For those of us who don't braid thought I'd start this thread up, plus I don't need the spambot sticky at the moment so got a spare slot :-)

If you don't know how to turn your favourite pouch template into a pdf - PM me and i'll tell you how or do it for you - whichever's easiest for you :-)

I chose pdf's for the simple reason it's a universal format and you can change the pouch size simply by changing printout size.

Okay I'll start with the 6 hole template I use most.
This should be printed out on A4 (letter if in the states or - probably - canada).
This will make a universal pouch capable of holding anything from a tennis ball on down to a handful of gravel.
Cut along the outer green lines and then cut out the green triangles.
Punch holes centrally in the end tabs and about 5mm in from the end.
Since almost no stress is placed on the end of the hole (if you follow my attachment method), you could punch the holes closer to the end of the tabs if you wished. But I generally go for around 5mm.

When attaching cords the middle tab is at the back and the two outer tabs go 2nd and third one end and the other way round at the other. this stops the pouch from listing to one side and holds it flat when hanging down.
To attach cords, form a loop in the end of the cord (double cord over and tie a simple overhand knot), push loop through from the back. feed the rest of the cord through the loop and then work the loop around the sides of the tabs. And pull tight.
This attachment is the strongest way to attach cord to leather. This is because there is no stress placed on the hole itself, the leather is held by 2 cords. Cannot tear and the loops hold the pouch centrally and prevent listing or twisting.
Once I've tied my loop knots I cut the spare end of the cord short and melt it back into the body of the knot itself. Just looks neater.

If you print it out on a5 - it'll be the ideal size for golfballs :-)
I'm planning on laminating a couple of sheets of these to give me much more durable templates. But I usually print out on paper, cut round and use a pritt stick for temporary attachment to the leather.
With a more rigid laminated template I think I can just hold it to the leather and draw round with a pencil.
See next post for pics :-)

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Pouch attached to cords below.
You can use whipped loops if you wish. However the knots add weight to the ends of the pouch that help it open up on release and pretty much eliminates the issue of missile hitting the release cord.

Well I've never had that happen with one of my slings and it seems to be a common problem with braided slings - so draw your own conclusions :-)

You can use longer attachment loops than I've used here (makes it much easier), it doesn't look quite as neat, but works at least as well  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]


The picture also clearly illustrates how the outer tabs are alternately crossed on opposite ends of the pouch.

If you don't have leather this pouch and attachment method is highly suitable for any other fairly strong material. Again, because very little stress is placed on the attachment holes themselves and the material is 3 layers deep at atachment point, even single ply denim will make a durable, long lasting pouch.
I suspect that a single layer of denim, lined with ducttape would last a helluva long time :-)

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Great idea!

totally. ill have to post my own fav pattern.

Can I use the results of this thread for the Slinger's Guide?

of course.

you can use anything on the site, Including the articles and guides section.
No point duplicating something that's already been done.

Got another little pouch template to post. just a simple little 4 tab job that's brilliant for smaller pouched slings and long distance golf ball slings.

But the more we can get here the better really :-)

Great pouch, and great thread- I'll be checking often and posting if I have any flashes of genius. I've only really played with shaped pouches a little, and had problems with rocks (jagged ones, mostly, cause that's all I had) hanging up so they throw to the left (I'm righty, sidearm, sort of). Is that an ammo-specific problem, or have others experienced that with their shaped pouches and nice, round ammo? My pouches are usually nearly flat, and work well with the lame rocks I have here, not so much with better ammo. I guess I have to make some ammo, anyway, so I can try that cool looking pouch  :)

I have only just started making slings, but wondered if anyone would be interested if I made a pattern for any of the slings below? Some of them are based on designs I have seen here, some are an amalgam of ideas. There are better individual photos in the 'photos...' thread. The shape, method of attaching the cords, the cords and finger loops vary between designs.

I have used an old sewing machine to make most of them, but they could all be hand sewn with an awl.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/leatherslings2-1.jpg

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/leatherslings6.jpg

Môn Slinger wrote on Aug 11^th, 2012 at 9:04am:

I have only just started making slings, but wondered if anyone would be interested if I made a pattern for any of the slings below? Some of them are based on designs I have seen here, some are an amalgam of ideas. There are better individual photos in the 'photos...' thread. The shape, method of attaching the cords, the cords and finger loops vary between designs. I have used an old sewing machine to make most of them, but they could all be hand sewn with an awl. http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/leatherslings2-1.jpg http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/leatherslings6.jpg

Yes.  :)

Here is a first stab at making a pattern for the sewn/shaped sling, which I call a 'boat sling' since it looks a bit like one (or maybe 'boat pouch' would be more accurate). This one is perfect for a tennis ball. It is sling labelled 'D' on the photograph above.

The leather I have used has been around 2.5-3mm thick, and I have used both soft leather and stiffer oiled leather. The soft leather holds the stone/ball more easily, but the stiffer one flicks open more easily. Both work well.

It is easiest to cut the leather curve with a generous overcut, then sew together, then trim the edge close to the stitching. I also do all of the stitching before punching the holes for the cords. I use a 4mm punch.

It is important to 'oversew' at the ends of each curved line, where the stitching meets the central uncut part. This means there will be an even curve to the underside, without gaps showing in the centre.

