Make a Hammock in 3 Minutes

[@randmayfield5695]

In Cambodia the hammock is seen everywhere. They're called the Cambodian's best friend. They can be put up practically anywhere and keep you off the ground and that's a good thing.

[@skategreaser]

I like the tactical camo pattern on your sewing machine.

[@theultimatehang]

"thread injector"

[@alantaylor6691]

Hahaha

[@michaelhorn9114]

Lol! GAY!

[@michaelhorn9114]

Just joking!

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

Have you ever used a sheet bend knot to make the end. I usually leave a little extra cordage for adjustments. Works great.

[@theultimatehang]

Yup, that works well too, as long as the end loop or cordage isn't too slippery. Use a double becket for more security.

[@GavTatu]

i gathered, and tied a sheet bend with my webbing straps... ain't nothing pulling that off !

[@venichord1744]

Works out well been sleeping in mine for a couple years now just came back to the video to find the website to get the tablecloths from the crinkle taffeta is now on sale there for $9.99 for the 60" by 126". How else can you get a bed for, after shipping, I'm assuming still under $20. That's assuming you don't have the Paracord or amsteel blue. Great video thanks.

[@Spikestrip55]

Thanks for this Derek, it's always good to know how to make your own gear! There is a party rental shop near the house that sells used, 11' banquet tablecloths for $7 each, or two for $10! The thread count is very high (much more so than a bed-sheet), and they make great hammocks! I've heard that instead of a cord, larksheaded around the end, webbing causes less damage and wear over time. What are your thoughts on webbing vs cord?

[@alantaylor6691]

I'm thinking of hemming ripstop via hand sewing instead of thread injector. I'm thinking of doing two rows of backstitch down the sides, and three rows of backstitch on the ends. And I'll do 3 mm stitches like the sewing machine does them. Sound good?

[@theultimatehang]

Sounds like a lot of work :) But if you're creating some authentic Navy hammock, I can see the appeal. Hemming is fine because it isn't load bearing. However, for end channels that use a threaded loop, you'll want to make sure your stitching is tight and uses strong polyester thread (Gubermann Tera)

[@alantaylor6691]

Haha yeah I'm a bit of a ludite and don't have access to a sewing machine. And I kinda like the appeal of being able to do things with less technology, it seems more neanderthal, you can do it just about anywhere if you have needle and thread. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated and very very helpful!

[@pkonneker]

You can also just bend the end of a gathered hammock over and do a sheet bend, right? If you have a beefy suspension line?

[@pkonneker]

I should also say I made 4 of these, one to keep and 3 to give away. I triple stitched with the mara thread and used the channel for a continuous amsteel loop. They are awesome.

[@cunningman]

Well, you've just opened up a big can of experimenting now! thanks Derek.

[@brucehodson2763]

Glad I stumbled onto this vid. I had lost the URL for those tablecloths. Thanks Derek!

[@theultimatehang]

You're welcome!

[@theultimatehang]

I would say the weight limit is around 300 lbs.

[@17tefte41]

That's awesome!

[@Stewbphoto]

Is that just one layer of two for the approximate 300lb weight limit?

[@theultimatehang]

Bryan Stewart Yes.

[@theultimatehang]

***** Yes, you could sandwich two tablecloths together, sew the perimeter on one side and leave the other open and create a two-layer hammock. Slide in a sleeping pad, Reflectix, or other insulation between the layers.

[@feltingme]

Would paracord be strong enough? I use my hammock on a stand inside for full time sleeping. I weigh about 160 lbs, but I also use warm down blanket and a sheepskin. If paracord is not strong enough, which cord should I use? I actually got your ebook, probably should read it more to find the answer...:)

[@night23fox]

550 paracord is strong, but it can stretch quite a bit. So if using it for suspension, it will sag and stretch out eventually.

[@RaabStephan]

This is amazing! Does anyone know how much the fabric weighs?

[@theultimatehang]

The crinkle taffeta is a 2.5 oz

[@RaabStephan]

Wow, that would make for a hammock quite a bit lighter than the one I currently own. I'm going to have to give this a shot! Ever built your own tarp?

