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Thread: Zig Zag or not?

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    Zig Zag or not?

    When hemming a gathered end hammock, should I use a zig zag stitch? I have seen recommendations both ways. The zig zag makes sense as the nylon is likely to stretch some, but I have seen straight stitched hems on most hammocks. Has anyone had trouble either way?

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    Senior Member Snowball's Avatar
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    I can’t recommend zigzag stretch for a hem. In a hem you have 3 layers of fabric and the stretch is minimal if it exist at all.
    IMO you don’t have much use for zigzag in gear making.
    If you use high-quality polyester tread you won’t have any problems.
    If there is nothing left to learn it’s time to die.
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    Senior Member Bubba's Avatar
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    Straight stitches are all you need. Can't think of any vendor or commercial hammock where I've seen hems with zigzag stitching.
    Last edited by Bubba; 05-12-2015 at 16:23.
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    Senior Member boulderv7's Avatar
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    Yup straight stitch everything.
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    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    IMO zigzag on an end channel is actually a failure waiting to happen. Too much flexibility in the whole system to make me comfortable. Straight stitch all the way.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
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