first diy hammock question

**charley** · 03-12-2010, 15:47

I bought some material at walmart to make a 2 layer hammock. It is 1.1 nylon and 1.9 polyester. My question is, does it make a difference which material is inside? My guess is to put the heavier poly on the out side and line it with the thinner nylon. The second layer is a little for strength and to hold a pad.
My plan is to roll hem them on all sides then sew them together on both ends and one side. I will sew them together about 8 inches each end of the fourth side leaving the rest open to slide the pad in. I will sew a one inch hem on each end for the climbing cord with d rings to gather it. Is it stronger to put the cord through the channel then roll it down and tie it again and then girth hitch a loop of cord with the rings attached or to just pass the loop through the channel and then the rings through the loop on the other end? I hope that is understandable.

**JohnSawyer** · 03-12-2010, 16:00

IMHO strength will be irrelevant on which fabric is inside. personally, I'd go with whatever feels better...

Most folks whip the ends of the hammocks. There are two sites that cover that in basic detail, and dozens of threads here that go over the relative merits of the various methods.

http://www.imrisk.com -- Look for the zhammock instructions
http://www.tothewoods.net -- click on make your own gear (if I recall).

On the sewing: Risk's site shows instructions for a double layer where you sew the edge together in the middle to help avoid ejecting your pad as you wiggle... I don't use a pad, so I don't know the relative benefits.

Best of luck! Be careful, though... once you finish your first DIY project, you'll be addicted...

John

**Knotty** · 03-12-2010, 17:18

This instructional might help. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205
I find this method of whipping to be easy and secure. Plus it makes the hammock lay like a Warbonnet, which many on this forum claim to be the most comfortable hammocks.

**phatpenguin** · 03-12-2010, 17:41

I just did the same thing with my DIY hammock.

Instead of rolled hemming, I just sewed them together, then turned it inside out (like risk's zhammock.) Of course I did hem the portion that was not sewed together on the open edge.

The WB whipping like knotty suggests rules (although I did w whip the foot end)

**PuckerFactor** · 03-12-2010, 17:35

Regarding the pad slot, I make mine with a 30" slot (for my 24" pad) halfway from each end on the left side so I can reach in as I'm laying there to adjust the pad. Works for me. :-|

Acer

**Trout** · 03-12-2010, 17:42

I'd put the ripstop on the outside to help with possible rips from something poking it on the outside. Also, feel of the fabric.

**PuckerFactor** · 03-13-2010, 00:02

Forgot to say that similar to phatpenguin, I sew the 2 layers together (except for the pad slot), then turn it right side out, and go over the edges again, hemming the pad slot when I get to it. I usually don't even bother finishing the ends, since I whip them with a double sheet bend anyway.
Now that I think of it, it'd be really easy to insert a fringe layer in between the 2 sides.... Hmmmm.

Might have to do that on my next lounger...

Gears 'a turnin',
Acer

**charley** · 03-13-2010, 11:52

Thanks for all the tips especially the sewing together and turning inside out.

**Knotty** · 03-13-2010, 12:48

Originally Posted by charley

Thanks for all the tips especially the sewing together and turning inside out.

Like making a giant pillow!

**JohnSawyer** · 03-15-2010, 12:25

Originally Posted by Knotty

Like making a giant pillow!

Now you folks got me thinking...

I've been thinking my existing hammock is too short (9' long, I'm 6') When I add a lot of sag to get headroom, my feet start to hang off the end...

How about this: (or am I insane?)
Double layer 1.1, I plan to use my 2/3rds UQ anyway, so why not sew in insulation under my feet in between the layers?... Since I have a tendancy to lay feet-left, I could sew a piece of insultex, insul-brite, or other lightweight insulator to the left side, near the end (but leave enough room to avoid including the insulation in the whipping)... Once the hammock is setup, I could go back into the pocket and cut out the extra... If I added a few hand-stitches I could keep the insulation in place.

That could potentially resolve my current problem... Cold feet and legs... Hmmmm...

(or should I just get a full-size UQ?)
Darn, another item on the list of things to build!