whipped end vs sewn channel

**remstar** · 12-02-2014, 21:11

I am very new here and have done a ton of reading. I know it's been discussed before but would appreciate some fresh feedback regarding a whipped hammock end or a sewn channel.

I am in the process of making the "diy hennessy clone" and after reading through all posts, I see that people just love the lay of this setup. It uses a rolled and whipped end.
My problem is that I can't get my head around the fact that the whipping won't simply slip off the end of the hammock fabric.

Then I see this video http://youtu.be/4nU25t8Znx0

by xtrekker showing how he attaches a ridgeline and suspension to a hammock using the sewn channel method. When I pay attention to both of these different processes for finishing the ends of the hammock, my gut tells me that the sewn channel method is more secure. As if the zip tie or cordage fed through the sewn channel will act as a sort of "STOPPER". If the suspension is pulled tight from hanging, it wont slip off due to the bulge formed.

So I'm conflicted. I really want to follow through with the diy hennessy with whipped end but am afraid that the whipping will simply slip off.

I am brand new to hammock camping. I've never used one. So I don't have the experience to tell me so. I see a lot of people use both methods. Am I worried for nothing?

**Squid In The Woods** · 12-02-2014, 21:27

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...d.php?t=102462

**FLRider** · 12-02-2014, 21:29

I'm a fan of the Warbonnet/Knotty method of whipping, especially with lighter fabrics. I feel that it's more foolproof and stronger than the other methods, as it has a "knob" of fabric beyond the whipping point to act as a stopper and is not dependent upon the strength of the hem stitching the way that a channel end is.

Hope it helps!

**remstar** · 12-02-2014, 21:57

Thanks for the responses. I see you've both led me in the same direction. I am now reading the 40 pages regarding this warbonnet/knotty method. I seem to have missed this one in my prior research. I appreciate the advice. I can see that a lot is personal preference.

Thanks again. I can't wait to try this thing out. I'll be sure to post updates and pics of my project.

**Floridahanger** · 12-02-2014, 22:23

Personal preference is exactly the key.

You will find all kinds of methods for hammock ends and almost all work. For me, it's the "knob" also.

It's formed by hemming the hammock ends just like the rest of the hammock. Then, fold the end in about 1/2 inch and sew 1 line near the finished edge to make the channel. This is only to gather and not weight bearing.

Unlike XTrekker's vid, I use a small piece of thin cord(mason's line) inside the channel and gather and tie off the end making the knob. After larksheading my continuous loop(CL), I place the fixed eye of the structural ridge line (SRL) over the CL on each side.

The purpose to attach the SRL this way is to keep the knob available to attach my UQ around the knob, no hardware needed.

**remstar** · 12-03-2014, 05:49

Originally Posted by Floridahanger

Personal preference is exactly the key.

You will find all kinds of methods for hammock ends and almost all work. For me, it's the "knob" also.

It's formed by hemming the hammock ends just like the rest of the hammock. Then, fold the end in about 1/2 inch and sew 1 line near the finished edge to make the channel. This is only to gather and not weight bearing.

Unlike XTrekker's vid, I use a small piece of thin cord(mason's line) inside the channel and gather and tie off the end making the knob. After larksheading my continuous loop(CL), I place the fixed eye of the structural ridge line (SRL) over the CL on each side.

The purpose to attach the SRL this way is to keep the knob available to attach my UQ around the knob, no hardware needed.

I think I get what you mean. I now realize that I used XTrekkers video of reference to a sewn channel incorrectly. That particular videos' sewn channel isn't weight bearing either like I thought it was. I was more thinking of the type where one would sew a minimum of 3 straight stitches in the channel for strength. Either way, no worries, as I understand the differences now better than ever.

Let's say that once your "knob" is formed, that there is the tree side of the knob and the hammock side of the knob. When you say you put the fixed eye of the SRL over the CL, are you simply placing it over the CL on the tree side or are you putting it between the larks head and the "knob"?

**Thumbs** · 12-03-2014, 08:06

I prefer NOT to sew a channel. Just a double larks head of your suspension continuous loop or sling right on to the end of the fabric.
I've done this with a dozen hammocks from about 5 different fabrics. None have slipped any.
Check this thread. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-Complete-Noob

**remstar** · 12-03-2014, 08:19

It seems that the answer to my question is that if executed properly, a whipped end can be very secure..I will need to keep all options in mind for my decision..I will be using a zip up bug net so will need to factor the SRL threading through the gather/whipping.
Thanks to you all for your input..

**hutzelbein** · 12-03-2014, 08:43

If you hem the end - or put a channel in (for possible later use), you will get an end that it somewhat thicker than the hammock body (because hem or channel have the fabric folded over twice - so you have essentially 3 layers on the end). If you then go ahead and fold the hammock Hennessy style and then pull a cord around it as tight as you can, it should never slip over the hem/channel. If the fabric isn't super slippery, the cord won't budge anyway if you pulled it tight. I'm not a fan of zip ties because you have to get rid of the sharp edges, and if you want to get it off the hammock, you have to be really careful not to cut into the fabric. A small cord will be just as secure in my opinion. I tie mine a couple of times - so go around the hammock once, knot, go around the hammock twice, knot, and so on. When I re-whip my hammock, it's pretty hard getting the cord off.

If you are a belt-and-suspenders-type, you could sew a channel end, put a small cord through, then do the Hennessy fold and use the cord to tie it off, similar to the Warbonnet whip. Just be careful not to move the folds when pulling the cord around.

**remstar** · 12-03-2014, 09:42

Originally Posted by hutzelbein

If you hem the end - or put a channel in (for possible later use), you will get an end that it somewhat thicker than the hammock body (because hem or channel have the fabric folded over twice - so you have essentially 3 layers on the end). If you then go ahead and fold the hammock Hennessy style and then pull a cord around it as tight as you can, it should never slip over the hem/channel. If the fabric isn't super slippery, the cord won't budge anyway if you pulled it tight. I'm not a fan of zip ties because you have to get rid of the sharp edges, and if you want to get it off the hammock, you have to be really careful not to cut into the fabric. A small cord will be just as secure in my opinion. I tie mine a couple of times - so go around the hammock once, knot, go around the hammock twice, knot, and so on. When I re-whip my hammock, it's pretty hard getting the cord off.

If you are a belt-and-suspenders-type, you could sew a channel end, put a small cord through, then do the Hennessy fold and use the cord to tie it off, similar to the Warbonnet whip. Just be careful not to move the folds when pulling the cord around.

This is what I was hoping to hear..I wasn't giving the fact that the end will be somewhat thicker due to hemming and what not enough credit. That gives me more confidence. I think I will go with that. The whipping alone looks to be quite a constricting type of knot..should be fine..Just needed to hear it from someone else..bottom line is I'll start somewhere and play around with it to see what suits me..seems to be the general consensus..thanks