Hem the fabric edge for a hammock?

[SlowBro]

Back on post 2 or 3 I was thinking a low heat iron . . . there ya go
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That's what I do. Don't burn you fingers.
-Mark

[Bradley]

Side Note:

When sewing leather I use contact cement wet
and pound the hem or pieces together with a hammer for heavier leather
and press together, or use a roller for the lighter.

Never seamed to harm the needle or what not.
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yes I know that was a punny typo

[Hawk-eye]

.... I wish I had a rolled hem foot.

Well if you ever do get it ... I think they make an ointment that will cure that

[Big Jim Mac]

When I made my hammock I used 2 layers and I sewed two sides like I was making a bag, then turned it inside out and sewed the ends. You could do three sides and then you would only have to roll the edges on one. (That assumes you are making a double layer hammock though)

I'm thinking about the hem foot too. Lady I bought mine from said to make sure I got a short shank for my machine, guess they come in different lengths. Not sure how you tell what's right for your machine unless you have the manual. These are available for many models on line.

[kitesurfer]

if raveling is the issue then just melt the edges. cutting the material with a hot knife or soldering iron or wood burner will seal the edge as you cut. if cutting with cizzors, take a bic lighter lightly to the edge CAREFULLY. THAT'S what I did with no problems. a fold and seam may give more strength to an edge but raveling..just melt it!

[KerMegan]

I like using a tealight or other candle- holding the bic switch for that long cramps my fingers very badly..
KM( who has occasionally caught the nylon on fire, but it is easily blown out again..)

[Ramblinrev]

I personally have never had any problem using the factory selvage edges just as they are. The selvage is the woven edges on the fabric when it comes from the factory. They are at least as strong as a melted edge and I thiunk much more durable and more idiot proof.

[Big Jim Mac]

I tried melting edges on my project. Could not tell if I was doing any good. Should it appear melted when you got it right? I was afraid I was going to get a fire going and burn the house down...

[Terry_Dodson]

Could you melt the edges on a DIY tarp and only reinforce with an extra piece of fabric where the tieouts would be? Or Do you need the edges of a tarp rolled and sewn for strength?

[BlackRock]

A rolled hem is really not that bad to learn and do. The presser foot does all the work anyway once you get the hang of it. Fold, iron, fold, iron, pin and sew also works well but you'll waste more fabric than you need to and have a heavier edge that is harder to make look perfect and consistent.

Burning works to close the edge but doesn't add any strength, get a cutting blade for any standard soldering iron and it will cut through these light nylons like butter, but it just doesn't add the strength that you are looking for. I also wonder a bit about the fumes while doing it. Probably not an issue if it's a one off project but if you did it every day it might not be the best to constantly inhale.

I'm just thinking that if you are trying to make a hammock or tarp that may see a good amount of strain you'd simply want to eliminate any weak points. Unfinished edges, even melted ones that won't frey, simply won't have the strength that rolled hem will give it.