Tutorial: Tablecloth hammock with integrated net

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07-10-2012, 11:53
PapaSmurf

Tutorial: Tablecloth hammock with integrated net

Just a quick tutorial for my friends at HF.

Final weight of hammock with ridgeline & 6ft whoopies in stuff sack = 20.65oz.

Materials
(from DIY Gear Supply)
1 each- 60” Hammock Blank
3 yds – Noseeum Netting
10 ft - #3 Coil Zipper
2 each - #3 Double Tab Zipper slider
2 ft – 1/8” Reflective Glowwire
1 spool - Gütermann Mara 70
12ft – 1.9mm Tech Line
25ft – 7/64” Amsteel
Total cost = $48.26 + shipping

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http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...out1_thumb.png http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...out2_thumb.png
Net Layout
1. Cut Noseeum to 41” x 81”.
2. Measure in 11.25" from opposite corners and cut to parralelagram shape.
3. Round opposite corners. I use Smurfette's big Tupperware lid. Don't get caught sneaking it out of the kitchen!:)
4. Decide wheather you want a left lay or right lay and put a little mark at the foot end so you don't get mixed up later.
Diagram is for a right lay when top is facing up. (head left-feet right) If you lay opposite, flip it over now.

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Body
1. Mark, pin and sew 3" channels on ends of hammock body with 3 strong rows of stitching.
2. Put a pin in the foot channel so you don't get mixed up later.

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http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...body_thumb.png http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._603_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._848_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._855_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._219_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._225_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._510_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._251_thumb.jpg
Join Net and Body
1. Carefully meassure the distance around the net on the side that will be sewn. Mine ended up about 109.25", but yours may be slightly different.
2. Mark the side to be sewn of the hammock body with a pin at the start and stop of the net stitching.
Note - The net will likely stretch, so leave an inch or two for the net to grow as you sew it. I started the net approx 2" from the end of the channel.
3. Lay Net on top of Body (see diagram) and start pinning it to the hammock body.
4. Stitch the net and body together keeping close to the edge of the rolled hem on the hammock blank.
5. Roll the hem again and add another row of stitching. Hopefully the net is somewhat centered when you finish.
Note - Leave about an inch at the beginning and end unsewn. This will make it easier to attach the zipper.
6. Flip over and run another row of stitching from the inside of the hammock, keeping the net and body stretched taught.

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http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...ing1_thumb.png http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...ing2_thumb.png http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._778_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._113_thumb.jpg
Add Net zipper
1. Place a mark on both halves of your coil zipper, then separate the zipper. The marks will help keep the ends straight.
Note - leave the zipper hang over a few inches at each end and trim it to size later.
2. Start at the head end. Position the net so that the inside is facing up. Position the zipper on the outside of the netting so that the teeth are toward the middle and sticking up toward you. Pin in a couple places so it doesn't move around.
3. Use a zipper foot or the narrowest foot you have. Run a row of stitching along the zipper close to the toothed edge. Keep the zipper and edge of the netting aligned as you go.
4. From the foot end, run a second row of stitching along the face of the zipper. Keep the stitching close to the edge away from the teeth.

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http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery..._603_thumb.jpg
Add Body zipper
(see diagrams above)
1. Start at the foot end. Position the body so that the inside is facing up. Position the zipper on the outside of the body so that the teeth are toward the middle and sticking up toward you. Pin in a couple places so it doesn't move around.
2. Use a zipper foot or the narrowest foot you have. Run a row of stitching along the zipper close to the toothed edge. Keep the zipper and edge of the netting aligned as you go.
3. From the head end, run a second row of stitching along the face of the zipper. Keep the stitching close to the edge away from the teeth.

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Assemble zipper
1. Bring the 2 ends of the zipper together and install a zipper slide from each end. The net should zip together when the sliders are moved toward the center.
2. Clean up any ragged edges where the zipper, net and body meet by stitching the final inch or so together.

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Reinforce ends of channels
1. Bring the channel ends together (from the inside) and run a few stitches back and forth to lock the ends of the channel together.
Note - Failing to do this could result in the net tearing from the channels flexing back and forth.

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Finish up
1. Install zipper pulls and cords on zipper slides.
2. Build whoopie slings (see other tutorials). Install by feeding eye bury through each channel and securing with larkshead.
3. Build ridgeline at approx 100" (see other tutorials). Install by feeding through center of hammock and hooking through whoopie slings.
4. Build yourself a stuff sack (see other tutorials).

Disclaimer - This is maybe not the best way or the only way. It's just the way I do it.

Thanks
PapaSmurf
07-10-2012, 11:55
dejoha

Thanks PapaSmurf! Great instructions.
07-10-2012, 11:57
dragon360

Very cool PapaSmurf - greatly appreciated! A great share!
07-10-2012, 12:24
bushcrafter

Thanks for that tutorial! I attempted this with a DIY hammock and messed it up royally. I'll need to post pics to see if I can get some ideas on how to fix. I can see by your illustrations that I went about it completely wrong.
07-10-2012, 14:36
SteveS

+Sticky! Please!
07-10-2012, 14:37
RockIsland

Thanks PapaSmurf, this does help, but I still have a couple of questions..
I have a 60x126 with whipped ends. I was thinking about doing something similar to the plans on DIY Gear Supply. http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/w...etZippered.jpg

My netting is 54" wide, is this too wide, or will it just give me more wiggle room.
07-10-2012, 14:40
Hawk-eye

Most excellent gift to the community Papa!
07-10-2012, 14:56
MAD777

Fantastic detail in your pictures! Thank you P.S.
07-10-2012, 15:29
PapaSmurf

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockIsland

Thanks PapaSmurf, this does help, but I still have a couple of questions..
I have a 60x126 with whipped ends. I was thinking about doing something similar to the plans on DIY Gear Supply. http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/w...etZippered.jpg

My netting is 54" wide, is this too wide, or will it just give me more wiggle room.

