advantages of sewn channel

[lymphocytosis]

A word of caution. Many hammocks that are gathered end do indeed have a channel sewn down the end to accommodate whipping the end. This does not mean it can be used as a sewn channel. Often times that channel is just a line of stitching that is not reinforced to bear the user's weight. These hammocks are designed to transfer the load straight from the fabric to the whoopie. The stitching doesn't actually hold much.

[bkautzman89]

hmmm...good to know. i'll probably keep it as is. i was just curious what people thought. my GT UL has held up fine though. is there any way to reinforce the sewn channel to be able to support whoopies?

[ibgary]

Good question. I'm making a hammock next week and was/am undecided on making a channel or going gathered. I usually go scattered.

[gmcttr]

Good question. I'm making a hammock next week and was/am undecided on making a channel or going gathered. I usually go scattered.

Nothing to decide. Since you need a hem either way, just make it a little wider and use 3 rows of stitching. Then you can gather and whip or use the end channel. Options are good.

[Passinthru]

The thin whoopie line would eventually chafe through and then the material would be easier to tear out or un ravel.I may be wrong.

I don't know if this is a concern, but I did wonder - so I use a short piece of the hollow webbing that came with my DD Frontline to sheathe the Amsteel in the channel. It should provide some protection to the fabric and when trimmed after the lark's head is pulled tight the webbing is only about 2-3 inches long. But, as another said, there is no movement once tightened so I doubt if there is any wear in the channel. The weak spot, IMO, would be the stitching. For me, I like the looks of the channel.