How do I know which weight rip-stop nylon I bought?

**grahamv2** · 03-19-2014, 11:27

I'm new to hammocks and wanted to try my hand at making my own. I went down to Joann's Fabrics and used a 40% off coupon to purchase some ripstop nylon, but now that I've done a little more research, I realize there are different weights of nylon. How do I know which I purchased?

**MAD777** · 03-19-2014, 11:35

It's most likely 1.9 oz/sy
If you have a postal scale, weigh it and divide that by the area.

**grahamv2** · 03-19-2014, 11:37

Thank you!

**Nodust** · 03-19-2014, 11:39

Originally Posted by MAD777

It's most likely 1.9 oz/sy
If you have a postal scale, weigh it and divide that by the area.

So 1.1 ripstop weighs 1.1oz/yard?
1.9 weighs 1.9oz/yd and so on?

**gmcttr** · 03-19-2014, 11:52

Originally Posted by Nodust

So 1.1 ripstop weighs 1.1oz/yard?
1.9 weighs 1.9oz/yd and so on?

Yes, unless it has a treatment like DWR or a coating. Generally the weights for treated ripstop will be the before treatment weight although sometimes it is included.

**FLRider** · 03-19-2014, 11:53

Originally Posted by Nodust

So 1.1 ripstop weighs 1.1oz/yard?
1.9 weighs 1.9oz/yd and so on?

1.1 oz and 1.9 oz per square yard, not linear yard (fabric is most often sold in 60" widths; measure it in inches and divide the width by 36" to find how many yards wide it is and then multiply by the number of linear yards you got to find weight by square yardage).

Hope it helps!

**Boston** · 03-19-2014, 12:19

Originally Posted by Nodust

So 1.1 ripstop weighs 1.1oz/yard?
1.9 weighs 1.9oz/yd and so on?

Important distinction: It 1.1 oz per square yard, not linear yard off the roll. Roll width is usually about 60".

**kodepop** · 03-19-2014, 17:49

Joanns is 1.9, I just did some research the other day when I made my hammock.

**hillikus** · 03-20-2014, 10:43

Originally Posted by kodepop

Joanns is 1.9, I just did some research the other day when I made my hammock.

I don't think this is always true. My local Joanns usually has 2-3 bolts of each color, each bolt being a different weight. Not sure what the weights are, and I haven't used any yet, but I noticed this when scouting for some nylon for a hammock for my son. They didn't list the weight but I think they each had a numerical value that was different. Hope I didn't muddy the waters any more, but just wanted to voice my observations.

-H

**jwright** · 03-20-2014, 11:55

Please check out http://diygearsupply.com/product-cat...hable-fabrics/

DIYGY (Scott) is well known and well respected here on HF.
You can find genuine 1.1 ripstop for as little as $2.85 a yard.
NO mystery "what is this fabric?" type stuff, this is the real deal material.
Scott will provide all the details-the actual weight, any treatments (DWR), wether or not it was calandered, if it is down proof or not, etc.
He is also very willing to discuss the appropriate or best use for the fabrics he carrries-just shoot him an email

Say no to mystery fabric!