Sewing Questions

**Polymath** · 02-22-2011, 02:02

WARNING: Newb questions will follow!

Ok so I wish to start making my own hammock and it will actually be the first hammock I have ever used. Been doing all sorts of research but when it comes to sewing I'm curious about a couple things.

1) Does it matter what kind of sewing machine I use? Probably a really stupid question as I'm sure (and hope) the answer is no.
2) Does it matter what kind of thread I use? Mainly I'm asking this one for the rolled hem on the outer edges of my fabric. Just curious if I need some kind of super strength thread or just normal thread.

I'm on the verge of purchasing the fabric and some Amsteel to make a Whoopie suspension. I just wanna make sure I have the tools to make it once I receive the supplies. Thanks in advance for the replies. Lovin this forum already as ya'll have a great community here!

**Mat** · 02-22-2011, 03:50

Polymath,
Yes you can use any machine as long as it will stitch through your chosen fabric...as your DIY progresses you can upgrade your thread injector but to start a basic one will do the job fine.
As regards to the thread don't use cotton as it will rot over time get some good synthetic thread, over in the US you guys have guttermans here in the uk I use korabond, don't look for super heavy duty thread as your machine may not be able to handle it and it will make a right mess!!!

Measure twice cut once... You will only make that mistake once trust me!!!

And enjoy it!!! There is no better feeling than a night spent in a hammock you made yourself! Just out of intrest what sort if design are you doing?

Mat

**Dblcorona** · 02-22-2011, 07:06

Yep, as stated, if you can get through the fabric you want to use than what ever machine you have will work. For the thread, 100% polyester is what your looking for. A lot of members use gutterman, but I have had no problem with some of the other threads out there.

**Ramblinrev** · 02-22-2011, 07:58

You do not need any extra heavy duty thread. Usual home sewing thread is easily sufficient for DIY work. Things ,ight be different if you were doing commercial work.

**Polymath** · 02-22-2011, 09:01

Cool cool thanks for the feedback everyone I appreciate it.

@Mat, I do some wood work so the measure twice cut once thing is already a well know rule to me. lol Also I was planning on using one of Just Jeff's Hammock instructions.
I went over to BackWoodsDaydreamer and am going to order 4yd of 1.1oz ripstop and also enough Amsteel to make Whoopie's for my suspension.

**KerMegan** · 02-22-2011, 14:22

+1 on the Rev's videos, very informational.

**jeffjenn** · 02-22-2011, 14:55

Worth a look also..http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

**Mat** · 02-22-2011, 16:57

Originally Posted by Polymath

Cool cool thanks for the feedback everyone I appreciate it.

@Mat, I do some wood work so the measure twice cut once thing is already a well know rule to me. lol Also I was planning on using one of Just Jeff's Hammock instructions.
I went over to BackWoodsDaydreamer and am going to order 4yd of 1.1oz ripstop and also enough Amsteel to make Whoopie's for my suspension.

I have just been doing some whoopies myself great little project!, good look with the project buddy,

and you have come to the right place for help and ideas

Mat