What am I doing wrong?

**Poor Richard** · 10-07-2011, 06:26

I found a great deal recently on some ripstop nylon (.99 a yard x 60"w) So I bought enough to make a couple hammocks for the wife and kid. I gathered the ends of the material and created a loop with it. I then used sewn 1/2" tubular webbing and basically tied a sheep shank. I hooked it to my ENO suspension and laid in it. The area down the center of the hammock is more taut while the sides seem to droop. I dissassembled the rig, and this time, i pulled the edges up to take the slack out to the sides. This helped only marginally, but the issue remained.

I did some preliminary searches on making a gathered end hammock, but I really didn't find anything to life the veil on my ignorance.

What am I doing wrong?

**Avenger** · 10-07-2011, 07:05

Just in case you haven't already read through it, this is a great place to start...

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

**KerMegan** · 10-07-2011, 07:43

you are doing nothing wrong- that is the characteristic behavior of a rectangular gathered/whipped hammock; are you laying straight? or on the diagonal? the 2nd position will use up some of the side slack, and the rest you can pull up to block the sun from shining in your eyes..at least that is how I utilize the extra fabric.
KM(who almost had a hammock nap yesterday; at least till the marching band started practicing..)

**Loneoak** · 10-07-2011, 08:09

How long is your hammock. This may have something to do with it also. The one's I have made are at least 10 foot long and that seem to help also.

**Poor Richard** · 10-07-2011, 11:25

The material is 12' long, I use the last 6" to form the bight out of the material and then use the 1/2" tubular webbing to tie a sheep shank. It works well, but as I said, it feels different then my ENO Double. I lay at an angle. I've been using the ENO for 7 years.
I'm 5' 10" and about 200lbs. (if size makes any difference)

It just doesn't feel right.

**Syb** · 10-07-2011, 11:49

Pics are going to help with some diagnosing. If we can see what some possible issues might be it will help you get to your comfort quicker. We're here to help so let those pics fly!

**wwk10** · 10-07-2011, 12:02

I think KM is right --- it is a characteristic of a square gathered end hammock. You are not doing anything wrong.

Avenger gave a good link.

Here is another link. This shows an alternative method for whipping which may help with your issue.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock2.html

**Poor Richard** · 10-07-2011, 12:06

I followed this tutorial. My DIY hammock is exactly like this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLt7W...eature=related

**AaronAlso** · 10-07-2011, 12:10

I will venture a guess that you are whipping it upside down. Try flipping the hammock over and then laying it it.

I once made this mistake when changing out the suspension on my Eno DN. I experienced alot like what you are describing. When I changed so the cord exited the channel on top not bottom it fixed the problem.

Hope that helps.