How to Make A Hammock in 3 Minutes

87 responses to “How to Make A Hammock in 3 Minutes”

1. 15 Neue DIY Patio-Möbel Und Deko-Ideen Für Mehr Funktionale Freifläche – Schöne Ideen

   April 6, 2016

   […] sind der Inbegriff der entspannenden Möbel. Machen Ihre eigenen Hängematte erfordert einige Stoff, Seil und Zip-Bindungen. Treten zurück und entspannen könnte nicht […]

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2. 

   Jeffrey Wong

   April 21, 2016

   Hi Derek
   I made a ripstop hammock using zip ties through channels on the ends. On a 300-mile segment of my hike last year the zip tie broke. I knotted the end of my hammock–easy fix for the rest of the segment, but I will never recommend the use of a zip tie for a hammock gather. The zip tie gets brittle and breaks.
   Cheers, Jeff.

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek

      April 21, 2016

      Interesting. I’m glad you’re safe and you found a good workaround. I suspect the zip tie might be the weak link. Other manufacturers use them in their hammocks without issue, so it might be important to note the type or quality? It is also curious because the zip tie should be covered almost entirely from UV exposure if it is in the channel. Any other insights you can provide as to why how where the zip tie broke?

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      1. 

         Jeffrey Wong

         April 21, 2016

         I thought the zip tie was the gods’ gift to hammock makers. I discovered the break as I eased myself into the hammock after set up–I’m glad it didn’t happen in the middle of the night.

         Analysis:
         1. I stored my zip ties in the garage in a box, away from
         2. yes, “zip tie … almost entirely …in the channel”
         3. I always stored the hammock within an hour of use. The first & last lemon, as no others had broken before–I’ve switched the rest over to 1/4″ cord to provide the bulk in the channel. If someone showed me a “premium” zip tie, I wouldn’t buy one, b/c filing the cut edges after removing the excess length slows the build.

         I girth hitch my whoopies just below the channel, not on the channel, though it could have shifted to apply pressure on the zip tie. I recall that the tie broke right next to the tunnel.

         Old school is OK.
         Cheers, JW

         Reply
3. 

   Peter Konneker

   June 1, 2016

   Can you not just fold the end of the table cloth over and throw a sheet bend on there? You could even sew it that way for strength. I am just wondering how safe/secure that would be. I have done it in a cotton sheet for the kids. Seems very secure, but my google-fu is failing to come up with an answer.

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   1. 

      Derek

      June 1, 2016

      Yes, but it depends on the materials used. Slippery dyneema isn’t recommended but other rope should hold fine. This is what I do when I make hammock chairs on the trail.

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      1. 

         Richard Allred

         June 1, 2016

         I love this simple hammock design! My first one I sewed an end-channel but on subsequent ones I have simply used a zip tie to gather the ends which allows me to experiment quickly with various folds and gatherings. Below the zip tie I have a thick continuous loop in a prusik knot that hasn’t budged in the year I’ve used it. Maybe you should call it the 1 minute hammock. Thanks!

         Reply
4. 

   Rob Watford

   July 12, 2016

   Derek, what’s the purpose of the W-fold whipping? I’ve seen this before, but never seen an explanation of what it does or why to use it instead of the zip tie method.

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   1. 

      Derek

      July 12, 2016

      It is used by Hennessy. Some folks felt it minimized the calf ridge or helped form a foot pocket. From my experience it is simple a way to easily flatten the fabric on a Hennessy so they could be sewn or fused. If you’ve seen a Hennessy end cap you know what I’m referring to.

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      1. 

         Rob Watford

         July 23, 2016

         That makes some sense. I currently have an HH explorer, but really feel some hyper extension in my knee when I use it. The only way I can really sleep in it is in the fetal position 90* to the RL.

         Reply
5. 

   Cj

   October 6, 2016

   Hey Derek,

   If I use two of the crinkle taffeta fabrics and sew them together, is it significantly more weight to where 2 people could sleep in it without a problem? My friend and I slept ina. Crinkle taffeta hammock and it ripped so I was wondering if adding the second layer would help?

   Thanks!

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek

      October 7, 2016

      Two layers would bump the weight rating. Did you see my post on double layer vs. single layer hammocks? There is a calculator there from dreamhammok.com to estimate weight ratings of double layers based on fabric type.

      If the rip occurred on any sewn seam, be sure to use high strength thread and reinforce load bearing seams.

      Reply
6. 

   Gary Bowers

   October 20, 2016

   We just did this with our troop and it was a great project. Used the mule tape that we bought off ebay, and amsteel to make the continuous loop.

   One thing I would caution about is that the fabric from the tablecloths suggested was not very durable. More than half of out hammocks ripped on the first use. Some down the middle, most by the knot on the end. The fabric felt very cheap, and I guess it ended up being so.

   Not sure that I can recommend doing this project with the source provided, but the concept, and the process are great. Just need to find better material.

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   1. 

      Derek

      October 20, 2016

      Thanks for the update on the fabric. I wonder if their source has changed.

      Reply
   2. 

      Jeffrey Wong

      October 20, 2016

      Bummer to read about the declining quality, considering that each tablecloth costs $10 and 3.5 yards of ripstop from diygearsupply costs as little as $12 (1.1 oz seconds in royal blue today). I’ve never had trouble with diygearsupply fabric.

      Reply
   3. 

      gregory sullivan

      October 27, 2016

      Mine ripped at the larks head or whipping point almost immediately. Pretty sure the 7/64 amsteel cut through the fabric. I have since added a more durable layer or sheath in that area and am using a prussic rather than a larks head to spread the pressure. Going on 8 mos. w/ no problems.
      Also there is nothing a scout troop can/will not destroy. I think your main problem might be resilience of youth.

      Reply
      1. 

         Gary bowers

         October 29, 2016

         That’s right where mine ripped. I also used the amsteel, and it just puts too much pressure on the gathered end. Would be interested to see how you reinforced it. I will say that earlier in the day they were falling from the top hammock into the bottom hammock in a double hang. They only weigh 75 lbs though. They got a lesson. It ripped though while my 11 yr old was trying to sleep in it. weird…

         Reply
7. Hammock Day – Kirby's Korner Blog

   July 18, 2017

   […] How to Make A Hammock in 3 Minutes – The Ultimate Hang […]

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