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Thread: stitch spacing

  1. #1
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    stitch spacing

    hammock.jpg
    hammock stitch.jpg

    Hello all,
    I'm not sure this picture will do any good. I'm posting a picture of my DIY Hammock and a picture of the stitching. I'm wondering what the length of stitches should be and if my stitching looks to be correct to avoid the dreaded perforation effect. Any and all comments welcome.

  2. #2
    I'm a noob too so it will be interesting to see the replies, but my understanding is you want to poke the ripstop as few times as you can. So wide stitches, maybe 8 per inch I heard somewhere. I've got my machine set as wide as it will make them, seams to work well.

    Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Senior Member HoosierT's Avatar
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    The above post is how I like my stitching for most applications. My machine will go longer so my stitch length is set to about 75%.

  4. #4
    Senior Member FJRpilot's Avatar
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    I think to some degree it depends on the fabric. The heavier the fabric, the tighter the stitches can be. For my tarps (1oz material), I try to make a stitch slightly less then a basting stitch in length.

    For heavier fabrics (1.7, 1.9, 2.2) that I use for hammock bodies, I feel more comfortable using a finer stitch. About a year ago I took another forum members advice and started using “zig-zag” stitch’s for major load bearing seams. So far, not a single failure with 2 tarps and 3 hammocks.

    YMMV....
    “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.”

    - Edmund Burke

  5. #5
    Senior Member hutzelbein's Avatar
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    I haven't read of a hammock failing due to the stitching, yet, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. I use 2.5mm stitches pretty much all of the time. I think most commercial hammocks have 3mm stitches. I wouldn't use much longer stitches, because the thread can snag easier when the loops are large. In any case, for the long sides you can do pretty much whatever you like, since there shouldn't be much load on the seams.

  6. #6
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    If you look real close at your fabric, it's already full of holes. Unless the needle is actually cutting threads in the fabric as you sew, there is no "perforation effect" happening that you need to worry about.

  7. #7
    Senior Member jellyfish's Avatar
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    Those are lovely, straight stitches.

    For hammock things I vary usually between 3 and 3.5, depending on the fabric.
    I sew things on youtube.
    I don’t sew on commission, so please don’t ask. Thanks.

  8. #8
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    Thanks all... appreciate the feedback. I tried it out this weekend with several different size folks. It held up, but I know it's something to pay attention to moving forward.

  9. #9
    Senior Member GadgetUK437's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hutzelbein View Post
    I haven't read of a hammock failing due to the stitching, yet
    +1
    This
    Quote Originally Posted by dscotthep View Post
    If you look real close at your fabric, it's already full of holes. Unless the needle is actually cutting threads in the fabric as you sew, there is no "perforation effect"
    2.5mm is my go-to.

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