Hem the fabric edge for a hammock?

[Lando]

Still VERY new to sewing, but as far as I can tell I need to take my ripstop I got from the local Joann and hem the perimeter of the fabric to prevent it from unravelling. Is there anything else? No sealant, double stitch or fancy stitch patterns to worry about? Just a plain straight stitch rolled hem (to hide the frayed edge) around the entire outside edge and then either whip the ends or sew a channel for a cord/tie in point?
Thanks!

[PapaSmurf]

Correct. Do all 4 sides, then add the channel if desired.

Many of the more experienced DIY'ers can double roll & sew a great looking rolled hem. I can't. Most of the time I do the rolled hem in 2 steps. Simple 3/8" to 1/2" fold, sew, repeat. This takes longer & maybe you'll have better luck double folding and sewing all in one step.

[sr1355]

Correct. Do all 4 sides, then add the channel if desired.

Many of the more experienced DIY'ers can double roll & sew a great looking rolled hem. I can't. Most of the time I do the rolled hem in 2 steps. Simple 3/8" to 1/2" fold, sew, repeat. This takes longer & maybe you'll have better luck double folding and sewing all in one step.

At least I'm not the only one doing it this way.... Still working on nice striaght stitches.... Mine tend to look like mountain roads at times....

[ArcsandSparks]

I have tried the one step and it is a lot harder to make it look "pretty". So it's 2 steps for this guy until I get better...

Does anyone know what type the Joann ripstop is? My guess is 1.9 but I cannot find any info about it. thanks.

[PapaSmurf]

Forgot to mention. If you bury or sew in a piece of Grosgrain ribbon on each end, the hammock ends will have a little "bulk" when whipped. I don't know if it really helps, but sometimes I feel better knowing that my ropes can't slide off the end of my hammock.

[PapaSmurf]

Does anyone know what type the Joann ripstop is? My guess is 1.9 but I cannot find any info about it. thanks.

The stuff I've seen there is probably 1.9ish? Though, I've never actually purchased or used any.

[Silverlion]

My thread injector has a foot attachment that double rolls the edges as I sew errr uhh, inject thread. You should be able to purchase these at any shop that services thread injectors. Mine is an antique White brand and came with more stuff than I know what to do with. I picked it up at a G sale for free. Lucky me!

[Dutch]

I fold and iron. Then I sew once. It is neat and faster than sewing 2x. I wish I had a rolled hem foot.

[BlackRock]

You need a rolled hem foot, lots of spare fabric, beer and a few hours to kill.

So bring in a big chunk of the fabric you are using to your local sew shop and work with them to get the right size hem foot. They'll either simply tell you which size foot to get or try it on a machine there to figure out which foot you need.

They are not exactly easy to use but once you get the hang of it there is no turning back. It will make all your large projects look like a pro did them.

Youtube is also a wonderful resource. There must be a 100 videos on using a rolled hem foot.

Here is the setup I've got for my Pfaff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFwD5xBsTvQ

[Bradley]

I fold and iron. Then I sew once. It is neat and faster than sewing 2x. I wish I had a rolled hem foot.

Back on post 2 or 3 I was thinking a low heat iron . . . there ya go
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