Feels like seconds from being dropped? DIY hammock.

**Armor Like Fire** · 10-28-2013, 12:23

Hey guys it's viper here!

So a while back I made a hammock gathered end hammock out of 30d ripstop nylon sewn end channel. And well I was looking it over and noticed the end channels where it was sewn was about 90%riped threw 0_o.

Like where the stitches were on the end channels obviously their will be little small holes from the sewing machine/thread. But this was like that but looked about like mesh was literly just a few small threads holding it togeather on both ends.

I liked the 30d ripstop nylon because it was light and felt nice. But not a fan if how it was about to completely rip off both end channels the whole length down the stitches..

I like sewn end hammocks so does anyone know a way I can make a sewn end 30d ripstop nylon hammock with out this problem happening?
(I felt like if I were to get in this hammock one or two more times with out being really gentle I would have been on the ground) I inly weight 145lbs so that shouldn't be an issue.

**Itsamescott** · 10-28-2013, 12:58

I am by no means an expert but I have had no problems with my single 30d hammock. I'm closer to 200 lbs than I would like to admit and I have had myself and all three of my boys in it from time to time (total of about 300 lbs).

I'll double check mine tonight but I have never seen any issues with my sewn channels. It's been rock solid.

I did double up my end channels. Meaning I made a large 3 inch hem and sewed the ends closed. Then folded the three inch hem in half to create a 1.5 inch channel that I sewed 3 lines of stitching. Basically going through 4 layers of the 30d.

If that does not make sense I can attempt to draw it up later.

**Richard Tipton** · 10-28-2013, 13:09

How big were the stitches? If the stitches are too small, you can run into the "postage stamp" effect and the fabric can tear at the stitch line. I believe that 6 to 8 stitches per inch is the norm.

**AndrewB** · 10-28-2013, 13:11

Did you use the Knotty method? The end channels have a loop of rope going through it. Then the suspension is tied to the outside, holding onto the fabric itself. The loop is just there to provide a knot. This way, your stitches aren't directly holding your weight, but the fabric is.

**AndrewB** · 10-28-2013, 13:13

Here is a link to his method.

**Bubba** · 10-28-2013, 13:14

Yeah check your stitch length. I perforated a tablecloth hammock by having too small a stitch length and it ripped the first time I sat in it. As mentioned, 8 stitches per inch is a good length. How many stitch lines did you use to make the end channel?

**PapaSmurf** · 10-28-2013, 13:22

If the end channels are built with 3 rows of good stitching, (approx 8 stitches per inch) and are cinched up very tightly with the fabric evenly distributed in the channel, it should hold you just fine without damage to the channel or fabric.

Here's my 265lbs butt testing a single layer 30d Ripstop Nylon hammock the other day.

**gmcttr** · 10-28-2013, 15:16

Along with the question of what stitch length did you use, what type of needle did you use? A sharp point is best, a universal point next best, a ball point...not so good and a leather needle would be bad. A needle with a damaged point would also be bad.

With that said, have you and or friends been bouncing on the hammock?