Fabric advice for Newbie DIY

**mountainlaura** · 03-20-2016, 23:56

Ok, I'm looking into making my first DIY hammock. I'm a bit overwhelmed by fabric choices however.

I'm making a single layer hammock for my husband, who is 230 some pounds and maybe 5'7".

What fabric do you recommend?

Is there a chart somewhere on the weight limits of different fabrics?

What are the most economical sources for buying fabric (taking into account shipping too). So far I'm looking at Dutchware and Ripstopbytheroll.

I don't know what all the coatings mean. :P

**Intimidator** · 03-21-2016, 00:39

Hexon 1.6 at dutchware should be a pretty good starting place I am 6 1 245 and it is a nice balance of support and softness

**Codiak** · 03-21-2016, 00:58

Ripstopbytheyard has a good faq for thier fabrics
I'm liking the RobicXL

**mountainlaura** · 03-21-2016, 11:03

Do all hammock fabrics need to be seam sealed?

**calpal** · 03-21-2016, 11:16

The seam sealing is typically for tarps, a good rolled hem is all you should need. RipstopbytheRoll hyperD 1.6 is a great fabric, I am making another one out of Kelly green now. Tons of color options. Their 1.9 ripstop is a cheaper option. Both should be plenty strong for 230lbs, 1.9 will be marginally stronger. They sell full blown kits with all the parts you need to make one as well.

**mountainlaura** · 03-21-2016, 11:45

Ok, is DWR something I need? Do most fabrics come with it? Will it be listed in the description if so?

**Caminante** · 03-21-2016, 11:46

RSBR and Dutch are both great options for diy supplies, especially hammock specific. What would your husband's application be? If backpacking, you might want to shade towards a lighter fabric which typically costs a bit more. If car camping or backyard hanging, you could get the very economical but heavier 1.9oz ripstop.

**Caminante** · 03-21-2016, 11:48

Originally Posted by mountainlaurel

Ok, is DWR something I need? Do most fabrics come with it? Will it be listed in the description if so?

DWR typically comes on most of these fabrics and is listed in the descriptions. You just want to make sure you go for a breathable, uncalendered fabric, irrespective of DWR. I'm more familiar with RSBR's website, so those are listed here:

http://ripstopbytheroll.com/collecti...ndered-ripstop

**mountainlaura** · 03-21-2016, 12:03

He'll probably mostly do car camping with it but there's the chance he might try backpacking also.

Since I'm already placing an order with Dutch, I'm thinking of just getting the fabric with him also.
I'm thinking of the Argon 1.6 but it doesn't mention the DWR treatment and I don't know if I need that or not. Sounds like that fabric is a nice middle ground between sturdiness and weight?