The sewing could be done by hand, using a leather needle and waxed thread, and doubling back, or using an awl to make a lockstitch. I use a vintage handcrank sewing machine, which you can pick up for almost the same price as a new awl (£15-25 in the UK). I like the Pfaff 30 or Singer 201, but pretty well any pre-1970 machine will sew leather. I don't even use the crank most of the time, just turn the flywheel by hand. The thread is bonded nylon, which is very strong and used in tents, briefcases etc.

This is the sling.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/sisalcord2.jpg

The attached pdf should print at the right size on A4. I have put a couple of major dimensions in so you can check on the size.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/boatsling.jpg

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Very nice! I like the offset connectors.

Tom

Thomas wrote on Aug 13^th, 2012 at 1:16pm:

Very nice! I like the offset connectors. Tom

Thanks  :)

I was playing with the paper pattern and reckon it would work without any stitching, just held together with cord through the two holes.

you know that boat sling template would probably work at least as well without stitching. Just bring the holes over one another instead of facing, and attach with a loop. That would make an interesting pouch I reckon.
If you trim the corners of the hole tabs so they are at an angle and not square. The loop should get a great grip.

I'll have a play. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

As far as stitching goes. You can make the holes with the smallest setting on  a standard hole punch.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xE56Xn1GL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

You only need a few bits of kit to make leather pouched slings - the hole punch is probably the most important.

I have an antique one I picked up from an 'antiques' stall many years ago. It's tough enough that I can put serious squeeze on without bending the handles.
Which I did with the cheaper one I got recently from lidl, bend the handles, that is. It was included in an eyelet kit I bought.  
I probably don't need to squeeze as hard - but it's much easier using a tool that doesn't care how hard you squeeze. The one in the picture above - for example - looks like I could bend the handles one handed.  

If I were going to buy one I'd probably pay a few extra sheckels and get one of these:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41A64SG2QZL.jpg

After a quick play with a paper template and a stapler.

Yep this will definitely work without stitches and with cords attached with loops  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Punch 4 holes, no stitching, it's a great size for a general purpose pouch too.

If it hasn't got a name I'd like to call it the 'Butterfly Template'

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I made a stitchless butterfly pouch today, and it seems to work very well. This leather is quite stiff compared to the other stuff I have been using. I think 'butterfly' suits better than 'boat', especially since it now has holes in it  ;D

If the cuts are made perfectly (mine weren't) the two edges should butt against each other. I made the holes after crossing the lugs/ears over. It is quite tricky to get the curved cuts to meet neatly in the middle, and next time I will punch a small hole in the angle, as a 'stop'.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/butterfly3.jpg

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/butterfly2.jpg

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/butterfly4.jpg



I think have seen a similar pattern on here, called an 'H' pouch - ring any bells?

Regarding punches, for making a run of straight holes I was thinking of getting one of these:

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/3052-00-L.jpg

As I enjoy punching things! But wouldn't work well on a curved edge.

I have had a couple more slings with a tennis ball, and think I will shave a couple of mm off the sides to make the pouch a bit smaller, since the overall size is now larger than intended.

lol Snap.

Just cut out a butterfly and attached a set of cords. I used a fairly soft suede type leather.
I'd say that suits the butterfly template a little better than a stiffer leather might.
Also a pic of the butterfly and a 6 hole side by side.

This is yet another advantage of using a loop attachment. You can swap cord sets between different pouches if you can't be arsed to make another cord set  ;)

You ought to try it mon slinger. Also you'll notice I alternated overlaps with the butterflies wings. You used the same overlap for both ends. Coupled with the single cord attachment you ended up with a somewhat lopsided sling.
Might give you more lateral spin in the missile.

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Thanks for the tips  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I have made the holes larger to accommodate the loop, and overlapped the ends alternately.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/butterflyB.jpg

Nice  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Quick too  ;)

So next - go find something to sling and try out both ways of attaching to pouch and see if there is any noticeable difference.

Mon Slinger- the four hole gang punch is an excellent tool choice for pre-punching stitch holes in leather, it's what I use.  The punch I have however, isn't quite as fancy and is more akin to a dinner fork on steroids... basically, it's a thin, sharp chisel with evenly spaced square notches cut out of the edge.

Here's the cap paul sling pouch pdf.
Again print out on a4 for a tennis ball sized pouch and a5 for golfball :-)  

Link to updated pdf for cap paul

Link to original thread

Oh yeah and I've taken the butterfly pouch sling for a walk last couple of days. Great general purpose pouch. Tried out all manner of different size and shape rocks - no problem with any of them. Even slung a few multiple missile shots.
it's not quite as good as the cap paul or six hole for that - but still pretty good  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

To make the butterfly illustrated above - I actually sellotaped the paper cutout to the leather before cutting it out. Worked surprisingly well.

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Does anyone have anymore 'signature' pouch designs that you think would complement The Guide?

I'll probably copy the ones in this thread in within the next week or so and I wanted to see if anyone else had any other designs they'd be willing to share.

I made one of the above mentioned butterfly slings this week - I agree - it's a nice sling.

Brett D in STL

well between the 6 hole and the butterfly (now my new standard) you don't need anything else.

