Well RatMan requested this tutorial. I am honored to take my time to do this for the slinging.org community.


Here a couple of things that I use just to help with the pouch making process, a couple of clamps, and a safety pin with a blunt and bent tip. You can also use paper clips and a stick.

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Start as you were making a simple braided sling…
Cut three strands of 4 - 5 chin to extended arm lengths of your preferred fiber. Or use a yard stick (36 inches) and measure out 3 strands, 4 - 5 yards in length. I prefer using my body to measure out a sling, it just makes everything easier.

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Find the middle point and tie a single overhand knot to keep it together.

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Start braiding your finger loop using your own middle finger as the template.

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When ready combine the ends and make three pairs of twine and finish the finger loop

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Braid your retention cord

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You can always use a peg if you like, I have used the deadbolt on my front door, but prefer to use one of my toes… laugh all you want

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When you are ready to start the pouch, divide your six strands into groups of three and braid a small split

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This is where I like to use paper clips or refrigerator magnet clamps to keep the braids from unraveling. Clamp down any single side of the pouch.

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With one side clamped down, insert a separate piece of twine to the opposite side of the pouch and braid down without braiding it in.

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Use another clamp to hold the braids together.

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Take your working end of fiber and cross over the other side of the pouch, this time you want to braid the twine into your pouch.

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Cross over to the other side to repeat the process in creating the base for your pouch.

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Stop only when you are satisfied with the size of your pouch

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Finish your pouch by braiding another gap to match the existing one on the opposite end.

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Start braiding your release cord

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Don’t forget to keep it tight with your foot peg!

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Taper by dropping one strand at a time, finish your sling and use a simple knot at the end of you release cord.

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Back to your pouch, tie some double knots at both ends before you start to weave.

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Measure out another strand, about 3 - 4 yards or chin to arm extension lengths, and start by weaving it into the middle of the pouch, pulling it about halfway through

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Now we are ready to weave, you can start with either working end and weave in the over-under fashion toward the outside of the pouch.

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You’ll see your pouch starting to take shape

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When you have no gaps left in the pouch, end your weaving in the underside of your pouch with a couple of double knots.

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Cut off any excess.

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Don’t forget to trim and knot your tapering strands.

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Add a couple of whip knots and you’re done, Happy Slinging!

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This style of pouch works brilliantly. I have made several slings like this and I used one of them in the competition in Mallorca last year. Thumbs up for a good tutorial!

nice looking pouch  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Well done, sir.  Thank you for taking the time to make a lasting contribution to slinging.org.  I'm in a rush now but if someone doesn't beat me to it I'll post this in the FAQ section later.  It's a very good looking sling.  I can't wait to make one.

I'll have to try one of these. Good tutorial and good looking sling.

That's a mexican shepherd's sling (at least that's what I know them as).  I made one a while ago, and it is still one of my absolute best slings.  Not to mention they look great.

David Morningstar wrote on Jun 14^th, 2012 at 3:00am:

This style of pouch works brilliantly. I have made several slings like this and I used one of them in the competition in Mallorca last year. Thumbs up for a good tutorial!

Yes sir, i have seen your efforts and was able to put this thing together because of it. I saw your posts on paleoplanet after Sal requested it... Thanks David.  I would like to point out that i have made this same sling out of pure hemp, but i found the stiffness of sisal agave twine really helps the projectiles fly, which is why i now use this exact sling to practice my side arm release.

*Update*
You can also use one strand to make the pouch. Measure out 4 to 5 yards of twine, enter it in at the retention cord, braid it in to your cord, take it down on one side when you create the split, Follow the same steps as you were using two strands. When your done you can use a simple knot followed by a whip knot to clean it up a bit.

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Good thinking! I'm sure that will make it a lot 'cleaner' looking.

Would you be okay with it if I copied and pasted this tutorial into the 'slings of the world' chapter of The Slinger's Guide? I think it'll add some nice variety.

I do not mind at all Dan, sorry for the delayed reply i have been very busy lately, Thank you for your consideration.

Excellent tutorial!!! Thank you for your time and effort.

canteskuyaOMD wrote on Jul 25^th, 2012 at 6:33pm:

I do not mind at all Dan, sorry for the delayed reply i have been very busy lately, Thank you for your consideration.

Thanks bro, better late than never.

It was an honor big kahuna thanks for the kind words. Hey Dan could I more information about this slings of the world? i would very much like to see what else is out there for practical use.

canteskuyaOMD wrote on Jul 31^st, 2012 at 12:14am:

It was an honor big kahuna thanks for the kind words. Hey Dan could I more information about this slings of the world? i would very much like to see what else is out there for practical use.

I'll post some excerpts once The Slinger's Guide is finished.  :)

This will be my next sling style to make! Love the way it looks.

Great tutorial. Thanks a lot!

Made one of these  a little after joining, soon discovered that they are amazing. then I discovered paracord. I made one of these from a sort of cheap paracord, loved it. the first got left out it in the sun and rain(i dropped it where I sling) and one side turned white- I guess it got bleached by the sun. I still sling with it, but one side seems rotten... there is no release tassel, it must have rotted.
-Squirrel
PS- the paracord one is still slinging!