I think the tutorial for a braided sling needs some editing. Here's my little speel.

I had seen the tutorial for the braided sling, so I decided to make one. I went out and bought some string and sat down to make it. The formula for the amount of string used was 2.8 times sling length I think. I had been earlier informed that the correct way to measure a sling was from the center of the pouch to the release knot. So I measure it and multiply it by three, just to be safe. I start making the sling, and after a while I realize that the amount of string wouldn't do! The tutorial must've meant from end to end for length, so I ended up with a wimpy half length sling. I had made another too, so double the wasted string. I felt cheated! I had just spent $2.45 on a 230 foot spool of twine and wasted about a third! This wouldn't be a big deal if I could go to the store anytime, but I had to beg my dad for a couple of days to bring me to the hardware store, and if I run out before I complete a sling, no braided sling for me. Well, that's my little rant about how the tutorial should specify how the sling is measured, and not make me guess.

It was a little vague and I think it should tell how to measure the sling at the beginning.

PS- If I put this post in the wrong category, please let me know 

Yes, it will have been only half the length you wanted. I use six times the desired folded sling length when I make a braided sling.

Yeah definitely braid with the cheap stuff while learning .... then when confident of ability
move on up the fiber level till you are using the fiber you like.

My first few attempts were comical.  I wish I'd kept them just for a good laugh, but those that I didn't glue together I took apart to reuse the string.  Of course, if the string is cut too short there's nothing that you can do about it.  You have to expect to screw up your first few... it's just a given.  I know, that's easy for me to say; being an "adult?"  I can just go get the string whenever I want it.  Mistakes are just part of the learning process.  Just keep hammering away and you'll get it.  Btw, I'm still far from perfect but at least I'm not ashamed of my slings anymore. 
   Also, Rockman's tutorial is the best one I've read so far.  I'd still be making string slings only if it wasn't for him.

  My favorite was when I didn't realize that my cord was too short until I compared my release end to my retention end... and realized that the release cord  was three inches shorter.   Not sure how I did that...  I think maybe I made the pouch longer than I should have.  It still works, but I have to wrap the retention cord around my hand.

Et Cetera wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2009 at 10:59pm:

PerFect! I'm sure you'll braid those two slings you can do  now

dork wrote on May 15^th, 2009 at 1:12pm:



I did it twice last night with some paracord that I was going to use to make a split pouch woven sling.
Third time was the charm, and then I successfully made three slings.  But maybe someday I'll wise up and start actually measuring and keeping track on paper so I don't have to re-learn how much is required for a given project that I do repeatedly. 
Mr. Organization I am not.

i have done the same thing more than once ...... but since i shoot 20 to 25" slings its not to hard to make sure i have plenty of material to work with. and the 2' sling is easy to carry in a pocket ( which i do every where  i go) and it will still keep the barbarians at bay from about a block away