Question about Sewing Tree Straps

**pb&j** · 08-08-2011, 16:03

I have nylon tree straps, and I am very unhappy with how much they stretch. I am completely in awe of, and overwhelmed by, how many proper ways there are to hang.

After lots of reading, I have decided that I am going to make some whoopie slings.

So for the tree straps, should I use dutch clips, or carabiners? Couldn't I just double the strap over and sew a loop and not need the hardware?

Will a home sewn loop hold if I use the square and X pattern? Or if I do need the hardware can I just sew them onto some polyester webbing and that will hold? I have a good machine, but nothing else I have sewn has has that much pull on such a small area, so I am wary.

Obviously I am a noob, so any advice would be very much appreciated!

**gargoyle** · 08-08-2011, 16:12

Loops are fine for a no hardware approach. You'll need to feed the webbing completely thru the eye at set-up and take down. Make sure to cinch them down good. If they slide against the webbing, they'll be issues with wear.

Box stitch and x stitch is fine. Use good thread. NOT COTTON.
I usually sew eyes on both ends, makes the strap universal.
If you decide to add hardware down the road either the DC or carabiner will work in the loop. Just add a hand stitch to lock the DC in.

Welcome.

**shumway** · 08-08-2011, 16:23

If you get some thick polyester thread for this you should be fine. If in doubt, throw an extra line or two of stitches in there. You can also add security by lengthening the sewn area.

**Ryvr** · 08-08-2011, 16:51

If I'm not mistaken bar tacks (3-4) are ideal and have a higher breaking point than a box stitch.

**Shewie** · 08-08-2011, 18:26

Originally Posted by pb&j

Will a home sewn loop hold if I use the square and X pattern?

I've been using a set of DIY straps for a couple of years without any probs, I did a union jack pattern just for added security as my sewing skills are useless.

Good quality poly thread like a Gutterman will do nicely.

Trust your stitching bud, it'll be fine.

**pb&j** · 08-08-2011, 18:37

Thank you Gargoyle, Shumway, and Ryvr for your advice! I really appreciate it.

Just one last question, for anyone. If you were making tree huggers, would you add dutch clips, use carabiners, or just sew loops? Why is that your preference over the other choices?

**pb&j** · 08-08-2011, 18:48

Thank you Shewie! I appreciate your advice...and reassurance.

**Nicodumas** · 08-08-2011, 19:11

Water Knot for me... enjoying not needed to have something pre made

**MAD777** · 08-08-2011, 20:40

I sew the loops in my straps with 100% polyester thread. I use a pattern where I simply sew a longitudinal line near one edge, turn the strap and sew longitudinally in the other direction, BUT at a slight angle. I end up making about 6 or 7 zig-zags before getting to the other edge.

This is a personal preference, but I put my whoopies in the tree strap loop before I sew it . That way they are permanently sewn in. If I need to choke up on the strap, I simply put a marlin spike in it a loop the whoopie over it.

**RootCause** · 08-08-2011, 21:14

My current tree strap loops were sewn by hand. A sort of box stitch, with polyester thread. They've held for over three years. If you do anything by machine, I think you'll be good.

I, on the other hand, needs to learn to use a thread injector.

I also have forgone my carabiners in favor of whoopies. I am also using the Marlin Spike Hitch, with two toggles made from little branches I pruned off my ash tree. I am now a whoopie sling convert, I ain't going back to the webbing/rings/carabiner setup I had before. Though I love the ease of use of the webbing/rings, the whoopies are just that much lighter, that less bulky, and that much cooler.