Can I really use anything to whip the ends of a hammock?

**MiriRose** · 07-27-2013, 13:16

Hi all, I'm making my first hammock, using the Backwoods Daydreamer DIY guide and the gathered end hammock instructions by knotty here on Hammock Forums, and I wanted to check a detail with people here. I'm getting a Whoppie Hook suspension from Dutchware, so there'll be an Amsteel continuous loop larks-headed around each end that the suspension attaches to. Given that the cord gathering the end won't be load bearing, can I really use just about anything for it? I've seen braided mason line mentioned for this purpose, but the hardware store near me only has it in fluorescent pink, in 1000 foot rolls. The pink would clash with the fabric I have for the hammock and 1000 feet is 994 feet more than I need, hence my question. So, can I really use just any thing? Like, for example, a shoe lace or a yoyo string or craft twine...?

Thanks!

**Junebugdawn** · 07-27-2013, 13:20

I believe this is correct. I think some people even use zip ties. The loops will be taking all the weight and will further hold the fabric together.

**hk2001** · 07-27-2013, 16:24

Walmart has "Utility Line" in it's camping section.. It comes in a few colors here, Camo, white, yellow.

It's basically poor mans paracord.

50' is like $3, it's perfect for whipping.

When you attach the suspension, it'll be holding all the weight, the whipping is simply there to keep the end bunched together.

**MiriRose** · 07-27-2013, 17:14

Ok, I'm reassured! I'll make sure to test it before going somewhere with the hammock as my sleeping surface of course!
hk2001, strange as this may seem I don't think there's a Walmart near me!

**nothermark** · 07-27-2013, 17:22

You can beat $3 with a pair of shoelaces. No stretch and fairly strong. ;-)

**hk2001** · 07-27-2013, 17:49

Originally Posted by MiriRose

Ok, I'm reassured! I'll make sure to test it before going somewhere with the hammock as my sleeping surface of course!
hk2001, strange as this may seem I don't think there's a Walmart near me!

Where do you live, and can I move there!??!?

There's.. 17 within a half hour of me according to walmart's store finder

**lazy river road** · 07-27-2013, 17:53

Or what you can do is use the continuous loops to whip the ends of your hammock and finish it off with a simple larks head. That's what I did with my WBBB. Ran the continuous loop through the channel, cinched it down and wrapped it around the end a couple of times and finished it off with a larks head. Or yes you can use anything to wrap the ends with.

**zukiguy** · 07-27-2013, 18:15

I just used waxed dental floss to gather up the ends of my tablecloth hammock. This just evenly bunched everything up then I applied a heavy duty cable tie (ziptie). Once the continuous loop or other cord is larks headed on there I don't really think it matters. Gathered is gathered.....

**MiriRose** · 07-27-2013, 19:14

Originally Posted by hk2001

Where do you live, and can I move there!??!?

There's.. 17 within a half hour of me according to walmart's store finder

I live in an inner suburb of Boston. Unfortunately, Boston is something like the third most expensive metropolitan area in the US, after New York and San Francisco.

That kind of puts a cramp in moving here for most people.
As it turns out, according to Walmart's store finder, there's one about 10 miles from me. That doesn't seem close to me though, probably because there's lot of stuff closer by. Also, I don't have a car so the trade-off between convenience and price doesn't favor shopping anywhere that isn't either nearby or on a convenient train line. Don't be too envious though, we have plenty of mega-store blight - there are 10(!) Home Depots closer to me than that Walmart!