Once you have something that works - why keep looking for other stuff :-)

Different world to braiding where there are pretty much always issues with every design. Get a good leather pouch, attach cords - sling works perfect every time.

Plus after playing with davids flat pouch slings - I will NEVER use anything but  a shaped pouch again.   ;D
First time in my slinging 'career' I've ever had release issues. Bloody things are a nightmare.

Rather than deluging people with a variety of different pouches - just stick to one or two that are known to work.

The six hole is great for denim of other thinner/weaker material pouches. And the butterfly is perfect for leather.

Each can be made any size. Just covers the whole gamut.

can you guys handle a docx or image file? aint gonna risk a virus on windows, and cannot communicate between my windows and linuix computers. linuix does have a pdf creater thought...

also not sure how to post an image from word by cutting it out...

just attach file to email and send to: info@slinging.org

Any format :-)

Plus after slingbadgers total failure to send me an attachment -  I'd like to see if it gets through :-)

Six hole template.

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Scale it down to about 4" x 8".

Dan wrote on Oct 5^th, 2012 at 11:31am:

Does anyone have anymore 'signature' pouch designs that you think would complement The Guide? I'll probably copy the ones in this thread in within the next week or so and I wanted to see if anyone else had any other designs they'd be willing to share.

You should try the guy from slingmoore.com. I made one it worked great

Well... I am thinking..... maybe It would be nice to create some sort of a leather netted pouch, as in a sort of... let me draw it out. Ill post in the morn....

Here`s a type of cupped leather pouch that`s made of one piece of leather. The same photo is in the picture thread on page 216. It looks a bit like Captain Paul`s design.

+  it needs no rivets and has only one leather to leather attachment point instead of four

-   a wider piece of leather is needed (compared to CP`s)

I call it the airplane or goose. You`ll understand the name when you see the template :o

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PDF-template attached

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Assembly:

Cut out the pouch,
use a hole puncher to make six holes where indicated,
fold part 2 onto part 4,
then overlap the outer parts 1 and 3 with part 2 (make sure that part 2 is on the inside of the pouch).
Tie 1,2 and 3 together as described by curious_aardvark in the first post of this thread. This will be the retention side. When you watch the pouch from the retention side (ammo side on the top, backside on the bottom) the margins of the three layers of tied-together leather should form an head-down "U".
Attach the release cord on the remaining hole by using the same attachment method.
Now you only have to make a finger loop and release knot and you`re done.

Hope you can follow these instructions despite my bad English.

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Wow, that's one wide pouch!
I love just a piece of leather with a small triangle cut out...
-Squirrel
Il post tomm

lol that goose is one weird looking - but clever - design :thumb:

What's the reason behind the asymmetry ? ie: why have one side shorter than the other ?

Miniature Knock Off Aussie Pouch

Two flat straps 1/2 in by 2-1/2 in .. poke holes in the strap  ends ... tie one end to a cord. take the free end of the  strap that is on the bottom and move it to the top ...align  holes and fasten the other cord ... good for 2 oz. sinkers and marble sized stones..

I make a similar three strap version with 3/8 in wide material.... Holes are punched in the strap ends and the straps are stacked...One end is secured with a cord...The middle strap stays in the middle, the top and bottom straps will swap position  on the unsecured end of the pouch (top to bottom, bottom to top)... align the holes .. secure with the other cord ... works good ... natural cup for flinging lead football sinkers


Here is a tennis ball sized two strap...Straps are 1 inch by 8 inches ...

PS works well with leather straps that are the slightest bit stiff.

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CA, those pouches look familiar especially with alligator. Did ya miss me? And I thought you liked the lockstitched version?

Loki

lol - well as I never saw my alligator pouch, in the raw, as it were. I never really thought what template it came from.
nearly 8 years ago now !
I can barely remember what i did yesterday let alone 7 years ago :-)

I can see it would be something like the butterfly template. :thumb:

Môn Slinger wrote on Aug 14^th, 2012 at 2:27pm:

I made a stitchless butterfly pouch today, and it seems to work very well. This leather is quite stiff compared to the other stuff I have been using. I think 'butterfly' suits better than 'boat', especially since it now has holes in it  ;D If the cuts are made perfectly (mine weren't) the two edges should butt against each other. I made the holes after crossing the lugs/ears over. It is quite tricky to get the curved cuts to meet neatly in the middle, and next time I will punch a small hole in the angle, as a 'stop'. http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss200/petem_01/butterfly3.jpg As I enjoy punching things! But wouldn't work well on a curved edge.

I did two new things today.  A week ago, I gave my first successful sling away to my nephew.  Today, I made myself a new one based on the pattern above which is fairly similar to what I had figured out on my own, but with deeper cuts.  It's also a bit smaller as I only had so much leather to work with.  It turned out too small and too deep for tennis balls, but just perfect for golf balls.

I also found a good place to really let loose.  500+ yards in front of me plus over 200 yards of room in any other direction so I'd really have to screw up to hurt someone/something.  So, I finally got to take out my ball bearings.  These are golf ball sized spheres of solid steel, they weigh quite a bit more than the tennis balls I've been practicing with so I haven't used them for fear of hitting someone/something. (I live in a large metro area)

But today, I got to use them both.  Tried the golf balls first.  Hadn't used them either for the same fear as above but with less chance of killing someone.  I couldn't get the timing down and they didn't go far.  So I pulled out the ball bearings instead and...

