Size for a homemade hammock

**attroll** · 10-16-2006, 00:30

I am thinking about shortening the width of my homemade hammock to 45". The 66" width I have now that I started out with is just top much. When I lay in it, it rolls right up over and around me and completely covers me. Has anyone else gone down to a 45" width and will that be to small?

**blackbishop351** · 10-16-2006, 00:33

Originally Posted by attroll

I am thinking about shortening the width of my homemade hammock to 45". The 66" width I have now that I started out with is just top much. When I lay in it, it rolls right up over and around me and completely covers me. Has anyone else gone down to a 45" width and will that be to small?

I made mine 50" wide (before hemming). It's wider than it needs to be in the middle, but it's just about right more toward the ends. I think 45" might be too narrow if you lay more toward one end like I do.

**Just Jeff** · 10-16-2006, 01:55

I made a 48" one...I started going back up from there. I'm settled at about 54" finished width now.

Maybe try 55" before you go to 50" or 45"?

**Aramis** · 10-21-2006, 19:32

I think mine is 4'6" wide, which feels about right. The fabric is fairly high opposite the head and feet, but I don't find it a problem. As long as you hang it loose and always lay diagonally it's not too restrictive. You can cradle your head and arm in a fold right along the edge and hang your feet over the side for the ultimate in decadence.

The only thing wrong with a 10' + hammock is that it's hard to find a tarp that fits and doesn't weigh a ton. Still, if you made the hammock then you probably don't mind making a tarp too.

**Just Jeff** · 10-21-2006, 20:40

I have a long hammock, but I put a structural ridgeline on it so the length when it's hung is shorter than it would be otherwise. (Does that make sense?) So my tarp doesn't have to be as long. I'm still gonna make one soon, though - probably 10.5'x5'.

**Otter1** · 12-10-2006, 21:52

Hello Ladies & Gents!

1st post here, recognize many of you from Rock's site & WB.

Love my Hennessy, and don't need another. However (SHOCK!!!!!), I can't resist the urge to make a hammock!

Being just over 6'1", would 57" be best?

Thanks for the help, and if I might add, every post I've looked at is helpful AND friendly. Nice to see that...

-toddhiker

**Coffee** · 12-10-2006, 22:03

Originally Posted by toddhiker

Hello Ladies & Gents!

1st post here, recognize many of you from Rock's site & WB.

Love my Hennessy, and don't need another. However (SHOCK!!!!!), I can't resist the urge to make a hammock!

Being just over 6'1", would 57" be best?

Thanks for the help, and if I might add, every post I've looked at is helpful AND friendly. Nice to see that...

-toddhiker

Welcom to Hammock Forums.

I am 6'4" and like a long hammock. Mine are usually around 11' and 5' wide. Ed Speer has something in his book that say your height plus 4' if you tie knots. A little shorter if you don't.

If you have the material, make an extra long one until you figure out what works for you. It is easy to go back and shorten it up later.

BTW, I also used to love my HH. Now I prefer the homemade one. I plan on taking one on my thru next year.

**slowhike** · 12-10-2006, 22:31

i like 48" & may try a 45" (finished w/ hem) for next summer.
i really like the openess of the low sides. but the sides are taught enough that i don`t feel any real danger of rolling out. ...tim

**Just Jeff** · 12-10-2006, 23:00

Yikes - 45"?! You're a stud. I think I might be back to wider hammocks for a while. I do like how the thinner ones have better views, though. And the thinner ones work better with the PeaPod, too - this one holds it up off my body too much and compresses the down a bit. No big deal though - I use the No Sniveler inside. Maybe I'll cut it down to 58" wide sometime.

Agree about the HH - I like it, but my homemade ones are much more comfortable. I still take the HH for buggy weather, though - it's hard to beat for convenience when bugs are out.