Joann Fabric Ripstop Nylon

**Ramblinrev** · 06-23-2010, 11:01

Originally Posted by nailer

two weeks ago went to the US and casually found a Joann´s fabrics store, so I asked for the ripstop nylon. It was as expensive as I had seen in the net, but didn´t look like the fabric of the Skeeter Beeter Pro I had just bought. Or more correctly said, the Skeeter Beeter fabric didn´t look like this ripstop. Besides of being less heavy, it doesn´t show the chekered trheads I saw on Joann´s, but looked almost exactly like the nylon of my swimsuit shorts.
So, is this parachute silk ripstop or not? Or could I take my swimsuit to a fabrics store and ask for a simmilar material to make a tarp or hammock?

You probably want to request polyester or nylon taffeta. That's what many commercial hammocks are made of. I don't know about the skeeter beeter for sure but what is commonly referred to as "parachute silk nylon" is most likely a light weight nylon taffeta. Taffeta is a weave pattern that comes in a variety of weights and a variety of fiber contents.

**BOB1520** · 06-23-2010, 11:11

I have purchase the Joann fabric ripstop material and after it is washed or has been used several times. What seems water resistant before it's used goes away. I made a prototype tent stuff sack. to make sure my measurements and plan was in-line, before i used the good material. I recently tested it for waterproofness and it dripped water verry quickly.

This material would work very well for a hammock.

**nailer** · 06-23-2010, 11:19

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

You probably want to request polyester or nylon taffeta. That's what many commercial hammocks are made of. I don't know about the skeeter beeter for sure but what is commonly referred to as "parachute silk nylon" is most likely a light weight nylon taffeta. Taffeta is a weave pattern that comes in a variety of weights and a variety of fiber contents.

Thanks for the info. Yes indeed, it is advertised like parachute silk nylon. Anyway it is rated to 400 lbs instead of the other Skeeter Beeter model, made of polyester, that is rated to 200 lbs. So far has supported my weight quite well.
And how well suited is this fabric for a tarp? Hope is less expensive too.
Bye

**kayak karl** · 02-26-2011, 12:05

im going to Joann's Fabric and Crafts tomorrow in Deptford NJ. want ripstop for a hammock. should i assume its 1.9. any little tests i could do.

**jeepcachr** · 02-26-2011, 13:03

Originally Posted by kayak karl

im going to Joann's Fabric and Crafts tomorrow in Deptford NJ. want ripstop for a hammock. should i assume its 1.9. any little tests i could do.

If you have a known sample of 1.9 bring it with you. The people at JoAnn's usually can't tell you more than what is on the label on the end of the bolt. What I have seen in Joann's in Ripstop should work fine for a hammock. I've made a couple from fabric from them.

**JerryW** · 02-26-2011, 13:16

Originally Posted by kayak karl

im going to Joann's Fabric and Crafts tomorrow in Deptford NJ. want ripstop for a hammock. should i assume its 1.9. any little tests i could do.

All the ripstop I've ever bought at JoAnn's weighed in at ~1.7oz/sq.yd.

Jerry

**JohnSawyer** · 02-26-2011, 13:26

They only list one type of ripstop on their site, and I've only seen that in the stores... I'd trust Jerry's scale.

Regardless, I've made several hammocks from the stuff, and much lighter material (1.1) holds up my 215# bulk with no issues.

**kayak karl** · 02-26-2011, 13:34

thanks guys, im syked now.

**Fronkey** · 02-28-2011, 18:54

Is Polyester Taffeta cheaper than Ripstop or is it just preference?

Fronkey

**JohnSawyer** · 03-01-2011, 13:09

Joann's ripstop is now $7.99/yd. various polyesters are as little as $4, I think, for "lining" material. The Polyester taffeta I used for one kid hammock was $5/yd but quite heavy... and comfortable...

John