OWW!

Just about tore the first knuckle off my finger.  The bearing got stuck in the slot between the two strips of leather and didn't want to come out of the deep pocket I'd made.  Just lucky I didn't hit my leg or worse.

Lesson learned.   8-)

Oxnate, nice work.

I wonder if anyone has new leather pouch templates? Its been over a year since the last post here and I'm looking for leather pouches since I got a bag of scrap leather next to me. I like the butterfly/boat one, and I've also used a 'flat' leather pouch too. Those super cup ones don't appeal to me too often, though I'm sure they work nicely. Maybe someone else can post here showing some new leather pouch designs soon. :)

Only one that i use typically is found in this tutorial: http://www.seekyee.com/Slings/howtos/leather2.htm works for most things very well, from rocks to tennis balls. :)

I have two like the ones in that link heh. Do you think if I cut a sliver down the middle, or put a fairly decent sized hole in the center that it would cup my large ammo better? (I know I'd lose the ability to fire small ammo though.) I've had the issue of losing tennis balls on the wind up with this style somehow before I'm ready to release which is why I ask. Though I didn't oil it and try to 'shape' the leather around a tennis ball, so its just a flat pouch pretty much.

Lol, and I molded one and I had the same problem with the ball falling out, after thinking about it, I would just use a Aussie style split pouch out of leather, I typically use old backpack straps but leather should work fine. If you go into the marketplace I think it is you'll find an old topic on the slings he used to give away for free, he was a great guy from what I've heard although he passed sadly a few years ago. :(

I've got one of those punches and they do work quite well. A cool trick to do with it is to put it in a drill press and punch your holes that way. It is much more consistent that hammering away and its quicker.
Originally I got the idea from using a rivet press. I use it for leather stamping as well:)

Do you have somes flat pouches templates i just cant seem to be good with cupped pouch

flat pouches are dangerous, stuff comes out sideways.
Almost as bad as split pouch.

So, no I don't use them.

It's funny because I haven't had any problems with flat pouches or split. My flat pouch is a pretty large former slingshot pouch and it's worked great.

All my leather slings are cut or wet-formed to make them cupped. A flat pouch is picky because it needs equal weight on either side of the pouch or else it is unstable.

I just made two pouches. The red one looks very promising to me.

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That's pretty neat. :thumb:

My only comment would be that it looks like it wastes a lot of leather. And would be awkward to get more than one from a smallish piece of leather.

Just tried the 6 holer with duct tape covered paper template. Seems to work really well, should be even better when my leather finally arrives... Duct tape layers seem to be quite rigid and not like changing shape too much- I feel like I might break the pouch if I accidentally sit on it.

Curious Aardvark wrote on Feb 9^th, 2017 at 10:20am:

That's pretty neat. :thumb: My only comment would be that it looks like it wastes a lot of leather. And would be awkward to get more than one from a smallish piece of leather.

Yes i had somewhat a problem finding a leatherpiece for it. But it could be optimized for that. Thankfully i got this one as a dwg. drawing file.

I've been making a few leather pouch slings recently.

Funnily enough I find pouches with 'flat' connections to the cords to not be stable enough, at least with my leather. They tend to flex and drop stones out the side (by flat I mean that the cords connect to horizontal layers of leather).

One design that I found reliable above all else was the seatbelt sling design (which you can make with leather too). This has a very stable (not horizontal, vertical) connection to the cords.

The way I make them now is to create the classic seatbelt style 'M' fold, but instead of threading a cord through the middle and whipping round. I punch holes through all 4 layers, insert eylets (at least on the outside holes) then attach cords/braid through the holes.

This seems to have the same stability of the seatbelt sling but allows you take it apart or swap cords if needed. I appreciate this since I've had one seatbelt sling fail on me (knot pulled out of the pouch) and one where the whipping started to unwrap (but I then lost).

The sling can be made easily from a rectangle of leather 6cm x 14cm (if you like, you can thin the middle, It gives a slightly more streamlined shape). The eyelets probably aren't necessary if you have strong leather, it looks nice though, and this design probably puts more stress on the holes than other designs.

I'll get up a picture at some point of it and the template.

Here we are.

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Like that design JudoP.  Good work  :)

I might have to have a go myself at that...

Nice work :D

That sling looks really sleek. I might make one myself.

Working on my version now. I'll have pictures up soon but it may take a while...

Wasn't sure whether to put these up here or elsewhere on the forum but I guess here will do. I made the cords from serving string usually used on bow strings just because it's super strong, super light and it's black which went nicely with the scrap black leather I had at hand. Think of this now as a tactical sling :D It's a really nice pouch design and was really easy to make. If I didn't need to add strands together to make the cords thick enough, it would have taken about 5 minutes to make the whole sling. I've got a simple leather loop for retention and then a bead for the release because the cord is that thin it's impossible to hold onto otherwise. Thinking about it though I might swap it out for a leather tab as that won't hit quite as hard on the return :D I'll probably want to make more in this style in the future but maybe with paracord instead to really speed up the process.

