How to Sew a Sling for a First Aid Kit

flickr.com/photos/cameronparkins/3717438663/

First aid kits are a necessary piece of gear when trekking into the outdoors and a sling should be a part of your kit. Slings are used when an arm or shoulder has suffered an injury such as a fracture or dislocation. They keep the injured body part immobilized and supported. By following a few basic steps, you can make you own sling to add to your first aid kit. Then you'll always have one available in the event of an emergency.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Sturdy fabric Measuring tape Chalk Scissors Straight pins Sewing machine 30 inches of 1.5-inch strapping Velcro strips
Sturdy fabric
Measuring tape
Chalk
Scissors
Straight pins
Sewing machine
30 inches of 1.5-inch strapping
Velcro strips

Step 1

Purchase a sturdy piece of fabric such as heavy-duty cotton. You'll need enough for two panels that are 25 by 15 inches.

Step 2

Measure with your measuring tape and mark the outlines of the panels with chalk, then cut them out.

Step 3

Lay the fabric panels together with the right sides facing each other and pin them together.

Step 4

Sew quarter-inch seams around all sides, but stop approximately 4 inches before you finish the last seam. You will need this opening to turn the fabric right side out. Remove the pins.

Step 5

Turn the fabric right side out. Fold the open area toward the inside to give the edge a finished look. Sew the edge closed.

Step 6

Cut the 30-inch piece of strapping into two pieces. One should be 10 inches long and the other should be 20 inches long.

Step 7

Fold the sewn fabric panel in half, matching up both edges to where they are even.

Step 8

Stick a 4-inch piece of Velcro to the underside of each strap piece on one end.

Step 9

Sew the non-Velcro end of the 10-inch strap 3 inches from the edge on the front of the sling. Make sure the Velcro side is facing down when you sew the strap on.

Step 10

Line the non-Velcro end of the 25-inch strap up to where you just sewed the other strap to the sling. Sew the strap in place. Make sure the Velcro side is facing down. The sling is now finished and able to be fitted to a particular person by adjusting the position of the Velcro strapping.

Tips & Warnings

Always apply a splint and treat any wounds before applying a sling. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. This sling is sized for an adult.

Always apply a splint and treat any wounds before applying a sling.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

This sling is sized for an adult.

Resources

Fashion Slings

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...