Dye cloth sling

[Subotai]

Not sure if this qualifies for gunsmithing. But, I have this Chinese sling. Some sort of green cloth with leather ends. Is there a way to dye it black? I don't want the color to come off on my clothes, etc. I have some RIT leather dye, but don't know if that'll work. Thanks!

[Barabas]

Leather and cloth dye differently. For leather, I use iron filings dissolved in vinegar. Brushed on and left to dry, it will turn the leather permanently black and it won't rub off. You can neutralize the acid later with baking soda if you are concerned about it, I don't bother.

Use whatever fabric dye you want on cotton slings, but make sure you wash it really well ahead of time. Bleaching it will open up the fibers which will then take more dye, making it darker. Boiling will often set the color, especially if mordanted with salt or alum. I don't recommend boiling it if the leather can't be removed, it will shrivel up and harden to point of uselessness.

[nicoroshi]

I am unsure about leather dye but i did dye an East German (blueish color) sling to black using Rit dye. Just follow the instructions on the pack.
Came out nice, and doesn't bleed. Also dyed the para cord on the same build.

Before:


After:

[Subotai]

Nice! And you can walk around with that slinged and don't get black on you or your hands?