This is style is similar to a Japanese style called Maru Genji. I made a small change
that keeps the appearance the same but reduces the time it takes to make it. It is
also easier to keep the strand tight as you braid. At the end, I will show the small
variation to get the true Maru Genji braid. I used a very simple 4 strand braid for the
finger loop. For beginners I like to recommend nylon because it is easier to untangle
but you can use your favorite thread material.
What you will need:
2 colors of nylon crochet thread or twine
scissors
lighter
1 6"x4" piece of 4.5 lb leather
2 grommets
1. Cut two 12 foot lengths of each color
fray. Make sure to melt them so that
there are no sharp edges after it drys.
These sharp edges will snag on your
threads as you untangle them if they
are not smooth.
2. First we will make a flat 4
center and tie it off. Measure 2 2.
First we will make a flat 4 1/2
inches to one side and tie strand
braid for the loop. Find that
mark off also. Make a loop at
the second mark. You will hang
onto this loop as you braid the
loop. Remove the center mark.
4. Take the black thread on the right
and set it over the yellow thread on
the right and take the yellow thread
on the left and set it over the black
thread on the left.
3. Set two strands of
one color to the
center and one strand
of the other color on
each side of theses
two. I have set yellow
in the center & black
to the sides. For
reference, I will refer
to these colors but
remember you can
use whatever colors
you want.
6. Repeat this with the yellow threads.
5. This will put both of the black threads in the center now. The one on the right
is the over thread and the one on the left is the under thread so take the black
thread on the left and put it over the black thread on the right.
8. Pull the loop out & join the two braid ends together. Make sure that
the braid itself is not twisted & the flatter side is turned to the inside of
the loop. Tie both ends together, leaving the 2 1/2 inch marker there for
a moment. This will help to keep both sides divided so that you can
work the strands more freely without the braid unraveling or the
strands from both sides getting mixed up. Keep both sides like you
started out, two yellow in the middle & a black on each side.

9. Now switch each side back and forth alternately to bring the braid
together. Once you have this done, pull out your marking ties.
7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 until
you have a 5 inch braid
that should look like this.
10. Now we have 8
strands. It would
seem that the hard
part is just about to
begin but this is
where I made my
change. Now on each
side, group your
yellow strands
together into one
strand & your black
strands together into
on strand. Again we
are about to braid a 4
strand braid.
11. It is pretty
simple. Hook that
loop onto
something that will
hold it tight or hook
it on your toe.

12. Hold one side of
strands in one hand
the the other side in
the other hand.
Hold them so that
yellow is on the left
& right & black is
up & down.
14. Then
switch
yellow for
yellow from
one side to
the other
again
crossing
through the
across over
the black
threads you
just traded.
until you reach
the end of the
strands. Your
braid should
look like this
at the end
at the end
for
fringe.for
fringe.
Now you
should have
one long
braid that
looks like
this:
17. Tie a
double
knot. Trim
your fringe
to desired
length and
unravel the
threads.
18. Now hold
the loop &
knot in one
hand as if
you are
ready to
sling. With
your other
hand, find
center.
19. Cut the braid in half. Carefully melt the tips of the ends just enough so that
they will glue themselves together. Lightly pinch it together to get it to hold.
20. For your
pouch get
some 4.5
ounce
leather. Cut
your leather
6 inches long
& 2 1/2
inches wide.
Taper to 3/4
inch at the
ends.
23. Make a loop
with one of the 2
foot lengths. Lay
the loop across the
doubled end of the
braid with the loop
pointed away from
the leather. Hold it
tight and turn it
around to work
from the other end.
24. Wrap the longer
length of thread
backwards on itself.
Make sure not to
make it too tight next
to the leather. You
want it to be able to
move freely
21. About 1/4 from the ends,
punch 1/4 holes. Now you can
just put your ends through the
holes and proceed to finish the
sling or you can add grommets
for durability. Use 1/4 grommets
in your holes and tap them
together.
22. Cut two 2
foot lengths of
thread. Put the
end of one of
the braids
through one of
the holes..
25. When you get to
the end, pull the end of
the thread through the
loop. Pull the shorter
thread to pull the loop
& the other thread
under the wraps.
Now you should
have a sling!
26. Trim your excess &
carefully melt the ends to
prevent fraying. Repeat on
the other side.
Vari. #1

For the TRUE Maru Genji
braid, change step 3 so that so
that your strings are separated
and the two middle ones cross.
This will take more time but it
is the true braid.
VARIATIONS:
Vari. #2

Again, change step 3 but this
time, group one yellow and
black together into your 4
seperate strands.