Wanted: Plans for DIY hammock

**grich9860** · 11-30-2010, 07:31

I am going to be making my first DIY hammock during this off season. I am looking for demensions for the length and width of the hammock (gathered end style). I am 6'2" tall. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you for your input!!

Hops

**TwoShoes** · 11-30-2010, 07:34

Heres one thats a sticky in the DIY section. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

**gargoyle** · 11-30-2010, 07:40

Yep. That's the one I'd suggest. Easy and comfortable . Knotty's video and instructions are great!!
Headchange4U has a good one too. Check the diy forum for many different ideas.

**GvilleDave** · 11-30-2010, 15:36

Actually I would suggest using ideas from both of those threads:

Use a gathered end like Knotty shows but make it with asymetrical tie outs like HC4U's HH Clone thread shows. Whether or not you add an attached bug screen is up to you or you can come back and add one later.

Size wise I believe in bigger is better. I made one similar to what I describe and started with fabric that was 11' 8" long x 60" wide - I can tell you the hammock is huge inside and very comfortable. Here's a link to that hammock I built: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...hlight=hammock

Also if you are thinking about a double layer check out Risk's instructions here for tips on joining the two layers and leaving access to insert pads. http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm
He drew a good diagram that illustrates where to sew and where to leave open.

Good luck - post pics when you're done!

**nicholasyax** · 11-30-2010, 15:57

I mostly followed the instructions on JustJeff's page:
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock.html

For a first hammock, it doesn't matter too much. You will learn as you make it and as you read the forums, and your second hammock will be different based on what features you decide to try adding and removing.

For length, I originally tried 10ft of material and found it too short (5'8" myself), so go with at least 11ft now.

**MarshLaw303** · 11-30-2010, 16:10

You will be wicked happy if you go with this...

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ghlight=jerry5

-Tim

**HomeMadeHiker** · 11-30-2010, 17:01

There is a sticky HH clone thread in DIY. That is simple and pretty comfy. Much nicer than my true HH.

**JerryW** · 11-30-2010, 21:26

Originally Posted by MarshLaw303

You will be wicked happy if you go with this...

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ghlight=jerry5

-Tim

Thanks for the link Tim. I must have missed that one.

Here's a look at my version of a DIY hammock: The Jerry5

And Hawk-eye's version of the same. Good pics in post #16.

Jerry

**sigma_pete** · 11-30-2010, 23:30

I'm 6'1" & 325#, so I built a hybrid double layer 1.9 ripstop version blending ideas from Knotty and Risk's designs. The raw material length is 11'6" x 60" and instead of sewing the middle 1/3 on each side like Risk's diagram shows, I sewed approx. 2/3 down one side and then the opposite 2/3 on the other side leaving an approx. 3' opening diagonal from one another at each end in order to slide in a pad (but I haven't used a pad yet as it hasn't gotten cold enough for me to need one). For mosquito netting, I basically use Risk's quarter weight net design suspended from the ridge line.

Risk's ZHammock design:
http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm

**stevebo** · 12-01-2010, 00:38

If you pick up a copy of Ed Speers book, hes got a couple of formulas for determining hammock length, depending on how tall you are etc. (and I agree, bigger, longer is better!)