From what I've read the minimum is your height plus 4ft. I'm 5'8" and made mine 10'6" after seams and hemming. Gives me a huge sweet spot to get into, although can be a little tight trying to hang in some places. :cool:
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In hopes of providing some useful information...
It occurred to me that when whipping the end of the hammock I had been either folding the material in the middle then gathering, or using a "W" fold then gathering. The one thing both of these have in common is at least one fold before the gathering.
After this little epiphany, I re-whipped the hammock ends with a slightly different process. I used a 3" "wwwwww" type fold to gather the end of the hammock up. Then I started at the right side and started pulling each fold out as I worked to the left creating an angled end before whipping it. Then I turned the hammock around and repeated the process. This is similar to cutting the ends on a diagonal creating an asymmetrical lay.
The effect that this has on the hammock is to create a much wider ridge that is much less pronounced that it was with a fold or simple "W" whipped end.
If you're experimenting with a whipped end hammock and haven't found a comfortable set up yet, give this a try and see if it is comfortable for you.
Mike
Thanks for the info Mike. I have been a big experimenter with folds and have tried your fold but without easing the end outward as working across the fabric. With the fabric in my house hammock I have been able to work folds without whipping. The muletape larkshead has enough grip to not slip, my new hiking hammock w/ amsteel is too slick and will need to be whipped or channeled. How much did you pull the starting fold out and how much each following fold? At this time the fold on the house hammock is pleated on each edge with 2" folds for 12" from each side with a single fold in the center. Maybe wwVww. Going to go move the outer pleats outward to see how that works.
That's good info PropellerHead! I've been trying out end treatments to flatten that hump but with symmetrical hammocks. The jury is still out.
I have decided for me personally, that I don't like asymmetrical hammocks because I sleep only on my side and also toss & turn. The asymmetrical hammocks limit my comfort to one position.
You guys are in trouble now! You've created a monster.
Just finished my first gathered end hammock. Next is the stretch-side mod. Then a ridgeline storage pouch, and a pouch for the end of the hammock( I put a loop with a lanyard knot into the center of the gathered end. The loop hangs down into the hammock so I can hang a bag. I put one in each end.) and a new stuff sack and......
I find myself checking email anticipating a new coupon from Jo Ann's. I am drooling over a new pair of Fiskar's scissors. I now boldly stride into the fabric department as if I belong.
Just look at what you have done to me!!!:tongueup:
http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/4985/0804111506.jpg
No stopping you now! Way to go!
hrairoorah, it looks like you've jump off the deep end! Welcome to the water :)
I dont have a problem. What, those 5 hammocks over there????? I need those all for ummm......ummmm.......
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Stuff............
I need to read through this thread to make sure there are no major updates I should know about but I'd love to try to do something like this for my 10 yr old.
Lots of good info spread throughout the many pages of this thread. That said, the original post pretty much provides everything you need to make your first hammock.
I was caught in analysis paralysis for a long time, which is why I started this thread. Trying to share that it can be very simple.