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stuff will probbaly come out sideways and tying the cords on like that also won't hold it terribly level.
Thin cord and a big heavy retention beady thing. Hmm, rather you then me :-) That's going to be whipping around looking for something to smack into.

But hey, suck it and see :-)

Already changed the bead out for a leather tab which is much better. I've done some testing inside with a sock ball and it's impossible to say what it's like over any sort of distance but it's feeling pretty good so far. It cups the ammo really well actually; I put a rock in just to see how it holds and it wasn't going anywhere. I think it should work well at least as far as I can see.

Looking good Kick, let me know if you have any suggestions for after testing.

Not sure if you know this already, but AFAIK seatbelt style slings generally take the rock on the other side of the pouch (so the central ridge of the pouch connection is facing up (see my pic earlier). Should work pretty decently either way though.

My only worry with the sling itself is the cord might tear the leather holes out since they are quite thin and there are no eyelets.

You should try one of these out CA- they are much safer than they look. It's my new favourite leather pouch design now.

I did notice that but I've found (for whatever reason) it actually holds it better this way round. Not sure if that's just how mine turned out or if it's a general thing. I'll try both ways when testing. The cords tearing out is a bit of a worry but I'm thinking smaller rocks and tennis balls would work best for this so shouldn't put a lot of strain on it. Hopefully it will last a fair amount of time. I made sure to leave a decent amount of leather on the inside of the loop so it will at least take a while to break.

C_A just hates flat pouches :D I've yet to have more than a handful of instances of ammo slipping out of a flat or split pouch and, up until recently really, they have been what I've used exclusively and it just hasn't been an issue for me at all. My first sling and the sling I've used the most has an old slingshot pouch that's 3cm wide (just under in fact) and I've had very very few instances of the ammo slipping out early. If the stone (which is what I use for it) comes out early it just means I didn't place it in right.

Well, whatever works best I guess! For these slings I've almost never experienced drops, no matter what side I've used. I do almost always use the ridge up side now though, as it seems to create a more shaped pouch which just looks more appropriate.

I've made a few (unintentionally narrow) woven flat pouches which turned out surprisingly safe considering how they look, but I'm sure there's better examples out there which are wider/longer.

yeah flat pouches and split pouches - are just dangerous :-)

Watched far too many rocks going the wrong way at slinging competitions to trust any of them.
And those are people who supposedly know what they are doing. You see quite a lot of doging out of the way at balearic competitions.
Stones coming out sideways or simply going straight through the middle.
One guy this year nearly took the judges table out - twice !
Infact I think out of 10 shots, only about 4 went forward.

So they're not something I'll ever recommend to beginners - or anyone lol

Tradition is all well and good - but I'd rather use slings guarenteed to only ever let the stone go when you release the release cord.
My goal is to get more people slinging - not injured  ;)

Curious Aardvark wrote on Aug 14^th, 2017 at 8:11am:

yeah flat pouches and split pouches - are just dangerous :-) Watched far too many rocks going the wrong way at slinging competitions to trust any of them. And those are people who supposedly know what they are doing. You see quite a lot of doging out of the way at balearic competitions. Stones coming out sideways or simply going straight through the middle. One guy this year nearly took the judges table out - twice ! Infact I think out of 10 shots, only about 4 went forward. So they're not something I'll ever recommend to beginners - or anyone lol Tradition is all well and good - but I'd rather use slings guarenteed to only ever let the stone go when you release the release cord. My goal is to get more people slinging - not injured  ;)

That's crazy that that happens at balearics competitions!

Personally, although some splits I've made have been useless, I find a well made balearic sling with rocks of appropriate size for the pouch to be very reliable. Making the split quite thick and fortifying with leather certainly helps too- it allows you to even throw quite small stones without them slipping through.

Out of the kindness of his heart nwmanitou has created a really nice and clean cap paul template.
Which I have attached to this post for your use :-)

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Presenting the NOOC 6-point tennis ball pouch version 0.2

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Looks good. The only thing I'd say is that I'm not a fan of holes in the pouch. I've had rocks snag in them and rip the pouch wide open. Obviously if you use tennis balls or properly smooth stones it's no problem but I always find them... untrustworthy.

Kick wrote on Jun 21^st, 2018 at 9:20am:

Looks good. The only thing I'd say is that I'm not a fan of holes in the pouch. I've had rocks snag in them and rip the pouch wide open. Obviously if you use tennis balls or properly smooth stones it's no problem but I always find them... untrustworthy.

That's fair.  This pouch has a fairly aggressive pocket, and I could see a how a really rough rock might catch in the gaps between fingers.  For throwing stones or clay bullets, I would prefer something that isn't quite so deep, but (by design) it fits a tennis ball really well.

These are really easy to cut out of thin leather or suede (I like to use medical shears), so it's easy to make another one if it does wear out or tear, and because of the way the fingers interlace, there is almost no wasted leather if you cut carefully.

If your concern is the holes in the ends of the fingers where the cords attach, the important thing is to use a punch to get a clean, circular hole so it won't tear easily. I have had some 6-point slings wear out at the end of the finger and rip open, but only after more than a year of use, and even then it was still attached at two other points and would have continued to work for a little while. Plus, I was able to fix it just by adding some whipping around the ends. 

