I bought some black silk a while ago, and probably enough to make a small hammock. Does anyone know if the silk sold at most fabric stores is stong enough for weight bearing up to 200 lbs? Also, how would the weight compare to 1.1 or 1.7 nylon? What info is needed to answer the weight question that I can get for you? Would silk provide any extra warmth over nylon? I can post some photos later this week if it would help.

I've kind of been wondering some of the same things.
I do know that someone on here has successfully made one out of 8 or 10mm silk. I think it was single layer...

Sorry that's not much help,
Acer

There were conversations on silk way back when. Can't find the link. Silk can dryrot on you. My friend JD brought his silk hammock to a hang. His suspension stretched on him during the might. The hammock touched something pointy and ripped. He spent most of the night on the ground.

I bought some black silk a while ago, and probably enough to make a small hammock. Does anyone know if the silk sold at most fabric stores is stong enough for weight bearing up to 200 lbs? Also, how would the weight compare to 1.1 or 1.7 nylon? What info is needed to answer the weight question that I can get for you? Would silk provide any extra warmth over nylon? I can post some photos later this week if it would help.

I'm no expert ... but I think the fact that 1.1 or 1.7 nylon you can get in ripstop would trump silk which as far as I know isn't available in a ripstop. Silk is strong but once it is punctured ... the ripping can be pretty severe.

As far as the warmth ... I wouldn't think so in that function ... but I could be wrong.

Check out Ray Garlington's site (http://www.garlington.biz/Ray/SilkHammock/).

I did check out Ray Garlington's site. I ordered 7 yards from the source he recommended. I'm hoping to convert the 7 yards into a DL hammock later this week.

Ray claims that he had used his single layer year round with no issues. I'm hoping for the same. I also hope that silk is not too hard to sew. :confused:

silk is easier to sew than sil-nylon- and you can use pins! in fact you may need extra pins..silk (habotai, not the noil silk)has a tendancy to creep sideways if you don't use enough pins. but other than that, no worries! KM

Because I don't know what quality the silk I have is, I'm hesitant to make a weight bearing hammock out of it. Especially since my intent was to have a warmer and lighter hammock. I don't think the silk was terribly expensive; something around $70 for enough to make a human-sized softbox (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/133773-REG/Broncolor_12_0804_60x60_Pulsoflex_C_Softbox.html). Check out that price tag and you'll understand why I was going to build one. Silk is also more heat resistant than nylon close to a photographer's light, which would probably benefit the hammocker as well.

Now I'm thinking a double layer hammock, using 1.1 Nylon Taffetta as the outer layer and the silk for the interior. Or, I wonder if the someone would be interested in making a custom top quilt for me...

Because I don't know what quality the silk I have is, I'm hesitant to make a weight bearing hammock out of it. Especially since my intent was to have a warmer and lighter hammock. I don't think the silk was terribly expensive; something around $70 for enough to make a human-sized softbox (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/133773-REG/Broncolor_12_0804_60x60_Pulsoflex_C_Softbox.html). Check out that price tag and you'll understand why I was going to build one. Silk is also more heat resistant than nylon close to a photographer's light, which would probably benefit the hammocker as well.

Now I'm thinking a double layer hammock, using 1.1 Nylon Taffetta as the outer layer and the silk for the interior. Or, I wonder if the someone would be interested in making a custom top quilt for me...

Why mix nylon with silk? I think they both have similar qualities.

Risk used a single layer for his and he weighs about 180. I really wanted a DL hammock to slide my GG pad in between the layers. Now if I just had some of the Insultex.....

Why mix nylon with silk? I think they both have similar qualities.

Only speculation, but I'm assuming the nylon would lend strength, warmth, and a little water resistance. The silk would provide a wicking layer that isn't nearly as flammable as nylon, and a softer feel.

I can't see any reason except for price not to use silk over nylon for a top quilt.

So, you never made the softbox, or you had some left over? I'd be curious how you made the softbox if you did, as that is something I'd like to do myself. To keep this thread on topic, feel free to PM me... :)

Re: the hammock, I'd wonder about the abrasion resistance of silk vs nylon/polyester, which would affect the weight bearing capabilities down the road. Standing up to use on the trail would be an important consideration, IMO.

if memory serves- nylon was invented/promulgated during ww2, as all the silk was diverted for the war effort- parachutes and etc, so silk stockings and clothing started being made of nylon- which mimicked several of silk's charateristics, but was more sturdy and washable..
just a thought- KM

Because I don't know what quality the silk I have is, I'm hesitant to make a weight bearing hammock out of it. Especially since my intent was to have a warmer and lighter hammock. I don't think the silk was terribly expensive; something around $70 for enough to make a human-sized softbox (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/133773-REG/Broncolor_12_0804_60x60_Pulsoflex_C_Softbox.html). Check out that price tag and you'll understand why I was going to build one. Silk is also more heat resistant than nylon close to a photographer's light, which would probably benefit the hammocker as well.

Now I'm thinking a double layer hammock, using 1.1 Nylon Taffetta as the outer layer and the silk for the interior. Or, I wonder if the someone would be interested in making a custom top quilt for me...

I would be concerned about the difference in stretch between silk and nylon. Might create some unintended stress.

I'm not clear what the light box has to do with hammocks, unless you're doing phototherapy.:shades:

I have a silk bag liner that is comfy (for summer use). This may be a good use of the material you have. Or, perhaps the INNER lining of a quilt. I would still use a nylon with DWR for the outer shell.

Info on my silk hammock:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=109

I'm not clear what the light box has to do with hammocks, unless you're doing phototherapy.

The softbox was the original plan for the silk. I never got around to buying a sewing machine, so I adapted, modified, and became satisfied.

Wisenber,

I saw the same pages and have wondered about the Thai 10mm Habotai silk (http://www.thaisilks.com/index.php?cPath=1_2).

How is the silk hammock?

Is silk downproof? I mean, how well will it hold down in? Talk about your natural elements: silk and down.

Never mind. I found the answer here (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=14661).