Buying Fabric

[Zolsta]

So I'm brand new to Hammocks. I found a reference to it in an article about cross-country biking, and it sparked interest. I've found a bunch of sites (Just Jeff's, Risk's Ultralite Hiking, to name a few) as well as these wonderful forums.

I'm thinking to craft a DIY hammock and indoor stand (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ghlight=stands) for my first hammock. I'm thinking this will give me a good feel for Hammocks. The reason I'm building the Indoor stand is I'm on call for a week out of every month, and this would probably be more comfortable than the couch I sleep on in the basement during on-call week (wife's a light sleeper).

On to the questions:

Where do you tend to buy fabric? Online, or local stores?

Is the Ripstop at Jo-ann's fabric ok for at least a test hammock, or would I be better getting different fabric?

Any tips or tricks, recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the input, and great information on these forums.

~Z

[pgibson]

Hey Z, first welcome Depending on how good any local fabric shops are you are not likely to find a lot in your area, most folks order on line for hammock and tarp fabric. There are lots of places and even one of the members here sells a good bit. Check out Backwoods Day Dreamer for a good bit of DIY materials. JoAnn's ripstop is 1.9 and will work fine for a hammock depending on your weight.

[Zolsta]

Thanks for the information.

I'm 5' 11" and around 200lbs at the moment. How can you determine weight limitations on fabric, aside from making a hammock and trying it out?

[pgibson]

Warbonnet has a good chart on his site for capacity and stretch weight ranges. Though most of the rip stops will hold well more than that it is a good starting point. I have had near 400 pounds in a 1.1 single layer and near 600 in a 1.7 single. But not comfortable at all at those weights. A single 1.7 or 1.9 should be fine for you at your weight.

[z96cobra]

FWIW, the 1.9 ripstop from Joanne's has held me many times and I'm 6'2" and 285 lbs. You should be fine in it.

Roger

[Pro Vagabond]

At least where I live, on Sept 25th, Joann's fabric will be having another 50% off one item sale. Lasts a week. That makes their Ripstop $3.50 a yard. Perfect material for the new DIYer (I know, I just finished mine today).

[Newzy]

I've seen ripstop at Joann's before but it had a high sheen to it and didn't seem as pliable as ripstop that I had previously bought at Wally world. Any input ??

[JohnSawyer]

Ha! Just finished a Joanne's ripstop hammock last night for my son!

The shiny, but not rubbery nylon is "hot calendared" and DWR coated. If you wash it, or use it, it gets quite pliable...

My current hammock is 1.1oz single layer from Backwoodsdaydreamer.com (uncoated) I'm 210Lbs, and it holds me fine, a double-layer would be better, though (less stretch.)

Unless you're over 6' tall. A 10' piece of fabic is about perfect. Much shorter than that, and it's hard to lay flat. My current hammock started it's life as an 11' piece of fabric, and I like it! Also, the fabric from Backwoodsdaydreamer is unusually wide at 64", which makes a great hammock. Joanne's fabric is 52" or 54" wide. It's adequate, but the wide fabric is really nice.

RE:Joanne's 50% off sale: you'll need a coupon before the 25th.

Suspension is a big deal. Make sure you have good rope, rated for at least 4 times your weight, or good webbing straps. Nylon ropes/tree huggers are a no-no, as they stretch...

Arrowheadequipment.webs.com is a great vendor, with lots of suspension options. They also have good thread CHEAP! (They ship quick, too.)

[Big Jim Mac]

How do you get coupons for JoAnns? Mine has lots of ripstop.

[Pro Vagabond]

I usually pick up a flyer on the way into the store or check their website.

John, I just finished mine last night as well. Haven't even hung in it yet.

Big Jim, Where is Taos in Mo.?