I can't take credit for the idea behind this neat little sling. Take a look on page 97 of the 1997 Mr. S. Leathers catalog and you'll see what I mean. The sit sling is one of the most comfortable way to 'hang around', short of a full-blown sling. Two wide straps cradle the thighs, well supporting one's weight. Best used with chains and a short metal spreader bar, as well as a pair of wrist restraints. Great for a screwing or beating ;)
Mallet, Utility Knife, Rivet Setter, Punch, 1" Oblong Punch, Edge Beveler #2, Edge Slicker, Strap-Cutter (optional but highly recommended)
1" Welded D-rings (6)
1.5" Welded D-rings (2)
Medium Rivets (24)
1/4" Key Posts (4)
3/8" Key Posts (8)
Thigh Straps (2): 34" x 5"
Vertical Straps (2): 34" x 1.5"
D-ring Straps (6): 2" x 1.25"
You really don't have to measure anyone's body, as this is a general-use design. However, you may want to change the lengths in Diagram 1 based on your available pieces of leather. The measurements below are from my test unit, and if I had the choice, I would lengthen both long pieces to about 40" as the big D-rings are a bit low in use. Not too critical, however.
You're obviously going to make two units, one for each thigh. All of the pieces listed should be doubled with this in mind.
First, cut the thigh strap, five inches wide and as long as you decide (34" in Diagram 1). Make four diagonal cuts, one at each corner. This should leave the indicated 1.5" end, and taper back for about eight inches.
The other main piece is the vertical strap. It's quite simple; just long and 1.5" wide.
Finally, you need three little rectangular pieces to hold the 1" D-rings onto each side (6 in all). You might want to angle or curve the corners for aesthetic purposes.
Make the holes indicated, using a punch large enough for the key posts. There are two patterns, and you may as well make templates.
For the first template, the points where the two main straps attach, cut a 1.5" square. Score it corner to corner, both ways. Measure in from each corner ½" and punch this location. Punch this pattern at both ends of the two long straps. It should look like this:
Next, make a double template. Double because the 1" D-ring holes on the main straps must be closer than the corresponding holes on the retaining straps, allowing a hump within which the ring may pivot freely. Here's the pattern:
Finish the edges before attaching hardware. Use a #2 edge beveller to bevel all outer edges, top and bottom on all base straps and top only on the retaining straps. Rub all of the outer edges briefly with an edge slicker and apply Edge Coat. Allow to dry, about 15 minutes.
There are three places you need to attach 1" D-rings, and conveniently, three retaining straps with which to do so Go to it. Rivets are sufficiently strong for this application. If you do choose key posts, face the screws OUT on the attachment in the middle of the thigh straps. These rest right against the meat, and screws tend to dig in.
Use two key posts to lock the 1.5" D-ring in the middle of the vertical strap. Use four key posts to attach the vertical strap to the thigh strap, with the thigh strap ends on the outside. If you've got really nice, thick leather, you may need to do a little skiving to get the key posts through four thicknesses of leather. Squeezing the leather down with pliers may do in a pinch. You're done! Hang someone from something.
