DIY Gathered End Hammock & Whoopie Slings

[bindibadgi]

I'm fixing to do something similar. Does all ripstop nylon come like that, with all the edges raw? I was kind of expecting the edges (obviously not the ends) to be actual fabric edges, like I see on most bolts in the fabric store.

I was planning on searching around/asking the pros here what kind of hem (if any) was needed. If one didn't want to waste any of the fabric's width, what would be the minimum needed to stop fraying? I've got an injector, and also an overlocker (I believe it's called a serger in the US) which I'm not afraid to use, but I'd like to minimise the loss of width. I want to do Knotty's stretch side, so I guess I need some kind of rolled hem, but do I need to do two folds, or just one, or maybe use the overlocker and then do one fold? I'm a bit lost on this subject I have to admit!

[gmcttr]

So for starters - Do fold all the working edges over to create my seam? I was think I would fold the edge, lay down a straight stitch. Fold the edge again and lay down another.

Just fold twice and stitch once as shown in these Rolled Hem/Drawstring Channel instructions.

...Does all ripstop nylon come like that, with all the edges raw? I was kind of expecting the edges (obviously not the ends) to be actual fabric edges, like I see on most bolts in the fabric store.

...If one didn't want to waste any of the fabric's width, what would be the minimum needed to stop fraying?...

The "raw" edge in the photos is a selvage edge and does not fray. Some fabrics have a selvage edge and some have the "finished" edge you are used to seeing.

While neither edge will fray, the edge of a hammock can have a considerable amount of stress placed on it as you get in and out and I believe should be roll hemmed to reinforce it. A 1/2" rolled hem will reduce the width by 1"...so you lose 2" total.

[Conr8]

What the heck...
I figures I might just as well by the same kind of material as the stuff you bought. Foun it on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...#ht_995wt_1270

I think it's the same, but it's coated (however listed as breathable, but we'll see about that).

Now I just have to get back home, get a sewing machine and get strated

Guess I'll be doing a Roled and Whipped end model instead of the gathered end to achieve a more flat layout when lying down.
I hope you'll be posting pictures as you go along :-)

Good luck

[Delboy]

Now to go get some Sewing Machine Oil so I can get the Thread Thrower ready for work. I been cleaning the machine up and I'm not sure when it was last oiled. It sat in my wife's Grandmothers bedroom in the corner. I did run some thread through as a test so I know it works.

Ahh...looks like a 237

[Conr8]

Hmmm... Any progress on your project?
I just got my sewing machine this weekend, so I'm going to get started.
Got the wrong nylon (coated) off eBay, but I guess it's ok for a first try.