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[Catavarie]

Two options really:

1. Sew Channels in each end and run a length of small cord (such as paracord) through the channels and cinch ends together to make a channel gathered end hammock.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205


2. Whip the ends making a whipped end hammock.

http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock2.html

[Eliteoomph]

thanks! The channel ends is what I figured people did but was not sure...
if one method any better then the other?

[Eliteoomph]

also, should I just make mine the standard 120x60 or are there different shaped cuts out there that make for a more comfortable hang?

[JohnSawyer]

thanks! The channel ends is what I figured people did but was not sure...
if one method any better then the other?

I have tried a whole bunch of different methods. There are two that I like. The first and easiest is documented here:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

The second here:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=670

For 9' hammocks, I like the second method as it seems to reduce calf pressure... but for longer hammocks (I LOVE my 11' hammocks) I like method 1. With method 1, you hem the long edges first, and then make a wide (3/4") rolled hem at each end, thread a piece of string through and tighten into a nice bundle. It's easier than the other whipping methods. It leaves floppy sides, so it makes attaching a bugnet a little more challenging, (at least for me.)

In the DIY Stickys is this thread of awesome how-to videos from the RamblinRev: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=6802

Everything you need to know is there. He's the reason I'm successful at making gear. (that and lots of practice)

RE: Measuring device for hems: Don't bother: None of mine are that consistent! If my sewing were perfect, nobody'd believe I made it!

John

[Catavarie]

thanks! The channel ends is what I figured people did but was not sure...
if one method any better then the other?

I used the channel ends for ease of gathering, goes alot quicker than whipping. IMO

also, should I just make mine the standard 120x60 or are there different shaped cuts out there that make for a more comfortable hang?

You could make your's longer or shorter depending on your height. I'm 5'8" on a good day and cut mine to be 126" after all sewing was done and it fits me perfect, but I also don't sleep on as much diagonal as I could either.

As for different shaped cuts you can just do the straight rectangle, simple and easy. Or you cold do an asymetric cut to make the diagonal line a bit more pronounced. CreativeKayt has a series of videos of a hammock she made with concave sides which looked really nice, probably going to clone her setup for my next hammock.

[Eliteoomph]

lol that makes perfect sense John. I will check out the video thanks!

but you sparked a new question I have 12' of fabric... I was thinking about a 10 ft but would you suggest I go with 11'? does it make that much more of a difference as far as getting a flatter hang?

[JohnSawyer]

It depends is always the answer... How tall are you? I'm 5'11". I wouldn't make anything for me that's less than 10'6" (raw length) My current hammock started it's life at 11'. Most folks make them at 10', I find I like a LOT of sag in my hammocks, so they don't end up too long, and when I add a bugnet, they're not claustrophobic in any way.

[Eliteoomph]

I am 6'2... I prefer to be as flat as possible, just because I tend to sleep a little better that way...

[Catavarie]

I read somewhere on these forums (not sure where atm) that take your height, add half that and then another 24" to figure length of your hammock.

Personally I say cut it long and use the ridge line to set your sag to what you find most comfortable. If you have 12 feet of material you'll end up with around 11' 9" finished length with channel ends.

[Eliteoomph]

Yeah that puts me at about 11.25'

You wouldn't happen to have a link with a how to on adjusting the ridgeline to adjust the sag would you? I have not seen that yet...