Here are the photos of four of my slings. Below is some explanatory text (short version).
Photo 4sling01.jpg shows my recent design with ears to protect the strings. The strings are a round 4 plait, lanyard style using #18 seine twine (mason’s line). If someone is interested, I can send info on how to do the strings.
The pouch is 2” across and about 6 ¼” inside the ears. The string is plaited from the retention loop (4slings02.jpg) first down to the length you want minus half the pouch (this keeps is off the ground.) Then pass two strands thru each side of the pouch. The holes are just big enough to take the strings tightly. But since the leather stretches a bit, I use a small sewing fid with one strand at a time. This goes very quickly using the fid and the leather closes back up quickly as well.
Once the strands are thru the pouch, I continue to plait until the release end is about six inches longer than the retention end. I then whip it off and tie a release node as desired (4slings03.jpg). Then I sew up the ears on the pouch and there you have it (4slings04.jpg and 4slings06.jpg). This all takes several hours to complete from beginning to end, but makes a nice sling.
I use leather for the pouch. Any leather that is soft enough to stretch a bit and hold the projectile will do.
I use AutoCAD to draw the pouches. I print them on drafting appliqué film which I stick onto the leather. The pattern has the outline as well as the holes. This helps cut it out and punch the holes. If anyone is interested in the pattern, I could print some out and mail them with some instructions. (I will have to think about whether I could do this for free.) Additionally, I could potentially draw other patterns for people and print them on appliqué film.






Jeff - who is sorry for those who still use dial-up