How to Make a Rockman Sling - Bruno Tosso
You will need:
- Scissors
- 20 meters of string
- Measuring tape
Start by taking three strings, each 5 meters long and mark the middle. In this case, 2.5 meters. I use 5 meters to be safe, a common estimate is 3.5 the length of your finished sling.
Make a simple 3-strand braid.
Fold the braid, and forming pairs with all strings, divide them into three strands. Now you have your finger loop.
Continue the braid until you reach a length that suits you.
When you are ready to make your pouch, divide the strings, three on each side.
Take a fourth string and find the middle. Tie a simple knot over one side of the bundle.
Use the string to weave the pouch. The weave is a simple one. Up, down, up, down, up, down.
Continue the weave.
When you have finished one side of the pouch, untie the knot and proceed to the second side.
Keep weaving; itís important that both pouches be the same size. Keep the weave tight, as open spaces in the pouch will lead to problems later.
This is what it will look like when you are done with both sides.
Divide the strings into pairs one more time. Overlap the pouches before you continue the braid.
Continue the braid.
Drop a strand and continue the simple braid, this time it will be asymmetrical, but keep braiding as a 3-strand. (This technique is known as tapering and is optional. If you want to skip this, continue to braid normally with all 6 strands..)
Keep braiding while dropping one strand at a time as you go.
You will end up with something like this. Three strands at the end of the release cord.
Make a knot at the end of the release cord. Leave some strands for a snapping sound.
Untangle the string from the remainders of the pouch.
Make a loop and pull tight.
Make a second loop and pull tight.
Do the same on the other pouch and cut off the excess.
Congratulations. You are now the owner of a Rockman sling.
If you want to go the extra mile, proceed as below.
Waste not. The remainders of the strings can be used for a whip wrap.
A whip wrap is a piece of string secured around the sling to protect the main cords from abrasion.
A whip wrap should always be tied next to the pouch, on the release cord. Any other whip wrap is optional.
This is one way of making a whip wrap. Keep everything tight and it should look like the picture. Pull on the string so the knot closes and cut off the remainder.
You can make this design with any number of strings. These slings are made with a 4-strand round braid.
Jute
Wool
Nylon
The pouch of a Rockman sling should be woven as a 3-strand, regardless of the number of strings you start with. This will save you a lot of time and does a superb job of holding projectiles.
4-strand pouch
5-strand pouch
6-strand pouch
By Bruno Tosso from Lima, Peru
Spell check by 4accord
July, 2009