Abstract: A lifting sling and a method for making the same are disclosed. The lifting sling comprises an elongated, flexible member having a working surface, a lifting end portion for attaching to a lifting mechanism and a choker end portion. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart gripping members are attached to the working surface of the flexible member for frictionally engaging the outer surface of a load being lifted. To make the lifting sling, the flexible member is laid on the face of a mold having cavities for forming the gripping members. Liquid casting material is introduced into the mold cavities and allowed to penetrate the surface of the flexible member for permanent bonding thereto.