a spark onto the char cloth using a ferro rod or flint and steel.
    3. Once the char cloth begins to glow, gently blow on it to grow the ember.
    4. Place it in your tinder bundle and start your fire.
    Char Cloth Burning

    I recommend making a whole bunch of char cloth you can keep on hand. Store it in a tin, a Ziploc bag, or some other waterproof container.

    Like this post? Don't Forget to Pin It On Pinterest!

    You May Also Like:

    Want To Prep But Not Sure Where To Begin?

    Sign Up for Our Newsletter and Get Your FREE One Year Urban Survival Plan!

      We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Want to Learn How to Live Off Grid? Visit Homestead Survival Site
      Subscribe
      Notify of
      guest

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      0 Comments
      Newest
      Oldest Most Voted
      Inline Feedbacks
      View all comments
      Share to...