Hammock design question

[SurvivalStudent]

Hi all..

I'm thinking of making my own hammock and got thinking.. instead of pulling in the entire width of the hammock to the ends what whould happen if you cut a few triangles out the fabric and stitch the long edges together to gather some of the hammock (cut about 100mm out of the head end and down to about 1/4 the legnth of the hammock. Do this say 4 times each end). This should not (I my mind) change the comfort much as the fabric is bunched up normally, but would reduce weight and fabric required. There should be enough fabric at the ends to suport a good hold.

Has anyone tried this? Would it do the same as curving the cut at the end as in tensioning the sides? Or would it have the opposite effect and make the sides even more floppy?

Any thoughts appreciated

[MAD777]

I've tried a few different "shapes" but never that one. Give it a try and let us know how it works. You never know when the next breakthrough in hammock design will come!

[flatline]

if you make it (your described design) 12'+ long and add spreader bars top and bottom, you'll have a hybrid bridge. i haven't tried it, but who knows until someone gives it a shot!

[gmcttr]

Although I think there would still be plenty of strength left, be aware that this would reduce the weight capacity of the hammock by reducing the amount of fabric at the suspension connection point....just don't have the whole family pile in at once.

[Ramblinrev]

You would lose the gathering which provides the extra material to get a good diagonal lie. i\I don't know for sure, but I suspect you would be left with a banana lie and serious lack of comfort. But as has been stated above.... try it... it might provide some insight. If nothing else you get to play with the fabric and that's always a good thing.

[SurvivalStudent]

Thanks for all the info.. I'll give it a try and let you all know how i get on with it.

Thought id ask incase it was an old tried and tested design thats failed.. lol

As for the diagonal lie, ive never been able to get comfortable like that so tend to have the hammock a bit tighter and as you say a banana lie.

[Knotty]

Thanks for all the info.. I'll give it a try and let you all know how i get on with it.

Thought id ask incase it was an old tried and tested design thats failed.. lol

As for the diagonal lie, ive never been able to get comfortable like that so tend to have the hammock a bit tighter and as you say a banana lie.

What kind or size hammock are you using that you haven't been able to get comfortable on the diagonal? Most unusual.

[SurvivalStudent]

What kind or size hammock are you using that you haven't been able to get comfortable on the diagonal? Most unusual.

Im using a DD hammock, dual layer with netting. 2.8m I think..

But its probably just me, im a strange creature when it comes to sleeping

[ninjahamockman]

I personally am a fan of the gather end because of 3 reasons.

1. I like the stability

2. I like the prices

3. I like that I can curl in fetal position and distribute my weight unevenly.

The pros of bridge hammock on the hand are pretty awesome to.

more comfort

flatter lay

but keep this in mind the wider the spreader bars the less stable it is.

[Knotty]

Im using a DD hammock, dual layer with netting. 2.8m I think..

But its probably just me, im a strange creature when it comes to sleeping

That may be the answer. Aren't DD hammocks narrow?

Considering how cheaply it can be done, why don't you knock up a gathered end hammock using my DIY instructions or one of the other tutorials and see how you like it. For the trial, you don't even need to finish the long sides. 126" of raw fabric is a good starting point.