Several ways to do it and none of them are wrong.

The 54" wide netting is great for a hex shaped net. I find it tends to get a little floppy on the areas opposite your head and feet, unless the hammock is fitted with side tie-outs.

This design stretches the netting fairly tight. It does not require tie-outs to hold the netting away from you. I've also used it without a ridgeline, but careful attention is needed to prevent overstretching the net.
07-10-2012, 16:00
WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

Join Net and Body
1. Carefully measure the distance around the net on the sewn end. Mine ended up about 109.25", but yours may be slightly different.
2. Mark the sewn side of the hammock body with a pin at the start and stop of the net stitching.

I struggled to understand this part, but finally decided you meant "the end that will be sewn" and "the side to be sewn," in each case to distinguish from the end and side that will have the zipper. Is that correct? I kept looking for earlier references to sewing or hemming, but couldn't find any except the end channels on the hammock body.
07-10-2012, 16:01
RockIsland

Thanks Papa, I have tie outs and I also use a ridge line. I like the idea of being able to switch sides in the middle of the night, so I will probably go with the Hex shape. This place is great! lots of great info and people who like to help others get to hanging.
07-10-2012, 17:07
PapaSmurf

Quote:

Originally Posted by WV

I struggled to understand this part, but finally decided you meant "the end that will be sewn" and "the side to be sewn," in each case to distinguish from the end and side that will have the zipper. Is that correct? I kept looking for earlier references to sewing or hemming, but couldn't find any except the end channels on the hammock body.

Thanks, I sure didn't make that very clear.
I made the changes to the original post.
07-10-2012, 17:10
gargoyle

A sneak peek at the Smurf Lab!! :cool:
07-10-2012, 19:50
MrClean417

And that is an example of why when I want a hammock with a bug net, I buys one premade.Let Papa Smurf, or the maker of your desire, do the work. Hey, I can whip a tablecloth into a hammock and I can sew too, but I don't sew too straight and I don't have a setup to lay the fabric out without picking up 3/4 of a pound of dog fur that is EVERYWHERE around here.

But thanks for the instructions Papa.
07-11-2012, 06:49
Aven

Thanks for the tutorial PapaSmurf. I want to do a sewn on net hammock, but I've been intimidated by the process. Your tutorial may have just taken care of that. I think I'll give this a go with my next hammock.
07-11-2012, 06:51
GrayDog

+1 Sticky! Please!
07-11-2012, 07:41
mbcruzin

+1 for a sticky on this one. Thanks a lot for the step by step tutorial papa smurf.
07-11-2012, 11:54
bushcrafter

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean417

... I don't have a setup to lay the fabric out without picking up 3/4 of a pound of dog fur that is EVERYWHERE around here.

I have the same prob, but at leat the dog hair helps with insulation! :lol:
07-11-2012, 21:10
Aven

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean417

And that is an example of why when I want a hammock with a bug net, I buys one premade.Let Papa Smurf, or the maker of your desire, do the work. Hey, I can whip a tablecloth into a hammock and I can sew too, but I don't sew too straight and I don't have a setup to lay the fabric out without picking up 3/4 of a pound of dog fur that is EVERYWHERE around here.

But thanks for the instructions Papa.

Try using a sheet of Masonite as your "table". The fur will stick to the back side, but you can clean off the slick side without any problems. And if you have a king size bed, trim off a bit and you can slide it between the box springs and the mattress to store it.
02-11-2013, 19:38
Arothian

Quote:

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

J

Reinforce ends of channels
1. Bring the channel ends together (from the inside) and run a few stitches back and forth to lock the ends of the channel together.
Note - Failing to do this could result in the net tearing from the channels flexing back and forth.

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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?

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

Thanks PapaSmurf for the great tutorial!
02-11-2013, 19:43
Caveman

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

Please Sticky!
02-11-2013, 19:54
vwgerald

thank you!! great tutorial, i'm sure many of us will find this very usefull. i know i will:D
do you have any pictures of it finished?
02-11-2013, 20:58
PapaSmurf

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwgerald

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

Here it is out on the trail.
Frosty's Silver Bullet
02-11-2013, 21:19
PapaSmurf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arothian

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.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...els1_thumb.jpg
Outside of channel
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...els2_thumb.jpg
Inside of channel
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...els3_thumb.jpg
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.
02-11-2013, 22:33
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.
02-12-2013, 09:06
PapaSmurf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arothian

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.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...out1_thumb.png
02-12-2013, 09:10
PapaSmurf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arothian

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.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...foot_thumb.jpg
02-12-2013, 16:19
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!!
02-12-2013, 18:02
Arothian

Quote:

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

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.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...foot_thumb.jpg

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!
02-12-2013, 20:29
vwgerald

once again a big thanks!!!!!!
03-16-2013, 05:05
SwedeMix

Is it just me that can't see the pics anymore? Tried clicking on them, but was told I didn't have the proper privileges to get access. What happened, did I do something bad? :confused:

Cheers / SwedeMix
03-16-2013, 05:21
Roadrunnr72

The pics are not showing for me either. I know there was another thread where someone was using Papasmurfs ideas, and was talking of using them for selling hammocks. So, he may have removed the pics? Not sure though...........RR
03-18-2013, 07:09
SwedeMix

Yeah, I remember that... No worries PapaSmurf, of course you shouldn't give your (awesome) ideas away if there's a risk of abuse and misuse! I was just curious if there was a new problem with my 'puter. A friend of mine actually ordered a Roaming Gnome the other week, can't be too many swedes with one of those :)

Cheers / SwedeMix