End-gathered/whipping

[EArthur999]

So I'm preparing to start trying my hand at this DIY stuff. It seems that the popular type of hammock is the end-gathered type. I know I've seen other types ( I think it was something about a tunnel but I can't remember the name).

For the end gathering, I've seen the fold-style, and the warbonnet style with the cord through the hem. Are there any other styles of end-gathering I should consider? And are there advantages/disadvantages to each type? Or is it just personal preference?

Thanks for any info!

Eric

[Shug]

Personally....I prefer the fold style. I can whip and re-whip it to get it how I want it to be. Tight side, loose foot end et al......http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock2.html
My 3¢ worth.
Shug

[EArthur999]

Oh man, shug! It's like meeting a celebrity, I watched all of your videos for noobs yesterday. Pretty helpful. I want to try making a hammock with a footbox, and I know I'm probably jumping in too quick and should just stick with a basic hammock, but that's how I like to do things. All or nothing, haha. But, I don't have a sewing machine, and if don't know how to use one. So I'm pretty sure that's out for now, unless there's a way to do it without a sewing machine?

[SilvrSurfr]

I use strictly sewn channels - whipping is too much of a black art for me.

[Shug]

Easy feller.....I get in my hammock just like everyone else. Sorta.
Using the directions I sent (Just Jeff's) you can simulate of footbox with some trial and error whipping. Keep it simple for now. All you need to do is hem the edges of the fabric but you really don't even have to do that.
Carry forth.
Shug

[geneaut]

While we are talking ends I will toss out one I use sometimes that is dead simple. Just gather and tie an overhand knot. You lose a little length, but it is user easy. Just a thought.

[hanginyaker]

Easy feller.....I get in my hammock just like everyone else. Sorta.
Using the directions I sent (Just Jeff's) you can simulate of footbox with some trial and error whipping. Keep it simple for now. All you need to do is hem the edges of the fabric but you really don't even have to do that.
Carry forth.
Shug

Why ol green bean let go is truly a mystery

[EArthur999]

I love looking at all the manufactured hammocks, but to really get everything I want i think I'm gonna have to learn to sew. I will be trying out the different lengths the way you said! And maybe one day I too will have a perfect (for me) hammock.

[Floridahanger]

A lot of easy methods after you try them a few times. It's a little daunting at first, but isn't anything else the first time?

Whipping is as simple as can be because no sewing is involved. Just gather the ends together.
-Folding is the same as a gather, just neater.
-Then there is folding neatly or gathering simply, then pulling the sides out a little more(to tighten the hammock sides). This takes more practice to get it just right.

Sewing a channel in the end is simple with a straight stitch hand or sewing machine(definitely easier and faster).
-For a non-load bearing channel, a small channel and a single line of stitching is enough to put cord in the channel and squish it together to gather the material into a ball. Tie it off and larkshead your suspension next to the cord tying the ball together. (My preferred method because it's easy and quick and neat).
-A larger channel and triple stitch is required to use the channel as a load bearing channel to put your suspension thru.

I hope this helps and good luck to you.

[hutzelbein]

I like the simple accordion-fold best, with the width of the individual folds about 2"-3". It seems to counteract the calf-ridge much better than other styles I have tried.

You might also want to try the Hennessy fold: have a look here and here.