DIY Camping Hammock

This instructable features how to make a "Do It Yourself" Camping Hammock- (This is my first instructable, so bear with me...)

Step 1: Materials Needed

Materials Needed:
1.) Large peice of ripstop nylon - 3 & 2/3 yards - You can get this at most sewing stores: JoAnns, Michaels, even Walmart (if they have a sewing section).
2.) Sewing machine
3.) Paracord( any type of rope will do, as long as it will hold your weight. I prefer paracord for it's size and weight capacity). The length of the cord will depend on how far apart the trees you hang the hammock from are.
4.) 2 carabeeners or other type of clip, which must be able to hold your weight as well.

A.)  I have also seen people make hammocks out of bed sheets( perferrabley large ones)

Step 2: Length-wise "Clean Up" of the Edges

1.) Use a sewing machine to hem the edges of the hammock. This will keep the edges neat and prevent the fabric from fraying. 
2.) Folding the edge over as you sew, use a straight stitch and sew down the longer side of the fabric. (Not width-wise, but length-wise).

Step 3:

Step 4: Width-wise "Clean Up"

1.) Following the same instructions as the Length-wise "Clean Up" (Steps 2 and 3), hem the fabric's width.

Step 5: Making Space for Rope

1.) Take the 2 short ends and fold them in to make space for the rope ( I folded the ripstop down 3 inches and stitched along that line). This leaves enough room for any type of rope or chord, large or small. It will serve as a "tube"  for the rope to lace through.
2.) Repeat on the other end.

Step 6: Insert Rope

1.) Insert the rope into the space that you just sewed and sinch the hammock until it is tight.
2.) Repeat on the other end.

You dont have to do it this way you can whip the ends of the hammock and the benefit from this is that based upon the way you whip the ends it will change the way the hammock lays when you are in it.

This was a question put in by one of the viewers-

says:
i don't quite understand the last step... what do you mean by: You don't have to do it this way you can whip the ends of the hammock and the benefit from this is that based upon the way you whip the ends it will change the way the hammock lays when you are in it. (what is a whip?)



lerickson  says:
Do you know when rope frays and if it is synthetic you can melt it to stop the fraying? Well if it is not synthetic rope then you have tto whip the ends of the rope. There are many other resources that can show you how to whip the hammock- here is one http://www.imrisk.com/hammockwhipping/hammockwhipping.htm
this will show you how to do

Step 7: Hang

1.) Hang the hammock from two trees. (The two as pictured are about 25 feet apart. 13 to 18 feet would be ideal).

Step 8: Furnishing the Hammock

1.) Add a rubber mat or some sort of insulation to the bottom of your hammock. This rubber mat is especially useful when the sun goes down and it gets chilly.
2.) You may also add a sleeping bag and lay it on top of the mat.