NEW BRIDGE DESIGN BY MULE, with elbow room

[BillyBob58]

Well I bet if it can be done, you will figure it out through sheer trial and error.

[catnip]

Hi, Mule, I've been thinking about other ways to make your pleats that might be easier. There's a photo above step #5 on this page that shows my idea (but not my site/photo):
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/fleece.html

This would involve putting a line of straight stitching at the base of the pleat fold. You'd be sewing 2 layers of fabric instead of 3, so less sliding would occur.

If I were doing it, I'd use the longest stitch my machine has, loosen the top tension (i.e. basting), and use a different color in the bobbin thread. Also leave long thread tails and don't backstitch. This makes it easy to identify and pull out the bobbin thread when you're done to remove the stitching.

If you would be so kind, please take a look. It might help, or it might just be my early morning, not-enough-caffeine-yet rambling.

Another alternative might be a ruffler foot attachment. I have a 1920's treadle machine with a ruffler attachment, and with my very first use (not understanding the settings) it reduced a 44" strip of fabric to 25" with very small pleats, which would be better for your hammock application. They are also available for current-day machines (the ruffler attachments).

[Mule]

Thanks, Catnip, I see what you mean. I am over half done with number three now and it's going to have the 3 to 1 fabric to linear length factor I was shooting for. I did it by using masking tape to hold the pleats on the table, then form the pleats correctly next to the sew line laid out using a normal bridge hammock, then put another row next to each seam I intend to make to hold the pleats. I do a table width at a time, takes about 1 to 2 hours each table length, then I go ahead and sew that much and start over until I have done the length of the hammock.
I really appreciate your ideas and comment. Thank you. I think now I will have an optimally made prototype to show at the Hotsprings Hang.

[catnip]

Hi, Mule, Glad you looked at the picture. I really admire your stick-to-it-iveness on this project. Bet your final version will be great!

[Mule]

I have put the pleated hammock on hold until I can figure a better way to make them, and then I will only pleat the area from about the upper third of the torso up to a few inches above the head. Mule