That's the knot I was taught to use in Scouts when I wanted to shorten a rope. I figured it'd work on a strap as well.
Hmmm…. I posted a reply to this early this morning but it seems not to have arrived. This is a SHEET BEND not a SHEEP SHANK Bends are used to shorted rope, the sheep shank is used to tie a rope to a beam. I learned this as a Girl Guide… more than a few years ago!
~giggle~
Then there's the group called DAM (Mothers Against Dyslexia)
In Stafford, England, on the High Street is a black cast iron fenced entrance to a property. The sign on the gate reads
The cixelsyD Institute. True fact.
Indeed. I must be getting dyslexic in my old age. 
Speaking of which, did you hear about the dyslexic who walked into a bra? 
Slate Creek, not Creek Slate Dusty
Bobby is still a member here, though he's been much less active than he used to be. He goes by Virginia Hogfiddler . You might still be able to find him if you Google Highnoon Hunter or Creek Slate Dulcimers.
Of course, you could try to friend him here and send a personal message.
By the way, any guitar strap will do, and they come in all price ranges and designs.
That's the knot I was taught to use in Scouts when I wanted to shorten a rope. I figured it'd work on a strap as well.
WOW Jim! ~that's fancy~
The easy way to combat crochet strap-stretch, especially if it is thin, is just to knot it in the middle~like you do with a purse that's too long? Does that make sense?
Good idea!
A sheepshank?
The easy way to combat crochet strap-stretch, especially if it is thin, is just to knot it in the middle~like you do with a purse that's too long? Does that make sense?
Good idea!!
The easy way to combat crochet strap-stretch, especially if it is thin, is just to knot it in the middle~like you do with a purse that's too long? Does that make sense?
The easy way to combat crochet strap-stretch, especially if it is thin, is just to knot it in the middle~like you do with a purse that's too long? Does that make sense?
Hahahahahahaa! Maria @ sleeping angel I had to chuckle at your reply! Of course - I can see your strap getting shorter and shorter as you compensate for the stretch! I've made a couple of crocheted bags which I've had to back with cotton because the straps kept getting longer when I put anything in the bag! I love the ides though, and I have so much left-over will - as you do! Lynne.x
@sleeping angel Maria, as a fellow crochet fan, I find crochet scarves stretch! Does your crocheted dulcimer strap not stretch too?
well here's the cool part...they do but because there's so many places to attach it to the knob it doesn't matter that some hangs over? know what I mean?
take care
Maria
@sleeping angel Maria, as a fellow crochet fan, I find crochet scarves stretch! Does your crocheted dulcimer strap not stretch too?
I love Maria's strap.
Mine was a South American cotton belt that I bought at a festival. Very colourful.
thanks Jim! your's is cool too!! In fact I think that I remember seeing it way in the beginning of my time here and thought "that's the thinness I want!!" so you "inspired me "to re-create it in a way!!
take care
Maria
Jim -- I've got a strap just like that which I bought in Mexico about 20 years ago. I don't use any for of dulcimer strap. But if I did, that's what I would adapt.
I love Maria's strap.
Mine was a South American cotton belt that I bought at a festival. Very colourful.
Thanks for the replies. I think I like his idea that I saw posted about his leather strap that goes around the leg area instead of the normal strap around the back. His idea looked pretty good. I'll have to look up some leather worker I guess in my area. Haven't seen one for awhile though.
Bobby Ratliff does business as Highnoonhunter He's not been doing much lately as he's been having some health issues. Are you looking for leatherwork or something else?
So I crocheted a strap for all my dulcimers. It's funny because my mom was an avid wonderful crocheter and I just never was able to finish anything more than a scarf here or there. Well now she's gone and all of a sudden I had the urge to do this because no strap felt "thin" enough. They work out GREAT.
Here's a picture
Take care
Maria
Strumelia gave EXCELLENT instructions on a DIY strap years ago....
Anybody know if Bobby Ratliff has a web site or how's the best way to get in touch with him? I tried a Google search and couldn't find anything and a search on the FOTMD Members under his name did not turn up anything.
I am curious about straps --they seem to keep the dulcimer from sliding but are they awkward? Also I would guess they make carrying around the dulcimer easier when it is not in a bag. I am not sure if I will like using a strap but I ordered my dulcimer with strap buttons so I will have the option.I have been searching online for straps and could not find any that met my specifications, which areit must be pretty and within my price range (i.e, cheap) -- so I decided to order a plain cotton strap on Ebay and perty it up myself.Since my new dulcimer will have hummingbird and vine sound holes, I plan to applique the strap to match. Will definitely post pics of the results. Would love to see some pics of homemade creations - pretty or just functional, or both! 
