Curved hem at the gathered end

**Guitfiddle64** · 05-06-2014, 18:07

I had the floppy side thing going on with my first DIY hammock so I am researching ideas for a better design. I have the idea of arching the the seam at each gathered end in order to produce shorter edges and a longer belly. I also like the stretch side idea put up by WV and Knotty, but I'm curious if anyone has done this arched hem with success or failure. I love how this forum gets the creative juices flowing. Such fun!!

**Dutch** · 05-06-2014, 18:22

The "Knotty mod" works well and there are a couple venders that have adopted his idea. Mortal humans can not figure out what WV is doing.

**grannypat** · 05-06-2014, 18:27

Here's a link to the Knotty mod: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...h-Side-Hammock

**Firesong** · 05-06-2014, 18:30

I don't whip. I do the channeling and have tried both the curved end/channel and simply sewing the side at the top up an inch at all corners. So far the latter is easier to do and looks good.

**hikenbike** · 05-06-2014, 18:35

I tried seven different versions of non-rectangular hammocks until the applied physics lesson sank in. The only things that remotely worked were ever-so-slight angles...and the benefit was negligible when weighed against the effort. I'm convinced the Knotty (elastic gathering) on a rectangular hammock is the best way to get the desired results. Would love to see/hear if you have any success.

**gunner76** · 05-06-2014, 19:25

The knotty mode is a bit of pain to do but it does work.

**mrmike65** · 05-06-2014, 20:06

I tried what you suggest some time ago... with disastrous results! Fortunately, enough material survived to make a gear hammock. I now use 3/32" shock cord in the side hem channels. Works quite well.

**nothermark** · 05-07-2014, 09:42

As I recall around an inch of shaping made things a bit better on the edges. That is why I advise whipped ends for experimenting. That is from a bunch of experiments we did 10-15 years ago.

**MAD777** · 05-07-2014, 10:05

All my hammocks have a curved end at the foot such that the centerline is 3" longer than the edges. It's the most comfortable shape that I have found to date.
Of course this hasn't stopped my experimenting. I have a stack of fabric to build a parallelogram hammock, which I'll begin shortly. (Might as well sew; it's too hot in Florida to hike).

**GabeWalker** · 05-07-2014, 10:06

I recently made a hammock with a sewn end channel and shaped it to a 'V' shape (curves are above my sewing skill for now). It definitely solved any floppy side problems, but as mentioned before, it created some tension on the sides when entering/exiting the hammock or when using it as a chair by sitting sideways. For me it was just a prototype hammock with some cheap walmart fabric that was heavier and feels stronger than 1.1oz ripstop so the extra tension did not cause any ripping. But with a less strong fabric, it could cause it to tear over time (though this is not based on any tests or even anecdotal evidence). I haven't used it but the "knotty method" sounds great. I think I'll have to try it!