Tutorial: Tablecloth hammock with integrated net

[Caveman]

Wow. From the mouth (finger tips) of a master! Thanks PapaSmurf! Very nice of you to post.

Please Sticky!

[vwgerald]

thank you!! great tutorial, i'm sure many of us will find this very usefull. i know i will
do you have any pictures of it finished?

[PapaSmurf]

thank you!! great tutorial, i'm sure many of us will find this very usefull. i know i will
do you have any pictures of it finished?

Here it is out on the trail.
Frosty's Silver Bullet

[PapaSmurf]

I think I understand most of this process except for this step. Is this essentially sewing the end channel together so that it remains bunched up for example even without the whoopie sling in it? I think the intent is to keep the channel end from extending to the full hammock body width and ripping the netting correct?

Here are a few photos showing the stitching on the inside of the channels.
Different hammock, but same concept.

Outside of channel

Inside of channel

Folded for stitching

Stitching the channel as shown in these photos locks the ends of the channel together so that it can't flex when entering/exiting the hammock. Also notice that the ends of the zipper are stitched to the channel. This helps strengthen the edge of the hammock and helps prevent damage to the hammock and zipper.

[Arothian]

Thanks for the extra detail, that is what I needed!

I'm going to try and tackle this with my ACU 1.6 ripstop that is on the way. We'll see how it turns out.

[PapaSmurf]

Are there any rules for determining the netting size if I'm using a differently sized hammock body when compared to a hammock blank?

The only hard and fast rule is that the edge of the net and the edge of the hammock must be equal lengths. Otherwise, you're gonna have trouble.

The easiest way I've found to fit a custom size net is to hang the hammock body (with ridgeline) and temporarily pull it out at the asym points or tie-out locations. Where and how far you pull the hammock out determines the asym shape of the net. I've also done this a few times with someone laying in the hammock, but I'm not sure if that's really necessary.

Throw the netting over the ridgeline and put a mark at 4 locations. One at each peak and one at each asym point.

Lay it out on a table or floor and mark a line to connect the 4 points.

Round off the asym points.

You can go crazy with pulling it tight, pinning, unpinning, moving, pinning, repeat, but I've found that nomatter what you do, you'll end up with approx the shape below anyway.
If these 4 points line up where they are supposed to, everything else is just a straight line between them.

[PapaSmurf]

I'm going to try and tackle this with my ACU 1.6 ripstop that is on the way. We'll see how it turns out.

When using fabric with a raw edge like that, I usually just roll the net and edge of hammock body at the same time. I use a folder attachment for this, but you can do it by hand if you prefer.

[dragon360]

I have been looking for something like this for the longest time. I really wanted something that helped pre-determine the size of the netting rather than a hang and pin method.

Thanks again PapaSmurf!!

[Arothian]

When using fabric with a raw edge like that, I usually just roll the net and edge of hammock body at the same time. I use a folder attachment for this, but you can do it by hand if you prefer.

I saw you mention this in another thread and I picked up one of these attachments. I haven't played with it yet but it seems like it will make rolled hems easier.

Thanks for the ideas on determining netting size; that's helpful!

[vwgerald]

once again a big thanks!!!!!!