Types of Fabric and terminology

[Ramblinrev]

RamblinRev:

You keep saying Polyester Taffeta, but when I went to Joann's I found Crushed Taffeta and Crushed Satin, both of which are 100% polyester. I didn't find anything that was called Polyester Taffeta.

Are these similar, same, different,...?

Taffeta is a specific weave and can be woven out of a myriad of fibers. A weave is defined by the pattern of over and unders the threads makes. Satin is again, a specific weave with certain characteristics and can be woven out of a lot of fabrics. Because of it's shiny appearance it is usually not women with "fuzzy" threads like wool or cotton. Silk is the extreme high end for satin and is to absolutely drool over.

Crushed taffeta is a taffeta that has been treated to be wrinkled on the bolt. It seems to be all the rage in fashion and accessories right now but like all fads will pass away. Taffeta, however, is almost as old as dirt and appears to be staying around for a while.

[heyyou]

At diygearsupply.com look at the write up for each uncoated fabric. Scott tells you about the weight rating for hammock use.

[rottenpossum]

RS nylon from Joann's, Hancock's, etc. is generally 1.9 oz.

I see that Joann's sells RS Nylon & Sport Nylon. RS is 64 GSM and Sport is 93 GSM according to their online site. How does that compare to the ratings mentioned of denier?

[Ramblinrev]

Denier and weight are only loosely related. Denier is a measure of the thread size used for weaving the material. Weight is what the finished fabric weighs. Such things as weave density and weave pattern can affect the weight but not the denier. In general tho 1.1 oz/sqyd is 30 D. 1.9 is 70 D. amd so on. but those are not carved in stone.

[rottenpossum]

Denier and weight are only loosely related. Denier is a measure of the thread size used for weaving the material. Weight is what the finished fabric weighs. Such things as weave density and weave pattern can affect the weight but not the denier. In general tho 1.1 oz/sqyd is 30 D. 1.9 is 70 D. amd so on. but those are not carved in stone.

Thank you, your posts on this subject are very helpful.

[DemostiX]

I see that Joann's sells RS Nylon & Sport Nylon. RS is 64 GSM and Sport is 93 GSM according to their online site. How does that compare to the ratings mentioned of denier?

I'm guessing because the numbers are plausible: GSM = grams per square meter. You can do the arithmetic conversion right in the google search bar. Or search for a conversion of that to oz per sq yard.

Warbonnetoutdoors also offers in Hammocks 101 his guidelines of nylon fabric weight and layers and body weight. That said, you can find somewhere a reviewer who finds no hammock as comfortable as a heavy cotton canvas one. Which is to say: absorbs sweat, and has NO stretch.

Pag doesn't go that far, but there are others who say "Screw the added ounces, I don't want my butt forming a deep pocket, no matter that the pocket won't break, my spine wont' either, and my shoulders will still be level with my calves. Put me in something as heavy as Scott's 2.2oz nominal."

That expression comes easily to me, because I agree. About packs, too. (Cursing that I need to reinforce a UL pack bottom because the designer/ maker thought the load bearing and abrasion-insulted bottom was a good place to save 0.4oz and thumb a nose at luggage and gear makers of the last 500 years from around the world. ie: You want light and strong? Men secure in their masculinity make their hammocks and backpacks out of silk.)

All smilies implied.