Sewing webbing loops?

[FlightMedic]

Does anyone have experience sewing "X boxes" in webbing similar to what is seen in commercial climbing gear or tree straps? I'm interested in making my own tree straps but I'm worried that without an industrial sewing machine they may not hold up. I planned on sewing two side by side "X Box" patterns in each loop. Is there a better option or should I stick to my hand tied and store bought straps.

[MAD777]

I use a cheap Brother sewing machine to do mine. It sounds like it's going to explode, but it gets the job done.

[FlightMedic]

Thanks. Thats what I was hoping to hear.

[gmcttr]

Use a high quality 100% polyester thread and in general, 8-10 stitches per inch, extend your stitch pattern to 3 x the webbing width (3" for 1" webbing) and go over the stitch pattern twice and you should be good. You'll probably have to set the upper thread tension higher for the thick webbing.

Although different patterns provide differing results, see post #15 for the way I sew webbing loops now...https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=1#post1198983

[ntxkayakr]

If you are not sure test it! Use weights or a 2 ton come along wench or something. I have used hand sewed webbing loops to hold kayaks and canoes on the roof of SUV & trailer etc at speeds from 70 mph passing briefly up to 90. Easily holding 300 lbs of hammock weight. But TEST it! Use protective goggles, maintain a safe distance etc. I found strap broke elsewhere first.

[squidbilly]

If you are not sure test it! Use weights or a 2 ton come along wench or something. I have used hand sewed webbing loops to hold kayaks and canoes on the roof of SUV & trailer etc at speeds from 70 mph passing briefly up to 90. Easily holding 300 lbs of hammock weight. But TEST it! Use protective goggles, maintain a safe distance etc. I found strap broke elsewhere first.

I have experienced the same results with my non- scientific testing. (pulling heavy stuff with a 4wd). The webbing would always break elsewhere. I used 4 to 5 bartacks though instead of the boxed X, but the X should work just as well. RedOleary posted a nice pattern to use that looks nice and is reportedly stronger than either.

[squidbilly]

Here ya go: post #7.

He is using it on his tarp tie outs, don't know if you can do it on your webbing though.

www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?34615-Tarp-Tie-out-Help-What-s-the-story

[ntxkayakr]

It would be great if someone would side by side test "X boxes", "Z", "N" and bar tacks etc using the same high quality polyester thread on the same machine. I do NOT recommend it but for extreme applications i use a heavier polyester thread and hand stitch thru the gaps in the webbing, multiple independent bar tacks. I have always found that over time a nick in the webbing where it rubbed a tree or square post on a deck pier (bad idea, must protect strap) etc caused the webbing to start to fail first. Also the mold, sap and other junk from tree trunks and washing etc caused the web straps to eventually need to be replaced. Therefor unless you are towing trucks and tractors, pulling out tree stumps with your webbing straps it should not be a problem. (Steel chain more nick resistant but weaker than 2" webbing or 1/2" Amsteel.) I recommend multi-use be more moderate applications such as hammock suspension, MOLLE straps on backpack, tie-down of gear box and boats on top of vehicle, hanging bear bag, backpack from tree, tie-down on your ATV or Canoe etc, over all hammock or tarp suspension is light duty.

[gmcttr]

It would be great if someone would side by side test "X boxes" "Z" and bar tacks etc ...

A fair amount of stitch pattern testing using nylon webbing and thread was done here. Scroll down to page 11. I think it is safe to say the results probably apply to polyester as well.

[Thumbs]

Seemingly it's not really the pattern that matters but rather the number of stitches.
As long as you cover at least twice the width in stitching.
Bartacs, zigzag, boxed X, whatever.