Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
String and Cobwebs in Minecraft
String comes mainly from spiders and cobwebs and makes bows, fishing rods, wool, leads, scaffolding, crossbows and candles; placed down it becomes tripwire for traps. Cobwebs slow almost everything to about a quarter of walking speed and drop string when broken with a sword, or drop themselves with shears. Spiders, cave spiders, shulkers and vexes ignore them.
Where do you get string?
What is string used for?
| Item | String needed |
|---|---|
| Bow | 3 + 3 sticks |
| Crossbow | 2 + sticks, iron, tripwire hook |
| Fishing rod | 2 + 3 sticks |
| White wool | 4 |
| Lead (2) | 5 |
| Scaffolding (6) | 1 + 6 bamboo |
| Candle | 1 + 1 honeycomb |
| Loom | 2 + 2 planks |
Placed string becomes tripwire: hooks on both ends turn it into a hidden trigger. See redstone inputs.
What do cobwebs do?
- Slow players to about 25% walking speed and nearly stop falling and jumping.
- Halt item momentum, which is useful in redstone and item sorters.
- Undead mobs under a cobweb do not burn in sunlight.
- Mobs do not path around them, so they make good mob traps.
- The Weaving effect makes you less slowed and leaves cobwebs when you die; see every potion.
Found in mineshafts, strongholds, igloo basements, woodland mansions, trial chambers and abandoned camps.
Are cobwebs used in PvP?
Yes, on many servers players place cobwebs to trap opponents or slow a chase; a sword breaks them fastest. String also blocks ender pearls being thrown through a gap.
Is PvP on ArtemisPvP?
Frequently asked questions
How do you get a cobweb item?
Break it with shears.
What mobs ignore cobwebs?
Spiders, cave spiders, shulkers and vexes.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.