Second to Last Use for an Old Couch....The Carry Sling

I'm a very pragmatic type person, and I tend to find simple, cheap, and clever uses to the problems I come across. Very rarely do I come up with these ideas (like the furoshiki Instructables I put together a while back) and this is no exception. I've seen slings like this in the past where they actually charge money for them but I'm too indignant to buy what I can make easily and enjoy it. I did, however, come up with the source of the material...a very classy 1980's couch whose covering was pretty much on par with rhino hide.

So, if you've got a couch you just need to get rid of but are looking to get some more use out of it....well, this 'ible is for you.

The only things you'll need are

utility knife
sturdy needle (sail needle is best)
strong thread (I used <1mm window blind cord)
about 12'-14' of rope (this will be different for you depending on how wide and long the material from the couch is); I also recommend 3/8" nylon as it make a more comfortable handle
oh...and an old couch.

Step 1: Cut the Back Out

First thing, spin that thing around and have a look at the back. Hopefully yours will have a nice big rectangular back. Now grab the util knife and cut it out as straight and big as you can.

Lay the rope on the long edge of the material and fold the edge over. Now take some pins and pin the flap to hold it down while you sew.

Step 2: Sew in the Rope

Now, just sew the folded over piece of material so that the rope is sewn into a channel on the edge. (see bottom note in pic).

Like I said, sail needles are the best for this as they can take the strain of getting pushed through a classy piece of material like this and the triangular shaft make a large enough hole for the thread to be pulled through.

Step 3: Finished

Now, that you've sewn in both sides, tie the ends together to make a loop (a fisherman's knot or sheet bend will do). Now you have what looks like a giant sling pouch.

Sure it's classy but what good is it?

I use this to carry in up to half a day's worth of wood to burn. I just lay it out and put the big stuff in first and then the smaller and smaller till I get to the small bundle I use to start the fire (2nd pic).

And then carry it in (3rd pic). Since the wood reaches across the width of the sling, it's only the rope that is carrying the weight, so it can be really loaded down (40-60 lbs) without worrying about the fabric tearing.

And that's it. Simple, recycle, and TERRIBLY useful for all kinds of things

from sticks that need to be picked up around the yard
a big bag of potting soil that is just too cumbersome to grip
big bag of dog food
bricks
several bags of flour/sugar and the like
12 packs of Diet Coke
pieces of zombie bodies...well...somebody's gotta pick them up and unloading is as simple as letting go of one handle...what could be better?