Years ago, I got a rope lead for my dog. I immediately loved how it felt to hold. So sturdy, such a comfortable grip, like I’m leading a small, energetic horse around. It eventually faded from the sun, and attempted washings, and just generally got grimy as things attached to animals do. So I saved up and ordered another one. They are pricey, but luckily it was something I already knew I liked.
But no! Betrayal! The seller switched what rope they were using and then pretended it was a surprise when I messaged asking why the rope was so much thinner. Like, you said you made this. The dimensions are listed. Don’t lie! I was irritated.
I kept using both leashes for years. Finally, I had had enough and wanted a new one. Even if I wanted to try the seller I had used before, they had disappeared. But multiple people make these now, so I found one to order.
And of course, somehow, this one was even thinner. Apparently there is a market for dainty little dog ropes. But I do not want a dainty dog rope. I want a meaty rope. I want my hand to be wrapped in thick, ropey goodness.
So I took to the task of attempting to make my own. Much like my search for harness handles that ended with me making my own out of an old leash and a bike handle cover, it has lasted years and been through the wash many, many times with no problems. I believe in me!
Ingredients for rope lead: cotton rope, metal clip, long sewing needle, embroidery thread, fabric dye in whatever colors you want, metal ring for keychain
You can dye the rope before or after assembling it. I dyed it after just because I had never done this before and didn’t want to wait until going through the dying process to find out I couldn’t sew it up properly. I would probably try braiding the rope a bit with the next one, but again, I didn’t want to push my luck on the first go.
I let each color soak for 24 hours before washing it out and doing the next one. Washing it out at the end takes a while. It’s a lot of dye. RIP the color of the bathtub. But at least it worked!
You can see the progression right to left of nice thick lead, oh no thinner lead, oh no even thinner lead, LOOK OUT SHE’S HUGE. And listen, I do not have big hands. I’m tiny. This isn’t a my hands problem, this is a skinny-ass lead problem.
So I guess the lesson is never give up on your dreams, especially if your dreams are really simple like a big piece of rope.