Favorite Gather/Whipping Method?

[GrizzlyAdams]

You lost me with the offset maybe I'm just sleepy, but I can't picture what you mean?

I think he cut a parallelogram. The 24" would be the height of the
triangle at one end whose base is the width (62"), and two of the
corners of the triangle are the corners of the hammock at that end.

I tried drawing an ascii picture of the triangle, but spaces aren't recognized in the textbox...it didn't help....

Grizz

[animalcontrol]

You lost me with the offset maybe I'm just sleepy, but I can't picture what you mean?

As Grizz said, I couldn't get a pic to transfer into the text box here...

I cut it in the shape of a parallelogram
The word 'offset' isn't the best description...On a 'normal' rectangle shape, all 4 corners will be a 90* angles. My 'offset', I kept the long side lengths the same (120") adjusted the 90* (right) angles on the ends (parallelogram)
Clear as mud???

[GrizzlyAdams]

here's what I think Andy cut. Don't know whether we're looking down at the inside or the outside, depends on which diagonal he goes for.

parallelogram.jpg

Grizz

[animalcontrol]

here's what I think Andy cut. Don't know whether we're looking down at the inside or the outside, depends on which diagonal he goes for.

parallelogram.jpg

Grizz

that's it...appreciate it

[Frawg]

I haven't settled on a preferred method yet, but here's my latest doings:


In the top two I've folded the 'W' gathered end back on itself and whipped it to form an eye. I then use a lark's head with tape (top example) or cord (middle example). I've also used both single and double slipped sheet bends with good result in both tape and cord. Incidentally, the mid-loop in the tape is for attaching a ridgeline, as desired.

The bottom example shows a sewn channel, which I am beginning to prefer because I can make the hammock a wee bit shorter for the same level of comfort.



Chuck

[Albert Skye]

[...] when I made my W gather, I didn't just pull the corners out, but the center of the W as well, essentially pulling the middle of the hammock tighter and allowing me to hang flatter.

That's also what I converged on, in my own experiments. I wonder why it's not more popular. Seems reasonable to call it a "wave gather".

[gargoyle]

I've been wrapping the gathered ends with a rubberband, then attaching the main suspension on, to cover the rubberband. quick n' cheap. Holds it all together while I loop on the suspension (cord or straps). If I dont like the way it lays, I dont have a bunch of untying to do.

[Merganser]

I use a method that is a bit like the Hennessy fold. In fact, the patent mentions an "alternate method" of whipping and I believe the description fits what I'm doing. I fold the outside edges of the body to the center then accordion fold each side. Center is up so the first fold goes down. I make the folds about an inch and a half high, gets nine folds each side of center.

The Hennessy fold results in the center of the hammock being pulled up a little tighter, (I have not figured out why this works) which contributes to a flatter lay for a given body length. It also is a bit awkward. The variation I'm using has a similar but less dramatic effect. About half way between a regular gathered whip and the Hennessy whip. It helps flatten the hammock without making it awkward.

Here is a picture of the whipping as described. For my hammock I have sewn the ends together in the center with piece of webbing.
IMG_9482.jpg
I whip it with mason line (the braided variety) very nice. The 1in rolled hem on the end of the fabric makes a nice bulge for hanging.
IMG_9483.jpg
Here is how it hangs...
IMG_9487.jpg

[Knighthorse]

My diy hammock started out with a variation of the standard accordion fold, with just the ends pulled out. Looked like a fishtail. Tried to rewhip it differently, and after many many times couldn't get it "right". Gave up on that altogether, and made a triple-sewn channel on each end, attaching with bowline knots loosely, not tight against the fabric. I'm thinking about taking it apart, ripping the seams, and re-making it as a double layer with same channels on the ends.