Instructions for a Sling with Leather Pouch

Materials:
5-6 ft. of cord, and a small piece of leather.

First, make a pattern for the pouch. You can draw your own, our you can download this picture, print it, and cut it out.



Trace the pattern onto the leather with a pen.



Cut the pouch out with a pair of scissors or a sharp knife.



Once you have cut the puch out, cut two 2-3 ft. lengths of cord.



To tie on the cords, you will need a small cylindrical object, like a pencil. Hold it against one end of the pouch, and lay one of the cords next to it.



Wrap the cord aound the pouch and the pencil.



Wrap it towards the end of the pouch.



Do it for 3 or 4 full wraps.



Carefullly remove the pencil. Try not to disturb the wraping.



Bring the end of the cord that you were wrapping with through the loops where the pencil was.



Pull both ends of the cords to tighten the knot.



repeat the process on the other end of the pouch.



Fold the end of one of the cords over and tie an overhand knot to form the finger loop.



Tie a figure eight at the end of the other cord to make the release knot.



Your sling should now look like this:



This next portion of the process, forming the pouch, is optional, and if you prefer, you may skip ahead and proceed with oiling the pouch. To form the pouch you will need to wet the leather, so have on hand some water and a sponge.



Using the sponge, apply the water to both sides of the pouch.



Continue to spread the water on until the pouch is thouroughly wet.



To shape the pouch, you need to stretch out the center. You can use your fingers to work the leather.



Another good method is to pull the pouch over the rounded end of a broomstick.



Continue to work the leather untill it looks something like this:



Let the pouch dry overnight. Make sure it is completely dry.



The last step is to oil the leather. I used olive oil, and applied it with a paper towel.



Here is the completed sling:

Copyright 2009 by Timothy Potter