In the past I have only used ripstop nylon or parachute nylon for my DIY hammocks. However, I was never happy with the amount of stretch I got from them. Especially compared to my WBBB fabric which I believe is a nylon taffeta.
I had some free time over the weekend and hit up the fabric stores in the area looking for good deals on hammock fabric since I have to make 3-4 in the next few weeks. I found that in most stores the taffeta was as expensive as the ripstop nylon.
Joann's had some polyester and nylon taffeta for $8/yd, however, as I kept browsing through their selection I came upon a bolt of black cloth that was labeled 100% Black Lining. I had a bolt of the $8/yd taffeta in my hand and so I compared them and I came to the conclusion the Lining material is also a taffeta. It is slightly less coarse and a bit lighter, but not as smooth/light as silk lining. The best part is that it is only $4/yd and with a 50% off coupon I figured I would try it.
When I got home and compared it to the fabric on the WBBB it feels very similar, except that it is slightly less coarse, but about the same weight.
I built a double layer hammock out of it and tried it out in the yard and found it held me and didn't stretch much at all, with the WBBB whipping I couldn't tell that I wasn't laying in the WBBB with my eyes closed.
I will take some pictures of it, but I was curious if anyone else has used this material and can tell me whether I will end up on my butt in the near future.
Thanks,
BG
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