I do definitely like the look of it and looks good for tennis balls I'm just prejudiced :D

6 hole pouches are good for very thin or weak material - not sure why you've attached cords the way you have.

But then I don't like permamently attached cords anyway. I wear out far too many release cords for that to be of any practical use to me :-)

so apart from the holes in the pouch - and I'm with otter on that - why's it better than the standard:
http://slinging.org/forum/yabbfiles/Attachments/6holepouch_1024x514.jpg 
http://slinging.org/forum/YaBB.pl?action=downloadfile;file=CA%2D6%2Dhole%2Dsling%2Dpouch%2Dtemplate%2Epdf

If you can't be arsed to make double-denim, the 6 hole will make  a pretty decent single ply denim pouch. useful if you're making a lot.

That said the butterfly pouch is almost as good and quicker to make. 

@CA my preferred attachment is an intermediate loop so I can easily change the cords. I was just experimenting with some other ideas in thie photos above, but you can attach them however you like.

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I actually was playing with a loose attach point on one side of the pouch to see if it would hold a larger ball too, but it was really tailored for a tennis ball, and that’s how it works best. I wasn’t happy with how the loose fingers worked out, so I’ll probably redo it. I also prefer the waxed cotton cord over the leather cordage.

yeah Ive got  a sling made of that braided leather cord. It's not great.

Out of curiosity, why is leather cordage not great? I’ve never used it, just curious.

Drakolith wrote on Jun 30^th, 2018 at 9:47pm:

Out of curiosity, why is leather cordage not great? I’ve never used it, just curious.

It’s not terrible, actually. The 4-strand round braid leather shown above is a little springy for my tastes compared to the exact same braid in cotton.  The cotton is also lighter and more flexible, but I have made several two-strand twisted leather cords that work just fine on other slings.  In fact I wear a sling with a leather cord around my neck every day, and I like using that sling a lot... I just think I like the 4-strand cotton a little better. So far, I have tried jute, leather, paracord, cotton, and hemp. Right now it’s a toss up between hemp and waxed cotton for my favorite cordage. I would need to make a few more hemp slings before I could decide.   

Here’s the leather one I carry everywhere. The whipping is a field repair. The pouch wore out before the cords after well over a year of almost daily use. I’m not sure if cotton will hold up as well as this leather cord, but I do really like the way the cotton cords behave.

That does look like a good edc sling, how do you keep it from riding up and choking you? With a large loop like that I would think it would slip often. Also, just curious, are those rubber bands you used for the whipping?

Drakolith wrote on Jul 3^rd, 2018 at 11:36pm:

That does look like a good edc sling, how do you keep it from riding up and choking you? With a large loop like that I would think it would slip often. Also, just curious, are those rubber bands you used for the whipping?

You are interpreting the photo incorrectly.
It’s hard to tell from the photo, but it doesn’t slip at all. The wrist loop fishes through the leather of the 6-point sling and doesn’t go anywhere because it’s held in place between the leather fingers of the sling. It takes several seconds to undo it, so there’s no quick draw from concealment (which would be silly) , but it hangs comfortably around my neck under my shirt. The whipping is just nylon string from the insides of paracord. It was a field expedient fix, but definitely not rubber bands :)

Ah, okay, thanks.

Here’s a slightly better view. Note that this only works because I used a wrist loop instead of a finger loop.

leather cord tends to wear and break quite easily - certainly compared to paracord.

First sling I ever made, was made with leather cord and a denim pouch. the cord broke before the pouch :-)

I've never really trusted the idea of leather cord. Obviously it seems to work for some. I'd rather go with synthetic or plant cord any day though.

I’m coming around to the same opinion. This was one of my earliest practical designs and has given me more than a year of good use though, so I won’t say leather is a bad choice, even if natural fibers may be better for durability.  Leather is more comfortable to wear around the neck than jute and it stays pretty clean. Cotton or hemp might be ok, but I haven’t tried wearing them for EDC, and I would have to test it.

I posted a template in my thread, but it belongs here as well.

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I’ve done some more testing with this pouch design and decided to post it here.  The idea for this pouch came about because most of the slings I make are braided.  But I wanted to avoid having to stitch all the way around the pouch when adding leather, etc.  Haven't done a woven pouch yet, but that will come someday :)

I currently have two slings with this pouch style.  Making the pouch is pretty simple.  It’s basically shaped similar to an X or a cross with a fat middle.  Then the arms are folded around the two sides of the split pouch and attached.  I’ve done one with rivets and the other was sewn on.  The riveted one took slightly less time, but both methods were quick.

Here are the layouts of the basic measurements for each of the pouches along with the actual sling.  I didn’t go into too much detail with the measurements because the size will change based on the length of the pouch and diameter of the cords.

