I've had a few requests for this one so thought I'd produce a quick tutorial and accompanying youtube video on the basics of splicing and tapering, using strand twist to lock in the loose ends. It is shown with manila fibre but the technique is applicable to thin twine also.

Youtube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HazSOCpyjgg

Tutorial follows below:

To taper the braid, take a strand which is about to be taken over into the braid. Separate out some material which you wish to drop and pull it above the main strand (2nd pic). Now, ignoring the top part twist and braid across the remainder of the strand as normal. Then continue braiding. It is important to cut material from strands, not cut strands out themselves, so the number of strands should be the same over the sling unless you make a conscious choice to *merge* strands. Keep tapering material out evenly from strands (thickest first) to produce the taper you require.

The best way to approach tapering is to not get too greedy and cut too much at a time, the more that is cut in one go the easier it is for the cut strand to come loose, and the worse the braid will go if it does come loose.

Both splicing and tapering will leave a sticky out bit of fibre or twine. Simply snip this off to leave a clean and solid braid, the twist will keep the loose end in the braid if you merged the cord well.

This is great! I'm glad to see that I'm not doing it much differently than you. I like your way of tapering better than how I've done it.

I already have other plans, but maybe someone (with nothing better to do) could try this for the trash sling challenge!  A banana-peel Balearic would be an impressive contender