length of diy gathered end

[RootCause]

Rule of thumb: your height + 2 feet on each end.

Straight stitches work great. Too small = too much work. Too big = increased strain on them, but probably no big deal.

As for thread, I use all polyester. Generally, stay away from cotton as this can rot too quickly.

[GGT]

So I got my hammock finished! actually I finished it last thursday but after a 5 minute hang I had to put it away so I get to test it this afternoon

From my little lay I did notice some characteristics

1 its pretty heavy/bulky compared to my eno dn, didn't think 1.9 ripstop was that heavy but apparently it is

2 its not as wide as my dn the fabric was only 60" wide to start with so my feet feel like they are going to fall off! But maybe when I put a ridge line it will billow more?

However 3 I got a 'flat lay' almost immediatly, it is more comfortable support wise than my dn

Main test today...pics to come

[NCPatrick]

Congrats! I'd like to see pics!

[GGT]

well not much time spent in the hammock again today but heres some pics


hammock


close up of stitching


place for pad


one kid, the other is in there too hiding


me

[JohnSawyer]

2 its not as wide as my dn the fabric was only 60" wide to start with so my feet feel like they are going to fall off! But maybe when I put a ridge line it will billow more?

However 3 I got a 'flat lay' almost immediatly, it is more comfortable support wise than my dn

Main test today...pics to come

Very nice. Try hanging the foot-end about 6" higher than the head-end. You might find your feet wanting to stay more inside...

[Knotty]

Very nice. You can make things a little easier on yourself by just using a straight stitch. Zigzag is apparently for stretchy fabrics. To help keep your feet and bag or quilt in, try adding a footbox (triangle) to one side.

[GGT]

Thanks knotty, used ur diy sticky as a basis...Oh man more work, how do you add a footbox, any plans/pics of a step by step?

Thanks guys

[Knotty]

Cut a right triangle out of ripstop, maybe about 1.5' per leg. Do a rolled hem on all sides. Lay in your hammock and mark the location where your feet land. Next sew the two legs of your ripstop triangle to the edge of the hammock so the 90deg corner is where you marked the hammock. The hypotenuse is now the new edge of the hammock for that short distance. Since the hypotenuse is shorter than the sum of the two legs you've effectively shortened that side of the hammock and created a sort of pocket that helps keep your bag or TQ in place.