DIY Hammocks Question

**RedStix** · 08-21-2014, 06:36

Hey Everyone -

I am thinking about making hammocks for everyone this Christmas and thought I'd just go down the Tablechoths.com route. Recently there have been some threads posted that make me worried that the table cloth hammock may not be the best bet (some ripping going on). Anyway, it looks like there are some good deals on rip stop out there and I was wondering which path to use? So the question is, would you do a rip stop or table cloth hammock right now if you were making your own?

**Grizhicks** · 08-21-2014, 09:07

RedStix -- While I'm fairly new at this, and only use my hammock for an hour or so at a time; from a time factor, the tablecloths are the way to go. No sewing!!! (wife will not let me use her machine) I'm 340# and have not had any problems with the tablecloths (60x126 & 90x132), and have made 5 so far. If you want to do the sewing or are trying for lighter weight, then go for the ripstop. -- Grizhicks

**RedStix** · 08-21-2014, 09:42

Thanks for the feedback, Grizhicks. Not having to sew certainly needs to be considered. I do have access to a sewing machine and think these would be pretty easy to knock out, but time is money, right? The other advantage of rip stop is that you would have extra material to make some stuff sacks. I guess I could always order a few table runners from tableclothsfactory to make them.

**Mouseskowitz** · 08-21-2014, 11:31

I say ripstop, but that's what I have experience with. It's also more customizable to the weight of the occupant. I don't know that there's really a good vs bad choice here though.

**Grizhicks** · 08-21-2014, 11:36

Yes, I've heard of using the tablerunners, but, I have a 90x132 that I'm thinking about cutting down to 72" wide (would only have to run 1 seam along the cut side), and then using the left over piece (18x132) for stuff sacks or maybe snake skins. Again, good luck & let us see what you do..... Grizhicks

**Floridahanger** · 08-21-2014, 11:55

I like the ripstop. Even though the tablecloth blanks are just hemmed, I enjoy the process of making my own, including the hem.

Just for comparison, I bought my ripstop from Walmart at $1.50/yrd so it was cheaper than a tablecloth blank.

**Bushwhacker** · 08-21-2014, 16:03

You can get lighter material from ripstop, but from what I've heard, tablecloth is more comfortable.

**IRONFISH45** · 08-21-2014, 16:11

I would be worried about the table cloth blanks. I would/have used nylon, I find bargains on it frequently. If I were going to make a hammock for my former husband I would make it out of the cheapest tablecloth I could find, and tell him to hang it nice and high so he will enjoy it more!

On a reasonable note, you would not want someone you gave a gift, to be injured by the gift.