Shot Pouch Construction

[George]

Yes, I've done it that way, it is just as simple and makes a durable wrap. I've never had a wrap come loose, that I recall, probably because I usually melt a thin layer of beeswax into the threads so that it's all glued together.

I learned this many decades ago in fooling with fishing rods, as some have said. For fastening eyes/rings to the rod or just as decorative elements, the technique is identical.

Spence

 

[CrackStock]

This method was taught in the Boy Scouts under whipping a rope. There were several methods one of which involved using twine with the same process which Gen'l Bob showed so nicely. Those old BSA Handbooks and Fieldbooks are a treasure trove of information and quick checks of YouTube often show those skills are being continued.

The way I was taught and found gave the best result for serious projects:
Link

The way I often wind up doing it:
BSA Rope whipping vid

Another neat method:
More rope whipping

 

[George]

A few uses I've found for the technique:

Binding rope ends:


Binding shot bag body to spout, another example:


Reinforcing to prevent splitting:






And others I forget.

Spence

 

[CrackStock]

All good ideas.

We seem to be wrapped around the axle (or spout as the case may be) but there are some other possibilities. I sometimes like to work the leather without an outer binding or with variations.

My first ball and shot bags used flared copper tubing for necks:

I initially sewed them tight and later wet them to shrink - after this photo was taken.

The later ones were turned on a lathe out of wood, bone, horn or elk antler.

That photo left some of the string showing but I generally trim these off - except for the braided one.

The photo above was a copy of a neck that I bought at Dixon's a few years ago and stitched into a bag.

Here are some originals which were used in Karl Smith's book: Gettin the Lead Out and then sold at the CLA to pay off his initial costs:

No real point - just random thoughts.

 

[MSK]

Spence: Is the neck of the leather spout, under the cord whipping, sewn all the way up sides or are the two halves left as flaps? I want to prevent the leather from bunching up under the tightened cord or at the base of the neck.

Thanks, Smollett

 

[George]

Sewn all the way up and snug on the spout before the wrapping is done.

But...there are many different ways to do most things. :grin:

Spence