WL uses a double stitched gathered channel with the cord double wrapped and tied around the gathered fabric to form a ball.
(where the whoopies are larks headed to the hammock).
WL uses a double stitched gathered channel with the cord double wrapped and tied around the gathered fabric to form a ball.
(where the whoopies are larks headed to the hammock).
The simple knot end is great way to make a hammock. Very secure and no sewing required. (I don't bother hemming the fabric either). Just be sure to use a longer piece as the knot reduces the length more than you might think.
"Live like you will die tomorrow, but learn like you will live forever." Gandhi
I haven't tried the overhand knot method, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Simple construction method, but I'm sure there are some on here that could get pretty technical on it. I think that fabric choice could play into how well the knot holds. Just my .02.
I weigh 250+ and my single overhand knots with about 3"-4" free ends have never failed. I ordered my daughter a purple tablecloth blank for Christmas, and had a completed hammock within 5 minutes of opening the shipping box from the company. I just added cinch buckles on about 10" Amsteel loops that I larkshead behind the overhand knot.
Simple, fast, and inexpensive.
I will reiterate what Sunsetkayaker said though. Be mindful of how you gather your fabric before you tie the knot.. If you will make sure the edges of the fabric are pulled a little higher on each end ( before knotting ) you kind of insure that the middle of the hammock is a wee bit looser than the sides. This helps keep the sides a little tauter, and helps eliminate a ridge in the middle of your hammock.
[QUOTE=My only knock on the method is that the knots stake up a bit of the length of the fabric, but I don't find it to be that big of a problem myself. If the thought bothers you just start with a slightly longer blank.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=This method does use extra material and this makes it a little bit heavier, but it is an easy way to do a hammock.[/QUOTE]
I have 13 feet of material, so I should have plenty of fabric.
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I always like going SOBO; somehow, it feels like going downhill.
...and as it harm none, do what ye will.
YES! That is how I make my hammocks, and I have not had a failure (I still use my first DIY and it is now 3 years old). As stated, just be aware of how you are gathering the ends before knotting it. Single overhand knot is fine.
I'm strictly no-sew (not even the hem). Here's what I do using amsteel continuous loops:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJlEQpcbM1I
It's easy to loosen up to adjust the gather. I've used this for many years without a failure.
Enjoying the simple things in life -
Own less, live more.
It works. Google "Ed Speer" or better yet, buy his book. Probably can be considered the grandfather of hammock camping. One of the nicest people. His way of using no knots to tie to a tree is worth knowing as well.
+1 on how gathering those ends make a difference.
“I'm not lost for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
The first hammock I made used this method. It's from a fairly heavy nylon plain weave fabric. I hung it at boy scout camp where the scouts conducted torture testing on it- it survived handily and is still useable today 11 years later. The knot method would be good for teaching non-sewing beginners how to make a hammock.
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