Many archers such as myself, make their own strings for their long bows or recurves. What do you do with those pieces of string that are too short to make a bow string with? Answer: I make string keepers with those pieces. This is not a difficult project and uses string that might otherwise go to waste. In the photo below you can see the sting keeper as it is attached to the bow. By making the sting keeper you not only keep the string from just sliding down the bow, but it will also keep it from getting dirty and prolong the life of the string as the string is maintained in more suitable location on the bow. Of course it helps to wax the string occasionally too!

To make the string keeper, you can simply determine the length from the top loop of the bowstring when it is undone and somewhat closer to the nock. The shorter you make the string keeper, the more taught is the unstrung bow string when it is lying on the bow. You must decide how taught you like your bowstring when it is unstrung and lying on the bow. I recommend as taught as possible as it keeps the string closer to the bow and allows less chance of catching the unstrung bow string. You can use as few as four strands of string to make your string keeper and I recommend that you don’t make the string keeper of as many strands as your bow string as it may inhibit the attaching of your bow sting onto the nock point.

Making the string is quite simple if you can make a Flemish Twist string. Simply take the piece of string and start as you would if you were making a full length string. Braid in the loop to fit the nock and then continue to braid the string. Once the string is the correct length I run the braided part around the loop of the bow string so that it is attached permanently to the bow string. It is nothing more than sliding the bow string keeper around and the loop in the bowstring and then continuing the braiding of the string until is the completed length you want. In the next photo I opened the loop of the string keeper to show how it is attached to the bow string. Notice in the photograph that there is a ending of the string with a tassel. This isn’t just for decoration but acts as an indicator of wind direction when the wind is blowing strongly.

Making a string keeper can be easily taught to children and they will learn a fun activity that encourages creativity by letting them choose the color of the strings for the string keeper they will use on their bows.

Enjoy making your string keeper with those left over pieces of string and be creative. After all isn’t that what primitive archery is all about?