Green leather on linen sling:

http://beehatmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/X-PouchPattern1.jpg
http://beehatmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/GreenPouch-CloseUp.jpg

Yellow leather on hemp sling:

http://beehatmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/X-PouchPattern2.jpg
http://beehatmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/X-Pouch-HempSling.jpg

There was an initial problem with the first sling pictured.  The split pouch itself is larger than the projectiles I regularly use.  The sides of the split pouch are about 7.5 in (19 cm) long.  When making the sling I wasn’t concerned about this because I always intended to fill in the pouch in with something.  The problem came about because when slinging, the projectile isn’t supported by the cords of the split pouch.  It is supported entirely by the leather.  So after a throw I would find that the two connection points of the leather on each side of the split pouch were sliding toward each other.  I hope that explanation isn’t too confusing.  I fixed the problem by removing the leather and re-attaching it with some contact cement where the leather wraps around the cordage.  I put the rivets back in too so there is some extra support.

After seeing this problem, I would recommend that the split pouch still be made to fit the intended ammunition, and the leather attached as additional support.  If the leather will act as the main support of the projectile, it may need something additional to adhere it to the sling.  As I did with contact cement.

I’ve done a couple dozen throws with the newly attached pouch and it now holds in place well.  The yellow leather on the hemp sling has always worked well.  It's seems like a good fit just being sewn on.  The stitching does not go through the hemp.  I’m planning to do some other variations with this pouch and see what results I get.  I think it’s a good potential design if you would like to quickly fill in a split pouch.  One of the drawbacks is there are gaps between the leather (or whatever you’re using) and the cordage.  So if you’re using projectiles that may get caught in the gaps, this style won’t be the best option.

Môn Slinger wrote on Aug 13^th, 2012 at 8:36am:

Here is a first stab at making a pattern for the sewn/shaped sling, which I call a 'boat sling' since it looks a bit like one

Great job - that looks like a cool design! I like how it cups.

@ Slingky

I'm pretty sure he's not active anymore

mon slingers not been around for a while.

people come an go :-)

Interesting looking pouch joe :thumb:

G,H,I, and J all interest me, sad that mon slinger ain't around no more. if i can figure a way to schlap them together i'll repost. i have a design not here that will fruit some day, when it does i will be sure to post it up here.

Thanks!

Read through this thread from start to here.  Some GREAT designs!  I'm a golf ball chucker so small, light cupped pouches appeal.  I've done a few non-paracord 5-strand slings with woven pouches, which I like a lot, but I have some leather coming and started looking here for designs.

Has anyone come up with a more netted looking leather pouch?  I suppose if holes or diamonds were cut in the central area of C-A's Butterfly Pouch it would give a netted appearance...    Hmmmm.  Hope those leather scraps show up soon!

They'll be coming. ;)
I have them packaged up but don't think I'll make it to the post office tomorrow.  I should have them heading your way on Wednesday.

I'm not sure exactly what you're picturing with a netted leather pouch.  The pouch design I primarily use connects to a split pouch at 4 points, making an X-shaped pouch.  I don't think this is exactly what you're describing, but I think it has the same idea of minimizing a leather pouch.  This sling has the most narrow version of the 'X-pouch' I've done.

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Here's a quick and dirty sketch of what I'm thinking...

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That looks really cool. :thumb:

Thanx.  We'll have to see how well it throws!    It does make the template look much more like a Butterfly!  Here's a duct tape mock up.  Haven't got space for a full wind-up throws, but so far so good!

Butterfly Net

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Just realized I never posted a finished version of the Butterfly Net pouch:

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This tells me that while I'm laid up, I'm going to need to work on my version of Aussie's build.

So this isn't a wasted post, I'll illustrate with words and use this as a placeholder til I can get around to the build and taking/posting pictures - it's not a pretty sling, and doesn't look particularly traditional, but I've found 'for most ammo' it works quite well

This build may not make a lot of sense to a /complete/ newbie, and I've made various design choices through repeatedly testing what does and doesn't work 'for me personally - YMMV - also, this kind of a stream of consciousness/ going through the process post, so if it needs editing for clarity, I don't mind if one of the wiser heads tackles

For the strands, I've found great functionality from bog-standard 550 milspec paracord (length dictated by your own comfort level/aim of overall length - I go with enough to give me a meter long when the sling is folded in half) it seems to give the right resilience/wear without feeling too...bouncy or overly elastic, and I like the way the 4mm stuff feels as a balance between weight, rigidity/flexibility and durability - I might experiment one day with surf-fishing line

For the pouch, I use thin, flexible leather, a mm or two thick - 2.5cm wide by 17.75 cm long x 2 strips, ends trimmed to a 1.25cm radius. Center point of the radius I punch a hole of about 6.25mm in diameter

I assemble as follows - I stack one end of each strap, insert an appropriate sized brass grommet and set it. Adjusting the angle so the other end closes with an overlap that 'cups' the pouch (details in the following thread - https://slinging.org/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1213024797/0#0 ) and then set the second grommet, making sure the grommet edges are smooth (otherwise it'll wear through/cut your cord)

Insert the end of one of the paracord (melt your end) and overlap towards the outside of the pouch about 1.75 cm - using a needle and the toughest embroidery thread I can find, I pierce through the paracord in an x pattern to start, then whip from about 2.5mm from the edge of the pouch up to the melted ball on the end of the folded over tail, then x pierce back through the stitched paracord a couple of times before tying off, then soak the whipping with superglue

I take the cords, stretch them out, at the end of one, I tie a bowline knot (non-tightening loop) sized for finger, two fingers or wrist (whatever you prefer) I do a generously comfortable one finger sized (I don't like self tightening)

