Fabric Confussion

Hi all,

Here in India it has been more than a little tricky to find Nylon fabric (especially ripstop). I can find Polyester Crepe. It felt like a hammock I ordered from an Indian surplus store but seemed a touch heavy. Unfortunately I have know idea what all these words mean.

Crepe
Taffeta
Etc.

Are there some of these things I should avoid for hammocks and quilts?

Fabric is everywhere, unfortunately it is focused on Sari making, not outdoors activities. Add on to that the language barrier and these questions get very difficult to get answered on the street.

Thanks for any help.

Josh

For hammock making, almost any fabric will do as long as it doesn't stretch. You're in luck where you are, actually, because silk would make excellent outdoor gear. It is not often used for outdoor gear only because it it cost prohibitive. Taffeta can be made of many fibers, including silk, but, here, it is often a polyester silk look-alike.

But silk is an ideal outdoor fabric, being extremely strong for its weight (parachutes were once made exclusively of silk), small to pack down and comfortable against the skin. For this reason, it would make excellent quilts as well.

Don't get too hung up on fabric content. Just shop for fabric by feeling how heavy it is, making sure it doesn't stretch, scrunching it up to see how it packs down and yanking it between your hands to see how strong it is. If you can find refined (not raw) silk--that is, the thin, shiny stuff, not the nubby stuff, you'll do fine for a hammock and quilts. If you find nylon, it doesn't have to be ripstop.

As for tarps, well, that's another issue. Unless you're going to waterproof your own, you're going to have to find something waterproof.

I'm no expert, but that's my understanding. I'm sure others more knowledgeable than I will chime in. Best of luck to you! :D

Thanks Pips. I was thinking of silk early on but then forgot about it again. I think I'm set for Tarp material, but I need to do some field testing.

Let us know what you figure out and remember--we like pictures!!! :)

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Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

...and remember--we like pictures!!! :)

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We like hammock weight silk sent to us even more.:D

crepe is a weave pattern. It can be made of many different content including polyester, wool, silk etc. It is also available in various weights such as top weight, middle weight and bottom weight according to typical garment retail trade. Top weight being for blouses, scarves, wraps and other light garments. Middle weight for tailored dresses and blouses and bottom weight for slacks, jackets and pants.

Look for the top weight weaves and you will have a lovely, comfortable durable hammock.

Thanks Rev.

I liked the feel of the crepe but it was only 36" wide at the one shop I looked at. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed by the street after street of fabric shops and the press of people so I gave up. I'll have to dive in again and see if I can find something wider.

gmcttr: Considering how many packages are disappearing that may not be the best option :) As much as I enjoy flushing cash down the toilet I'm bummed when I can't watch it swirl in the porcelain myself.

I may have to go silk shopping then send an Indian to actually buy it to get a better deal. I'll keep my eyes open.