i decided itd be fun to try my hand at making my own hammock. but im stuck on the easiest part: fabric. What kind of fabric would you suggest using??
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i decided itd be fun to try my hand at making my own hammock. but im stuck on the easiest part: fabric. What kind of fabric would you suggest using??
Depending on your weight........as a larger hanger I require a 1.7 or 1.9 double layer hammock made out of ripstop nylon that can be purchased from Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics (www.owfinc.com). I like to get the cosmetic seconds in the material weights I listed becuase it is cheaper by the yard. I have had no issues with any material failures.
I really like the 1.5oz nylon that Scott sells at DIYgearsupply.
http://www.diygearsupply.com/cgi-bin/shelf.cgi?numb=15
1.9 oz ripstop is a good place to start. It's a lot easier to work with than 1.1oz and easier to find. Typically it's what JoAnn and Hancock stock. Should easily hold 250 lbs or more.
If you plan to use a closed cell foam (CCF) pad for insulation, then a double layer design is a good idea. A pad placed between the layers is easier to deal with than laying directly on it. 1.1oz ripstop is usually the way to go with a dual layer.
i think i'm using 1.5 or 1.9 ripstop nylon, single layer, and have had no issues. I'm 6' 210lbs. I've had another person in it with me, again, no issues with fabric but its not very comfortable lol
http://www.diygearsupply.com/cgi-bin/isle.cgi?type=all
Great prices. Good service. And some plans for the beginner DIY'er.
http://www.diygearsupply.com/diy.html
If you go to Jo Annes or Hancock they almost always have a 40-50% off coupon. Their fabric is usually 1.9oz. There are lots of great DIY sites represented on this forum with good product, good service and good prices.
I used 1.9 nylon on my DIY, 6'2" just over 300# love it....
Joann also has an app that will let you download coupons... there's always a 50% off coupon on my phone...
Joann's has a couple styles of "sport nylon" just make sure it's ripstop... They sell 1.9, but fabric stores don't measure it that way...
As long as you're under 290lbs, it should be just fine. I have several made from this fabric... they all hold me....
John - Good heads up on the Joann app. Thanks.
Regarding ripstop, personally I don't think that's important. I believe ripstop is designed to prevent further tearing in clothing and gear that isn't under much load. That grid probably doesn't provide much help when a hammock is failing.
That said, every hammock I've made has been from ripstop. Simply because it's what they had.