Your DIY Knotty mod opinions

**TreeRing** · 04-15-2018, 12:11

Just got here and already I might need an intervention...the encyclopedia of ideas on the forum along with YouTube videos have me making all kinds of stuff. When (if?) spring gets here I need to back away from the sewing machine, splicing wire, and snaps!

Anyway, I used Jellyfish's sweet casing method for doing a Knotty mod on an underquilt protector - turned out great. However, on my next hammock build (a purple 1.6 hyper D XL for my daughter) I plan to utilize the rolled hem channel for the cord since I won't have the extra fabric to build the casing.

I have read through the original Knotty mod posting along with others, and it seems some folks are just adding the stretch to the feet, some to feet and head, and some nearly the full length. For those of you that have tried the different methods...any strong opinions one way or the other? Any regrets about doing it a certain way? It's gonna be good either way, I know.

Thanks!

**makingitoutdoors** · 04-15-2018, 12:28

I used flat elastic for 24in starting 24in from the end of the hammock.

After I tried that, I added another piece for about 10” over my head.

I like it. Doesn’t feel like my feet want to fall out.

**TreeRing** · 04-15-2018, 12:35

Originally Posted by makingitoutdoors

I used flat elastic for 24in starting 24in from the end of the hammock.

After I tried that, I added another piece for about 10” over my head.

I like it. Doesn’t feel like my feet want to fall out.

Oh yeah, I forgot about elastic! I bet my wife might even give me some out of her sewing supplies

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**makingitoutdoors** · 04-15-2018, 13:01

I had some in my stash and it was quick. I stitched one end down and pinned the other. Brought it outside and adjusted it and then came back in and stitched it down and closed the casing. 1/2in elastic.

**bigdisgrace** · 04-15-2018, 13:43

I just completed a DIY hammock and I put another footbox in place of the knotty mod. 100_9750.jpg 100_9751.jpg Can sleep left or right and the unused footbox doubles as a storage pocket as it just hangs off the side anyway. I also found that when you cinch up the unused footbox it takes up slack as a knotty mod would. Pics are of the outside view & inside view. Both are 40" long half rounds as in the Jellyfish plans. Located 22" from the footend.

**Otter1** · 04-15-2018, 13:59

I don't need one at the head end of regular-width fabrics - I'm 6'1" for reference. On wide fabric I will add one to prevent flopping fabric.

As for the foot end - I too add a footbox w/ essentially a Knotty mod in the top edge seam of the footbox. For me, it keeps my feet & TQ in place better. I used hangnout's stretchable footbox idea and modded it a bit to my taste. Essentially a 1/3 moon of fabric with the straght seam sewn to the side of the hammock. His video here:

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...chable-Footbox

Next time I'll make it about 15" tall for my big feet, to allow some extra. If I was shorter (by a good bit) I would use a Knotty mod at that end too.

**TreeRing** · 04-15-2018, 19:24

Thanks all...I'll have to play around with an actual footbox at some point.

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**wa4chq** · 04-16-2018, 07:19

I like the idea of using the flat elastic instead of the bungy I used. And I added locks as well and they irritate me to no end too. The issue I have and it's my mistake is I didn't think about where my head would be in relation to the end of the bungy and lock.....and....the knot I tied at the end of the bungy to keep the lock from slipping off when it's at the end of it's run..... it will, in the course of the night, wind up pressing up against my head....lol

**TreeRing** · 04-16-2018, 20:56

Originally Posted by makingitoutdoors

I used flat elastic for 24in starting 24in from the end of the hammock.

After I tried that, I added another piece for about 10” over my head.

I like it. Doesn’t feel like my feet want to fall out.

Was thinking more about ways to get the elastic completely hidden in the channel. Maybe a zigzag stitch along the side of the elastic? Otherwise, maybe roll the hem over once with clips and tack one end of the elastic, then do a regular double-rolled hem straight stitch without sewing on the elastic and pull to later tack the second end. I think I need to watch more videos

**makingitoutdoors** · 04-16-2018, 21:12

I hemmed the edges by rolling over the fabric a half inch twice. On the foot end of the hammock, I stopped and locked the stitches where I was inserting the elastic. I just threaded the elastic through the channel with a safety pin, zigzagged one end down, adjusted it and then zigzagged the other end down. I then stitched the hem gaps closed. The part above my head was an afterthought, so I broke the hem stitches in two spots, inserted the elastic and then stitched the gaps closed.