[@theultimatehang]

That's just the weight for a piece. You need to calculate weight per square yard. A good fabric calculator for hammocks is on www.dreamhammock.com/FabricCalculator.html Those tablecloth hammocks aren't super lightweight or small. They are inexpensive! That's what makes them appealing. If you want to make a lightweight and packable hammock, I'd pick up some fabric from Ripstop by the Roll. The 1.2 oz to 1.6 oz is a good fabric. Yes, I've built my own tarps. It's fun!

[@cetyl2626]

Nice video and demo. I will try this myself. Don't sweat the kids - I have my own, and I can't get 5 min it seems.

[@lonewolf14779]

I just watch this video and being a DIY this was just the thing I needed I was on your web page to....can you use the same thing that you use for hammock as tarp...I joining G+ and web page

[@cpoole77]

Derek, thanks for posting this video. I am inspired to try this myself now. One question... will the first whipping method you show at around 2:47 really hold the hammock? It looks like it might loosen up pretty easily, especially with someone over 200 ibs. in the hammock. But then, I have not tried this yet and you have. Thoughts?

[@theultimatehang]

It really depends on two factors: the fabric and the knot used. A simple whipping method like I show in the video with a Lark's Head is really best with thicker fabrics and natural fiber fabrics where the knot will really grip and the fabric will create a large enough bulge to prevent the knot from slipping through. Light synthetic fabrics can slip much more easily and is NOT recommended unless you whip the fabric using a simple channel to create a donut bulge (similar to the Warbonnet style).

[@theultimatehang]

The other whipping method works by tying a Sheet Bend knot instead of the Lark's Head. Bend the fabric (it doesn't matter too much) and tie the Sheet Bend. This takes up a little more fabric at the end but is much more secure for a no-sew hammock. I use this method when I make simple hammock chairs while hiking.

[@cpoole77]

Thanks much, Derek. Makes sense and I will give it a try.

[@theultimatehang]

The basic whipping method works with the right material. if you're using some 1.0 oz. nylon, then no. It's not bulky enough. For lightweight material, you'll want to use a Warbonnet-style whipping where you sew a simple end channel and use a zip tie or string to create a "donut" whipped end. This bulks up the end enough for adding a loop on the end without it slipping off.

[@Stewbphoto]

Awesome! Think I will make one for my son and girlfriend!! Get them out camping with me!!

[@bahnzo84]

Derek, enjoyed your book and it helping me in my first few hammock camping trips. Now I am enjoying the website. A buddy and I are trying some out DIY projects and I have a question for this one. Do you think these table clothes would be able to handle a 260 lb person? Thanks.

[@theultimatehang]

Yes, I think you'd be fine. For heavier folks, you could also do a double-layer version. These hammocks are good for about 350-400 lbs. test.

[@gastar2000]

Derek, What size would you say the table cloth needs to be if it were for a 3.5'-4' child?

[@theultimatehang]

I recommend making the length about 3 feet longer than the occupant's height. For a 4-foot person, that would be a length of about 7 feet.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

I never trust the larks head just on the end of a piece of fabrid. I got some 1 oz from dutchware and I do a larks head about 6 inches down from the end then fold that down and do another rap around the doubled down and then pass the working end of the bite back through the fold. Okay easier done then said but it makes me feel safer.

[@jprestonparker]

approximately how much does one of these weigh, say with the amsteel continuous loops?

[@theultimatehang]

It really depends on which tablecloth your purchase (size, material), but you can expect around 1.5 to 2 lbs.

[@Light_Worker]

I bought on amazon hammock tree hanging strap but where can I buy this loop for making my own hammock ?

[@i-hillbilly]

Lanka Fortunata Dutchwaregear.com is a good place for the Amsteel loops.

[@theultimatehang]

It's easier to make your own loop with about 2 feet of rope per side. Anything from 5 to 7 mm is thick enough for most uses (1/4 inch).

[@alantaylor6691]

So am I right in saying that a continuous loop isn't necessarily a splicing job, it can also simply be a knot to connect each end to create circle?

[@theultimatehang]

Yes.

[@alantaylor6691]

Thanks Derek. You're a cool guy. We do three lines of sewing for a channeled end where the continuous line goes through the channel, because in that case the sewing IS load bearing. And the sides of a hammock are never load bearing. All correct?

