Senior scout project - making hammock gear - advice

[Garsk]

Ok, so I'm a scouter for a Venturer Scout group in Canada (That's 14 to 17 year old scouts for other countries), and the company thought they could make their own hammocks and gear. So the challenge now is how to do this:

a) On as low a budget as possible.
b) With teenagers with no sewing skills
c) And yet end up with gear they will want to keep and use repeatedly

Thoughts?

[Watertooner]

Are the teenagers willing and able to learn how to sew?
If not, are they willing to trade their sweat equity with someone who does know how to sew?
If not, can you find someone who is willing to donate time and effort to your group?
If not, can funds be raised to purchase low-budget gear to get started?

Start with what the group can do or is willing to learn how to do and work through the options. It might require a multi-option solution depending on how many members are part of your group? What's your timeline?

[bluesam3]

If you want to take it on the ridiculously easy end: get some long rectangular tablecloths, whip the ends, and add suspension.

Practically, though, I'd probably just teach them some very basic sewing: you literally just need to sew four straight lines to make a proper gathered-end hammock (rolled hem the long edges, channels or rolled hems at the short edges).

[Garsk]

Are the teenagers willing and able to learn how to sew?

Answer: Yes, but I'm a little concerned with their commitment levels.

[dkurfiss]

Go HERE to the Ultimate Hang. Derek shows you how to make a hammock in 3 minutes. I have made them without sewing by purchasing extra long table cloth and tying a knot in each end to be a stopper but I prefer to sew a channel.

You can buy the table clothes HERE or probably some place in CA.

Tarps I would suggest some place like our US Harbor Freight like WalMart or Canadian Tire. You can also get materials to make their suspensions and such.

Under quilts you can try to find Poncho Liners and make something that is good for about 45 to 50 F. Same for top quilts.

[oldpappy]

Plus, find some throw quilts/blankets at home/thrift stores and do as much of this as you want (split into teams maybe):
- Make your TQs by using throw blankets and Kamsnaps.
- Make your UQs by using throw blankets with tarp clips (screw tighten type), 1/8 shock cord.
- Hammock material can be 4 yards of dollar bin nylon (you can use rope vs webbing): https://www.youtube.com/watch?annota...&v=vLt7WrloFh4
- Polycryo Tarp: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-Polycro)-Tarp
- HUG Bugnet (simplify with Kamsnaps)
- use Amsteel for the suspension/ridgeline, ect and cheap tie down straps for tree huggers.

Another great and easy project would be a Tyvek Pod/sock (can be used as a bivy and it is an impressive performer - I still use this 2013 sock): https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=1#post1125870

[raingurl]

Go HERE to the Ultimate Hang. Derek shows you how to make a hammock in 3 minutes. I have made them without sewing by purchasing extra long table cloth and tying a knot in each end to be a stopper but I prefer to sew a channel.

You can buy the table clothes HERE or probably some place in CA.

Tarps I would suggest some place like our US Harbor Freight like WalMart or Canadian Tire. You can also get materials to make their suspensions and such.

Under quilts you can try to find Poncho Liners and make something that is good for about 45 to 50 F. Same for top quilts.

That was very helpful. Thank you <3

[curlymaple42]

I second the tablecloth hammock deal. I think I ordered the 60x120 krinkle taffeta table cloths. Super easy. My daughter's survived a month at Girl Scout camp doing the Junior Maine Guide program, for leisure hanging though, not sleep.

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[danm77]

Go HERE to the Ultimate Hang. Derek shows you how to make a hammock in 3 minutes. I have made them without sewing by purchasing extra long table cloth and tying a knot in each end to be a stopper but I prefer to sew a channel.

You can buy the table clothes HERE or probably some place in CA.

Tarps I would suggest some place like our US Harbor Freight like WalMart or Canadian Tire. You can also get materials to make their suspensions and such.

Under quilts you can try to find Poncho Liners and make something that is good for about 45 to 50 F. Same for top quilts.

That is pretty darn cool. It will probably take ME a little longer than 3 minutes, but that is awesome.

[GilligansWorld]

Suggestion - Speak to their Parents - Find out if a "Thread Injector" is present at all scouts houses who care to participate - If they have one, you sir have some help in the motivation Department.

Question - Do you own or have access to one (as you will need to do demonstrations almost in a step by step process) but honestly it's not terribly complicated for a simple gathered end hammock?

I would think you would need at least 1/2 as many machines as scouts. Pair them up and give the pairs making them taking turns sewing and alternatively splicing the UHMWPE cordage, and final assembly of your webbing and CRL.

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