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Been away for a long time, since I no longer backpack due to bad joints, but still sleep most nights in a hammock at home.

Humbled to see that my simple tutorial is still a sticky and has been...

+1 on gmcttr's comment.

Now, I don't use pads, so all but one hammock I've made has been a single layer. Also, it's a function of weight. Many people can get by with a single layer 1.1 but others...

Straight stitch is all that's needed for the hems. Zigzag just complicates things with no real advantage.

I've made many hammocks, all with a straight stitch, and haven't popped a thread yet.

Keep those DIY hammocks coming. :)

IMHO 90" is just too wide. I have a 156x90" from tableclothsfactory.com that I used to make an "tablecloth Brazilian" and ended up trimming material off one side and re-hemming it. With a hammock...

I've never found ironing to be of much help with ripstop nylon. Sometimes I'll pin or clip the hem but most times I just fold as I sew. With practice your hems will improve and the cosmetics really...

Hammonkey - The diagonal (rhombus) cut looks like it should be helpful until you realize that once the material is gathered and both ends hung from suspension the rhombus shape kind of goes away....

Excellent. Will you be using the stretch-side method for the footbox?



One of the downsides of large hammocks, especially if you're not tall. WV has pioneered a variation of the stretch-side...

Each method for treating the hammock ends will produce different results in how the hammock supports you. Experiment until you find what you like.

Personally, I haven't played around much with the...

No problem. Just be aware that a 150x90 inch hammock is HUGE.

Great for lounging around but not what you'd want to use for camping. Just think of how big your tarp would need to be.

Since the ridgeline only "knows" the finished length of the hammock, use 83% of 150". You could even argue that it should be slightly less, since there's some loss of hammock length to the gathered...

A pleat could work but put it only on one side because you'd risk tearing the stitching as you entered/exited the hammock on that side.

Thanks guys. I've been busy with a new job, so haven't had time to follow much of what's happening on the forum but I do try to keep up with this one.

I've never tried flipping the knob down. I hope it works well for you but my concern would be that it could simply flip back up unexpectedly when the suspension line pulls on it.

The reason the...

Well flashbang009, you've got me stumped. :confused:

It really shouldn't matter what type of rope or string you use to create the "knob". It's the bulk of fabric that keeps the suspension from...

Are you referencing the method shown in my instructions, which is the Warbonnet method, or some other whipping method? It's hard to imagine the ball created with the Warbonnet method not staying put...

matmore74, if you're going to use a suspension through the end channel approach, then you need to modify the build instructions. My instructions create a knob of material at the ends and all that...

Excellent. What was the difference in length between the sides?

If you're interested in making more, I highly recommend the Stretch-Side Hammock. See signature for link.



Exactly why I posted the instructions after making my first one. Wanted people to...

"Awesome" and "easy". That's what I like to hear!

HappyHiker - Congrats on the DIY hammock. Even going with the double layer version you comment on how easy it was. So true.

If anyone out there is hesitant to try making their own hammock, stop...

MrCW - I've stayed away from curved hammock ends because they're usually designed to increase the tension along the hammock's sides but you pay a price in terms of the ability to sit on the edge of...

Glad you took on the hammock project Dimeotane. There are a few detached bug net instructions on the forum. Here's mine. hope you find it helpful....

My thinking is you can cut the material with the offsets shown but ultimately the two suspended ends of the hammock will still align with each other, possibly introducing some localized loads in the...

Monk - I'd avoid sil because it doesn't breath. Too much potential for ending up in a sweat filled hammock. 1.1oz ripstop (30D?) will hold my weight, 185lbs, but it makes me nervous so I don't use my...

Thanks olddog.

Lots of good info spread throughout the many pages of this thread. That said, the original post pretty much provides everything you need to make your first hammock.

I was caught in analysis...

No stopping you now! Way to go!

Not sure but I believe the last one I made had a raw material length of 10'6" and I'm 6'2".

I've not found a hammock (other than bridge style) that doesn't have the center tension. One thing that makes it less of a problem is to make your hammock big. Length is your friend, except when it...

You can do it but the problem with nylon straps and rope is that they tend to stretch, especially when wet.

Glad to help. Be sure to post some pics when done.

Increasing the center line tension seems counterproductive but it works for you and Just Jeff and I'm sure others who've followed his instructions, so who am I to argue? :)

I read it as 3" shorter at each edge AND the centerline. The edge part I get but maybe you can explain why you did the centerline part? A tight centerline which pushes against your calves is a...

Thanks MMM. I prefer to have the whoopie larks headed behind the cinch because it doesn't rely on the strength of the stitching that way. If you do want to run the suspension through the sewn channel...

Glad you found the info helpful SpaceCadet. Once you make one, and discover how easy it is and how comfy they are, you just can't help but make more.

I think that could work fine. May even be easier to install. Only downside I see is that it would be harder to replace as the elastic breaks down with age.

Let the blame game begin. :D

tima...., on my latest gathered end I sewed button holes where the stretch side bungies go through the material. Tied a knot in the bungie at each end to prevent it from getting pulled through. No...

Speer had a rule of thumb but I can't remember it. I'd just make it 4' longer than the kid.

Way to go Syb!

(knew you'd like it ;))

Right on JohnSawyer. You can just tie off both ends of the bungee to the grosgrain loops and save a few grams by eliminating the cord locks and the extra inches of bungee.

Syb - You're not likely to slide out but your top quilt or sleeping bag might. Try the stretch-side mod. It's easy. You'll like it.

Mix it up 3M. Give the bridge a try.

catalyst81 - The diagram below shows how a rolled hem is constructed. Some fold and pin. I usually just do it on the fly. For the gathered end hammock the hem isn't too critical and I usually make...

Yes yes

Yes

I think A and B were about 12" on mine. I do remember that once sewn in the triangle got much smaller than I expected because I underestimated the seam allowances.

It's sewed into the non-entry side. Sitting on the side w the triangle produces a lot of stress.

I haven't done one on a double layer hammock but you would need to sew it to both layers.

Imagine a triangle (right isosceles triangle to be exact) sewn into one side of your hammocks about where your feet lay. You sew the two legs of the triangle to the hammock side edge, effectively...

Here it is: Stretch-Side Hammock Mod
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?p=422185#post422185

You looking happy in your hammock is payment in full. Glad to help.