Stoked! My nephews are making hammocks and I would like advice

[dkurfiss]

I ordered up a couple of 60x120 tablecloths a few weeks back when they were on sale. I just ordered a couple of suspensions from Dutch for them so by the time I get back from vacation everything to make new hammocks should be here.

My question to you is how did you do the ends of your hammock and why. I noticed there are kind of 3 styles

1) W fold with suspension cinched around it.
2) Stitched channel with cord/zip tie through it but suspension cinched around it
3) Triple stitched channel (weight bearing) with suspension ran through the channel.

This is going to be project for a 14 year old, a 12 year old, and I am going to help them pull it all together. They would like them for the backyard this summer and to use when we go to the river for our yearly kayak and fishing trip. Highly unlikely they will actually sleep in them over night.

Any and all input is welcome just please gear it toward a DIY idiot which is what I am

[nuttysquirrel]

i like 2. it looks cleaner than 1, and not as much work as 3.

[JToon]

I used method 3, only because I figure I need the practice running thread through the injector so I could get better at sewing and start to accomplish projects where a person actually sees how good or bad of a job sewing I did

[dkurfiss]

Do you guys thing the lay is any different with one method over another? I mean at their age they are not going to know the difference but I would like to know

[MrClean417]

No problems with either. W fold doesn't require any sewing.

[marlyscanoe]

I started with option 1 but didn't like the lay or the look so unwhipped it and went with option 3 and thread my whoopies through the channel.....much better for my comfort as it increased the length and it just looks better to me..

Option 3 makes a nice clean finish and other then sewing the channel really requires little in terms of skill...if you've learned how to operate a thread injector then you are 90% there!

[Ratdog]

Option 1 is easy and allows you to try several different folding methods.
This allows you to adjust the slack on the edges.

[breyman]

Agree with others. #3 looks cleanest and is (very slightly) more comfortable. #1 is the easiest and doesn't require a sewing machine.

I've done this project with scouts about the same age and I sewed the channels for them but allowed them to construct the whoopie slings and sew the ridgeline organizer. In the end, it probably depends on if you have access to a sewing machine and you or they can do that part. If so, #3 really is a great way. Otherwise, I'd go with 1.

[Seigfried]

If the table cloths are plenty longer than the intended users, then go with number one. My primary lounging hammock is built that way, works great and is easy for the kids to do themselves. For doing the whipping, go to home depot and get a few small cable clamps. They're these orange ratcheting loops meant to hold cables together when they're coiled, but I use them to hold the whipping in place when starting, makes the whips tighter, cleaner, and easier. They also work great for bundling rope if you're kayaking, when every gram isn't quite as much of an issue.

[dkurfiss]

Agree with others. #3 looks cleanest and is (very slightly) more comfortable. #1 is the easiest and doesn't require a sewing machine.

I've done this project with scouts about the same age and I sewed the channels for them but allowed them to construct the whoopie slings and sew the ridgeline organizer. In the end, it probably depends on if you have access to a sewing machine and you or they can do that part. If so, #3 really is a great way. Otherwise, I'd go with 1.

This is good input. Thank you. The oldest has finished home ec and can sew. He agreed to sew both of them if his brother would take out the trash for a week assuming we do the channel ones. I personally don't sew so well but have access to their Mom who sews like a champ. She also has a machine and agreed we could use it under her supervision so I don't screw up the tension.