Sew channel without hemming long edges?

**chapinb** · 03-29-2019, 05:32

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

If you're going to sew a channel, why would you be averse to sewing a hem? Doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

I agree with you in most every case. In my cases where I didn't was for 1 of 2 reasons. Either I wanted/needed the extra few inches on a standard width fabric or I was lazy and am trying a new fabric before I do the extra work of hemming the sides.

**HMLCK** · 03-29-2019, 16:52

Exactly my reasons for asking. Extra width at the cost of less work. How is that not worth considering?

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-29-2019, 17:06

Originally Posted by HMLCK

Exactly my reasons for asking. Extra width at the cost of less work. How is that not worth considering?

When "less work" means 30 minutes to an hour saved, then it doesn't seem worth it.

**oldpappy** · 03-29-2019, 18:17

Originally Posted by slugbait

If you were to buy ,say 4 yards of fabric of a bolt or roll, the long edges are the selvedge edges.

FYI:
I have a 12 ft nylon hammock that I did not hem the long edges. It's about 1.6 oz/yd material.
It is retired now (Dutch and Argon 1.6's fault) but saw over 10 years use and has served hundreds of nights - no issues.
The hammock ends were done in this 'sheet bend knot' manor incase it makes a difference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annota...&v=vLt7WrloFh4

Try it - You can always hem it later if needed.