2 loops added to Blackbird to keep it open

**HappyCamper** · 03-11-2012, 19:08

Nothing spectacular . . . just a convenience add-on.

The pull-outs on Hennessy hammocks are below the zipper so the hammock stays open wide even when the bugnet is unzipped and stowed away. I like this feature and added 2 loops under the zipper of my Blackbird. It stayed open just fine. But when I closed the zipper the bugnet fell in my face. So I added Dutchhooks to the ends of the pull-out string so I can easily switch from upper loops to lower loops. I can change it even while laying in the hammock if I forget to switch it back before going to sleep. Thank you, Dutch !

**Syb** · 03-11-2012, 19:22

Excellent idea HC! Thanks for posting the pics. Think I might have to give this a try.

**HamMike** · 03-11-2012, 20:08

I like it! Good idea! Did you hand sew'em?

**Gustav** · 03-11-2012, 20:13

Thanks for sharing that great idea

**HappyCamper** · 03-11-2012, 20:15

Originally Posted by HamMike

I like it! Good idea! Did you hand sew'em?

Yes I did. You can hand sew or use a machine. I sewed the grosgrain loops to the edge of the zipper material for strength.

**Lost_Biker** · 03-11-2012, 20:52

Excellent work! Simple and effective. Don't have Dutch hooks, so mitten hooks should work fine.

**HappyCamper** · 03-11-2012, 20:59

Yes, and mini-biners work too.

**Merganser** · 03-11-2012, 21:31

One of the subtle features of the Blackbird is that because of the extra fabric above the zipper and the fact that the netting is tied out above it the body of the hammock is free to hang naturally.

When I made my Blackbird clone I chose to tie out the body and he the netting come all the way to the zipper. That gave it better ventilation and a view but the twin tie outs created a flat spot in the bottom of the body that made it hard for my underquilt to conform. The result was air gaps. I believe that any unnatural tension on the hammock body could cause this sort of issue.

The darts and attachment of th KAQ specifically overcame this issue for the Hennesy style hammocks.

As long as there is not enough tension to actually pull on the body you'll be fine but if you find you suddenly have issues with cold spots you'll know why.