Heading to JOANNS!

**Eliteoomph** · 06-11-2011, 19:18

I can't take it anymore! I must go buy RIPSTOP and start my first DIY hammock project... I think in all the excitement I will most likely forget something... Here is my list so far...

4 yards of 1.7 or 1.9 ripstop whatever they have...
new bobbin for my singer 66
a few needles
thread... (is there any certain heavy-duty thread that I need?
also Do you guys recommend binding on the edges or should I just fold a couple times and sew it up?

uI would like to eventually add a zipper all the way around for a bug net/shield like a CJH. I am still trying to figure this out in my head of how to do this. I read headchange4u's stickey in DIY but I am still a little lost...

Also, I want to attach a undercover like the Clark nx-200 has with velcro pockets. I was wondering if I should get a fabric for this that would be non-breathable so that the warm-air from my body would stay trapped in that area a little better and the cold air underneath would have a harder time penetrating... Any ideas on a fabric for this or is that thought process even logical?

And, what do I need for the ends? I just bought my first thread injector so I am still pretty rusty on the sewing jargon...

I am going to head up there in about an hour...
but rest assure I will make a 2nd run tomorrow ;o)

and the next day...

and the next...

and the...

zzzz

**Catavarie** · 06-11-2011, 19:28

Gutterman is the thread recommended most. Although I just look for a good polyester thread if that's not available. Definitely no cotton thread, will only rot and mildew giving your hammock a bad smell before it inevitably falls apart.

For your first time I'd suggest just going with a simple folded hem around the edges, it's a good skill to work on and looks good. Also I think the folded hem will be easier to later attach a zipper,for bug netting, to as well.

And I personally wouldn't recommend a non-breathable layer attached to a hammock at any point, unless of course you want to have a sweat logged hammock and insulation. Instead go for a weather shield, which hangs under and around your hammock.

Just my two cents worth.

**Eliteoomph** · 06-11-2011, 19:33

Originally Posted by Catavarie

Gutterman is the thread recommended most. Although I just look for a good polyester thread if that's not available. Definitely no cotton thread, will only rot and mildew giving your hammock a bad smell before it inevitably falls apart.

For your first time I'd suggest just going with a simple folded hem around the edges, it's a good skill to work on and looks good. Also I think the folded hem will be easier to later attach a zipper,for bug netting, to as well.

And I personally wouldn't recommend a non-breathable layer attached to a hammock at any point, unless of course you want to have a sweat logged hammock and insulation. Instead go for a weather shield, which hangs under and around your hammock.

Just my two cents worth.

I wonder if we are thinking of something similar... This also goes under and around the bottom part of the hammock but it will hang down about a foot below and trap air... i was just thinking a non breathable layer might prevent cold air from penetrating into that region but I might be way off... i wonder what that layer is made of on the clark hammocks...

**Eliteoomph** · 06-11-2011, 19:46

Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would be so excited to go to a fabric store...
I feel like a kid Omw to Disneyworld

**Catavarie** · 06-11-2011, 19:48

I think we are. Although I haven't seen a Clark in person, I'd be surprised if they used an actual non-breathable material anywhere on the hammock itself as that would prevent moisture given off by your body to escape and cause condensation to build up in the hammock/insulation.

A weather shield is a non-breathable cover that is suspended below and around the hammock to block wind and sideways rain from hitting the hammock and UQ and therefore causing CBS.

I'd suggest that if you want to attached pockets like a clarks has to just use normal ripstop for those and then make a non-breathable weather shield that you can slap underneath when the weather calls for it.

**bgraybackpacker** · 06-11-2011, 19:52

I would definitely get one of these. It helps when measuring your hems. Oh yes and a pair of sewing scissors is absolutely a must don't think you can use regular household scissors you will be sorry and frustrated with the way they don't cut well.

BTW at my local Joannes I am known as the camping guy.

**Eliteoomph** · 06-11-2011, 20:21

Lol just left... I went with black and found the gutterman bulky nylon thread... I think my wife will have everything else I need.

**Catavarie** · 06-11-2011, 20:35

Can't wait to see photos of the finished product.

**Eliteoomph** · 06-11-2011, 20:41

ditto ;o)

**Eliteoomph** · 06-12-2011, 00:12

For a basic DIY setup... After I do my fold over and sew all the way around, what do I do next? I am having a hard time finding something with clear instructions on what to do with the ends.