Noob question: Extending length for bedsheet hammock?

[professrh]

So, I saw king-size microfiber bedsheet sets at Walmart yesterday, on sale for $18.94.

I've read a lot about bedsheet hammocks here and around the web. The problem I haven't seen addressed is that they're quite short (the flat sheet in the Walmart set measures 102" x 108" --well short of the 144" length I'd like to start with.

I know that some manufacturers use multiple pieces of fabrics sewn together parallel to the end-to-end forces striving to pull the hammock apart; I've never seen one (in my woefully limited experience) where fabric pieces are sewn together perpendicular to those forces.

My question, then: is there a good reason why one shouldn't extend the length by sewing on additional fabric at either end?

A corollary: if it's not a bad idea, what's the best way for a noob to accomplish this (strongest seam, etc.)?

Thanks for your help!

--Prof

[devoncloud]

I would be weary of such a thing as I think your seam would be prone to failure. Why not check out ripstopbytherole.com and purchase fabric from them? I doubt it would be much more expensive that what you are doing and you could get the entire kit.


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[oldgringo]

End channels are typically sewn with 3 lines of stitching, and they seem to hold up okay. I think this is doable...give it a try.

[Tikker]

just testing hang 3 inches off the ground

[BigE94]

Not something i'd try. It's standard to add width to hammocks by sewing lengthwise. I've never seen one sewn across the width.

[Browncoat27]

I think oldgringo may have a point about the end channel stitching but I don't know enough about the physics to say whether it'll make a difference stitching the ends vs. stitching closer to the middle of the body.

I'd say if your goal is to satisfy the curiosity of IF it'll work then go for it. Just don't hang too high the first few times.

If however, your main goal is to find an affordable material to make a decent hammock with, I'd have to concur with devoncloud and recommend you go with some 1.9 Ripstop from RBTR. It'll actually cost you less to get 4 yards of fabric that's surprisingly soft and durable and you won't have to deal with sewing extra length and cutting off width you don't want/need. You will be limited to about 60" in width though.

Good luck either way!

[Tikker]

or just buy a 12 foot tablecloth blank for 10 bucks

[professrh]

Thanks, everyone.

This pretty much confirms that my misgivings were justified.

I was wanting to do a dry run with cheap material. Yeah, well . . . nevermind.

Dutchwaregear has some affordable 1.9 oz. ripstop in an interesting camo pattern; pretty soon I'll buy four yards of that for a finished length around 11.5'.

I'll compare that hammock for comfort with my JungleNest before attempting to add an integral bugnet.

--Prof

[slugbait]

I bought cheap microfiber sheets at J.C.Penney's and they turned out to be super thin (almost see-through). I wouldn't want to hang in a hammock made from these.

[muddycreek]

There's always the $1ish Walmart (probably polyester?) fabric used for suit/coat liners. I've got one I periodically lend to the hammock curious, it's perfectly acceptable.