Aaron, I like to use the ace bandages that sticks to itself, you can wrap them tight and overlap about 50%, the ace bandage allows the moisture to escape and you can leave them on for a couple of days. i agree that you dont have to stretch the rawhide, as it does shrink as it dries. is that the stave you got from clyde from tennesee? he had some by my tipi and i thought he traded you for some vine maple.