[@theultimatehang]

Yes, a sewn channel is load bearing. Triple stitching is important as is the thread type and thickness, of course. I'm not sure what you mean by the "sides are never load bearing." The entire fabric of the hammock is load bearing. But if you thread a loop through the end channels, the stitching also bears a load, vs. a whipped end that uses the resulting knot as a sort of toggle. The hems on the outer edges of the hammock's long edges are not load bearing and can use a single line of stitching. However, for hammocks that merge multiple panels (e.g, ENO-style), the stitching in those seams is also load bearing, which is why those are also triple stitched and usually employ a French seam.

[@alantaylor6691]

Sorry, by the sides never being load bearing, I meant to say the sewing on the long sides where it's hemmed. A sewing lady yesterday told me the hemming on the long sides of the hammock are not load bearing. And you just confirmed it too so at least I know that's all on the up and up!

[@Bradyvilleboy]

Good stuff. I have enjoyed the book too.

[@เม้งละมั้ง]

What fabric do you use

[@theultimatehang]

This example is just using off the shelf 10x5 tablecloths. Links are listed on the website. But you can go to a cottage vendor like Ripstop by the Roll to get even better fabric.

[@jessestheories7586]

What is the material, please?

[@theultimatehang]

All the details are here: theultimatehang.com/2013/10/29/make-hammock-3-minutes/

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

what brand and model sewing machine is that? cost? because the materials including thread are non traditional what was the setup? did you pair a specific thread with material?

[@theultimatehang]

Mine? Oh yikes, it's a cheapie from Walmart :) You don't need anything special unless you are going pro and producing hundreds a day. Thread isn't particularly important unless you are sewing end channels that are meant to hold a loop. In that case, use strong polyester "outdoor" thread. I like Gubermann Tera.

[@imfunnyhehe4797]

What if I have no sewing supplies

[@theultimatehang]

Just whip it. Whip it good.

[@michaelhorn9114]

@@theultimatehang lol! That's funny!

[@TomsBackwoods]

Very Nice Thanks for sharing Derek!

[@texaslonestarrider]

Fantastic Video! Thanks For Sharing!

[@bigBSdetector]

Great info. Thanks.

[@annashannon6866]

Nice video, thanks! :^D

[@DanielRichards644]

stopped @0:40 12-20 bucks for the table to use for turning into a hammock, hell cheap hammocks start at 20 bucks why even bother.

[@theultimatehang]

Well, that's the whole point. Cheap hammocks are cheap-low quality, short lifespan, etc. A DIY hammock can be made with the same high-quality materials as the expensive brands for a fraction of the cost. The tablecloth makes the DIY project even easier because it is already hemmed fabric so whipping the ends into a hammock is simple and quick.

[@anti-socialage7394]

I don't understand how the concept of this could have gone so far over somebodies head. This is an awesome idea. I have been looking for cheap ways to make a good quality DIY hammock for awhile. Thanks for the video.

[@gibbytravis]

Whip it good!

[@retribution999]

Hahaha..that's not a hammock, it's a table cloth with a piece of rope on the end.

[@theultimatehang]

Hah! Wait. Isn't that _exactly_ what a hammock is? A piece of cloth with ropes tied on either end? :D

[@retribution999]

@@theultimatehang Iv just tied a piece of rope to the end of the sheet on my bed, does that mean I'm sleeping in a hammock tonight. Hahaha 😂😂

[@theultimatehang]

@@retribution999 Ab-so-lutely :) Of course, the devil is in the details. If I use, say an ENO Hammock, spread it out on my bed and sleep in it, am I also sleeping in a hammock? Well, sure. BUT, the colloquial phrase, "sleeping in a hammock" implies something more, which is what I think you're implying, which is that sleeping in a hammock includes hanging it above the ground. While this is all just academic in nature, the point of this video is _making_ a hammock, and yes, a hammock is as simple as taking some fabric and gathering up the ends with a rope. Simple, yes, but that's the appeal. Making a hammock can be much more complex, of course, but how you USE said hammock is the subject of other videos. I'll have to include your method in such a video! ;) You gave me a nice smile, thanks!

[@solobackpacking]

Hammock Gear no like you.

[@donkemp8151]

solobackpacking make your hammock; buy your quilts.