Braided/woven rock sling

This time we make one of the most basic ranged weapons.

I have in the past featured a basic paracord rock sling design. This tutorial is on a slightly more decorative version of the sling.

As far as the uses for the sling it can be a very accurate hunting tool, but it requires regular practice.

The rock sling was also used in warfare. In the ancient times for example, slingers were often valued higher than archers. A sling can throw a rock longer than a arrow could travel.

Because of it’s potential for harm, practice and use the sling responsibly. Make sure you can not harm people or property before using it.

The ammunition used was usually rocks or lead “acorns”. To achieve consistent results, the rocks you use should be of a consistent weight and shape. This is why clay was also used to shape ammunition that was of the same weight.

I do not want to keep you waiting, so let’s move on to the tutorial.

How to make a braided rock sling

The first thing you need to know when making a sling is how long it will be. For me, I like to use a sling that is about the same length as the distance from my extended arms and my knees.

If you would like a recommendation on the length of paracord or rope to use, I would recommend 10 feet for your first sling.

With the cord ready, we can move on to making the basic three parts of a sling: the loop, the pouch and the knot:

First we will form a pouch.

Start by making 2 bights.

The bottom cord will be our working cord and it should be longer than the top cord, which should be the length you want your sling to be.

Weave your bottom cord over-under-over the two bights.

Then down, under-over-under-over.

And up under-over-under-over.

And down under-over-under-over.

And up. You can see the pattern is the same every time.

When you need more room, slide the woven sections to the left and continue weaving.

Once you have run out of cord, we will remove the slack.

Pull on the cord at the start to remove the slack.

Work your way up to the end of the working cord.

Make sure to pull out as much slack as you can.

When you have removed the slack, it is time to shape the pouch.

Pull out the slack in the bights we made at the start. Start on the left.

Continue on the right.

Pull out the slack with the left cord.

Now pull on both ends to make a cup shape of the pouch.

With this the pouch is complete.

We now make a stopper knot on one end.

I use a basic overhand knot.

The knot is ready. Now we make a loop.

You can use a slip knot, but I prefer the bowline knot.

Make a loop.

Feed the end through the bottom of the loop.

Go behind the cord and through the loop.

The bowline knot is complete.

For a video tutorial on the sling, see below: