Quick Answer
To attach sinew to wooden tools, use a thin layer of beeswax or plant resin to protect the sinew from moisture, then wrap the sinew around the tool in a figure-eight pattern, overlapping each wrap by half its width. Use a minimum of 5-7 wraps for secure attachment. Trim excess sinew with a sharp stone or knife.
Preparing the Sinew
Before attaching sinew to a wooden tool, prepare the sinew by soaking it in water for 2-3 hours to make it pliable. Then, stretch the sinew to remove excess moisture and to align the fibers. Cut the sinew into thin strips, about 1/8 inch wide and 6-8 inches long, depending on the tool’s design.
Attaching the Sinew
Apply a thin layer of beeswax or plant resin to the wooden tool, where the sinew will be attached. This will protect the sinew from moisture and help it adhere to the wood. Wrap the sinew around the tool in a figure-eight pattern, overlapping each wrap by half its width. Use a minimum of 5-7 wraps for secure attachment. Trim excess sinew with a sharp stone or knife.
Reinforcing the Attachment
To reinforce the sinew attachment, apply additional layers of sinew in the same figure-eight pattern, overlapping each layer by half its width. Use 2-3 additional layers, depending on the tool’s design and the desired level of durability. Trim excess sinew and apply a final layer of beeswax or plant resin to seal the attachment.
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