Editing Bow and arrow (section)

===Bowstrings===
{{Main|Bowstring}}

Bowstrings may have a nocking point marked on them, which serves to mark where the arrow is fitted to the bowstring before shooting.<ref name=Paterson80>Paterson ''Encyclopaedia of Archery'' p. 80</ref> The area around the nocking point is usually bound with thread to protect the area around the nocking point from wear by the archer's hands. This section is called the serving.<ref name=Paterson93>Paterson ''Encyclopaedia of Archery'' pp. 93–94</ref> At one end of the bowstring a loop is formed, which is permanent. The other end of the bowstring also has a loop, but this is not permanently formed into the bowstring but is constructed by tying a knot into the string to form a loop. Traditionally this knot is known as the archer's knot, but is a form of the [[timber hitch]]. The knot can be adjusted to lengthen or shorten the bowstring. The adjustable loop is known as the "tail".<ref name=Heath27>Heath ''Archery'' pp. 27–28</ref> The string is often twisted (this being called the "flemish twist").

Bowstrings have been constructed of many materials throughout history, including fibres such as [[flax]], [[silk]], and [[hemp]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.primitiveways.com/bowstring.html|title=Grow Your Own Bowstring|website=www.primitiveways.com|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723063611/http://www.primitiveways.com/bowstring.html|archive-date=23 July 2017}}</ref> Other materials used were animal [[catgut|guts]], animal [[sinews]], and [[rawhide (material)|rawhide]]. Modern fibres such as [[Dacron]] or [[Kevlar]] are now used in commercial bowstring construction, as well as steel wires in some compound bows.<ref name=Paterson28>Paterson ''Encyclopaedia of Archery'' pp. 28–29</ref> [[Compound bow]]s have a mechanical system of pulley cams over which the bowstring is wound.<ref name=Paterson93/> Nylon is useful only in emergency situations, as it stretches too much.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diyready.com/diy-how-to-make-a-bow-weapons-pvc-fiberglass-bow/|title=DIY Bow Weapons Making Series DIY Projects Craft Ideas & How To's for Home Decor with Videos|date=15 May 2014|website=diyready.com|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050943/http://diyready.com/diy-how-to-make-a-bow-weapons-pvc-fiberglass-bow/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>