DIY Tablecloth Switchback Hammock

**Redoleary** · 06-10-2013, 19:59

Since I couldn't go the the MI Spring Hang this weekend I spent some time finishing my first attempt at an integrated bug net hammock. Granted it's not as high speed, low drag and the Black Bird and Danger Bird style hammocks but it'll work..... at least I think it will.

Started with a tablecloth but the problem is that the bug net isn't as wide as the tablecloth. So I figured that's only really a problem at the ends where the zipper needs to start/end. So what I did was just sew small triangular pieces the the end of the bug net to make it as wide at the ends as the hammock. So far that seems to have worked. see drawing with the red representing the hammock body and the grey the bug net, I did all four corners to maintain symmetry.

The end is folded over one time with a button hole sewn into the apex of the channel in the center. There is also some 1" grosgrain to reinforce the end channel ( you can see it in some of the pix it's the white fabric poking out where the net and hammock meet.
There is a structural ridge line that hooks to the suspension at the button hole then enters the net thru a small hole and goes thru and does the same thing on the other side. This may be one of those perceived benefit sort of things but I like that it doesn't cause the end of the hammock to bunch so tightly.

Other than that, I'm still getting used to the integrated net. I haven't slept in it yet, tho it feels comfy, and I haven't had my UQ on it yet to see how thats gonna go. I'm using bamboo spreaders for now... it's what I had.

**zukiguy** · 06-10-2013, 20:27

Wow, nice job. My pair of tablecloths in the mail will only result in a simple no-net hammock. I'm still debating using an end channel or whipping. My thread injecting skills are about as simple as it gets. I'd really like to get a Fronkey style net setup for simplicity sake....

Great setup....looks like it will be very comfortable...

**bloomgorge** · 06-10-2013, 20:29

sweet! i'd like to see it on a hang

**Bubba** · 06-10-2013, 20:35

Looking good Red!

**body942** · 06-10-2013, 22:20

That's really awesome, great looking job!

**DivaB** · 06-11-2013, 07:29

You are on a roll! Nice projects you've completed! What size tablecloth?

**Redoleary** · 06-11-2013, 08:16

Originally Posted by zukiguy

Wow, nice job. My pair of tablecloths in the mail will only result in a simple no-net hammock. I'm still debating using an end channel or whipping. My thread injecting skills are about as simple as it gets. I'd really like to get a Fronkey style net setup for simplicity sake....

Great setup....looks like it will be very comfortable...

Thanks. Go for the end channel, you can always whip after you channel it to try it both ways

Originally Posted by bloomgorge

sweet! i'd like to see it on a hang

If we have a fall hang, I'll bring it along.

Originally Posted by Bubba

Looking good Red!

Thanks Bubba.

Originally Posted by body942

That's really awesome, great looking job!

Thank you.

Originally Posted by DivaB

You are on a roll! Nice projects you've completed! What size tablecloth?

Thanks Diva. It was a 126x60, tho it measured a bit small in reality. Finished I think it ended up 9'9" long. This is the second tablecloth hammock I've made and I wouldn't say they're made with laser accuracy.

**Pipsissewa** · 07-06-2013, 05:49

Hey Red, That looks really nice. Since I have four tablecloths coming in the mail any day, I have a couple of questions for you:

1. Do you think those triangles that you added to the bug net were necessary in the end? It seems that, since the ends are gathered, it doesn't matter that the net is narrower than the hammock.

(that's me thinking)

2. I never thought of reinforcing the channel seams before. Are you glad you did it and would you do it again?

3. Would you make me one JUST LIKE IT?!?!?! LOVE it!! You always inspire me! THANKS!!!!!

**Redoleary** · 07-07-2013, 20:24

Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

Hey Red, That looks really nice. Since I have four tablecloths coming in the mail any day, I have a couple of questions for you:

1. Do you think those triangles that you added to the bug net were necessary in the end? It seems that, since the ends are gathered, it doesn't matter that the net is narrower than the hammock.

(that's me thinking)
I do think they're necessary, only because the zipper is sewn into the end channel and I think that it's just easier to make the zipper end in the closed position when the half on the hammock and the half on the net end at the same place. That's the only reason I did it cuz I didn't think the zipper would be happy otherwise.
2. I never thought of reinforcing the channel seams before. Are you glad you did it and would you do it again?
That's the second time I did it and I'd do it again. That way I can just fold over the end to make the channel and not loose any more length and still get three layers. For the weight, it's worth the security.
3. Would you make me one JUST LIKE IT?!?!?! LOVE it!! You always inspire me! THANKS!!!!!

In fact I have to make one just like it for my wife!

Thanks Pips.