I hold the pouch folded in the middle and stretch out the cords, with the loop on my finger, to find where to place my knot, then tie/build a triangular pad of knotwork for a release grip, it's small, but I favor a 'pinch between side of forefinger and thumb hold)

It's nothing particularly groundbreaking, but it's reliable, and if you use consistent ammo, it tends to cut down, if not eliminate some of the variables in my throws

Hope this was useful to...well...anyone

Tldr: two thin leather straps (7"x1" - 17.75cm long x 2.5cm wide, rounded off at 1.25cm radius ends, hole for grommets at centerof radius), grommetted (1/4" or 6.25mm), crossed over, with paracord

Will update with pictures when I can get round to making another one

Edit: found a sketch here on the old posts of how the pouch goes together - then I just add grommets

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Good description Gronk!  That's a basic Aussie pouch, the only difference is that you're gluing he overlaps and adding grommets. 

The thing I like about the Aussie is that if you don't glue the ends, it folds flat, on strip on top the other, and makes a nicer "sling belt" for 'concealed carry' around your waist. 

Also, if I make my cords right I can use the same sling for hand throwing and staff slinging.

I got a cow skin... and I am also looking for the perfect leather pouch

Whaat do you throw?  Are you a "random rock chucker?  Smooth roundish rocks?  Ball thrower (tennis, golf, ice)?  Lead/clay glands chucker? 

What do YOU think makes a "perfect pouch"?

I'd personally go for 'tanned orc flanks' meself...lol

I think I nailed it, but I also dig JudoP's design in this thread. I've also discovered a new natural cord combination that I think has a lot of potential, which I will use with this leather pouch. To be continued.

Here is the sling with the leather pouch along the lines of JudoP his design.
  I may have found my new favorite natural cords. This is a new type for me that I braided. The diameter is roughly equal to that of paracord, 4 mm. It is a round cord, wool braided over a twisted hemp core and the initial results are very promising. No stretch to the naked eye.

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Well done!

Pardon my ignorance: I'm looking for a design that uses multiple holes on the edge of the pouch. A length of cordage is fed through each side of the pouch and tied to the other piece of cord. I believe I saw David using one such sling in one of his videos but I can't find it now.

I think I know what you're talking about.  If you look through the first 5 pages or so in the Pictures of Slings thread, there are a number of examples that fit your description: https://slinging.org/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1172017416.  If you take a look and find a specific one, we can probably help you layout a pattern if you need.

Rama wrote on Apr 15^th, 2023 at 6:08pm:

Pardon my ignorance: I'm looking for a design that uses multiple holes on the edge of the pouch. A length of cordage is fed through each side of the pouch and tied to the other piece of cord. I believe I saw David using one such sling in one of his videos but I can't find it now.

I was rewatching this video for another reason, but saw the sling pouch.  ;D

https://youtu.be/zSHD8RG_mSo?t=89

I was encouraged to post some photos in the par of the forum. The diagram for this pouch is marked up by 1 cm. A cardboard cut-out makes it easier to transfer the diagram to a piece of suede. A small part of the pointy corners has to be trimmed for the flaps to meet when putting the pouch together. Before punching sewing holes, one has put on a thin line of contact-glue along the edge of the flaps to keep the flaps in place while punching the sewing-holes and doing the sewing. The big holes along the canal are optional. They make the pouch more flexible at release of the projectile. I had difficulties deciding what is best, holes along the canals or not. Then I came upon fixing the pouch to the cords by a couple of knots in the holes near the ends of the pouch. The pouch without canal-holes has to be fixed to the cord with a little double-half stitch on the 4 corners. Bending and attaching the flaps to the center makes the whole pouch curve a little in a natural way keeping the projectile in the pouch until release.
The double cord has the advantage that the pouch does not easily tilt and drop the projectile before slinging.
The rubber balls are soft like jelly but holds together even if thrown hard. Unfortunately, I have no brand name, a friend found the balls for me in another part of Denmark….

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There are also leather pouch designs from the Jorvik Viking era archaeological digs in York England which have holes along the sides.  The are drawings and discussion in the Project Goliath files.

I searched for Goliath files, couldn't find anything.....

On the Sorted By Geography Page:

Europe - Sling pouches from York 9th-11th Century: http://slinging.org/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1361973151

Interesting - thanks !

Curious Aardvark wrote on Aug 18^th, 2012 at 9:38am:

Here's the cap paul sling pouch pdf. Again print out on a4 for a tennis ball sized pouch and a5 for golfball :-)   Link to updated pdf for cap paul Link to original thread

This updated template and the original template are both very asymmetrical, particularly the "wings" coming out to the retention and release cords.  Is this on purpose?  Is there a better template out there now?

Can you elaborate on what you're looking at?  I don't see anything with the sling pouch that I would describe as asymmetrical.

This design wasn't changed as far as I know.  I received one of these slings from CA a little while back.  If needed, you can make any adjustments to it you would like.  That's one of the big benefits of leather pouch templates.  If you need to make an adjustment to suit your needs, you can.

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Thanks.  I was looking at an older version of that.  There is an even better one later on that has line drawings instead.