Step 3: The long ones
Cords as we will call the long ropes (just because the word rope is in this instructable numerous times)! We will be tying an Ordinary Knot to join two lengths of rope at the ends.
Tying an Ordinary Knot:
1. Take the loose end of the cord you have started and start to tie a simple knot in the end (photo 2). This simple knot is probably one of the first you ever learned.
2. Once the knot will hold it's shape pick up another long piece of rope and begin feeding it through the knot that you have just made in the end of the cord.
3. Follow the cord with the free end of the rope, making sure it stays on the same side of the cord the whole way through (i.e. if you start with the cord on the bottom and the rope on the top, then the rope should be on top of the cord in every part of the knot) until you have a knot of the same size and shape started in the opposite direction (photos 3-5).
4. Now work the knot through pulling tight and making sure that you don't leave too much of either end sticking out. when you are done you should have a tight Ordinary Knot as in photo 6.
Once you have enough cord to make it to the other end piece, finish it off with another Bowline knot to connect the cord to the end piece (as in step 2) , and you now have your first long piece (cord).
Repeat this process as many times as you wish for your hammock, but keep in mind, with an odd number of ropes you will have a single rope holding you up across your spine, and with an even number you will be well supported by two ropes. For me, 4 was too few, 5 left a rope riding my back, and 6 was just fine. Once you have all of your cords, it is very important to sit on them. Make sure the hammock is connected very well to the trees, and slowly rest your weight on the cords. If they snap or break the rope was not strong enough or you did not tie the knots tight enough. Fix the damage. With the strength of a few good cords you should have no problem.
About the ordinary knot: The ordinary knot is a way to tie two ropes together so that they hang in a straight line ( not kinked) and will NOT pull apart if you apply pressure. Really durable and a great way to make a bunch of tiny ropes into long ropes.
Tying an Ordinary Knot:
1. Take the loose end of the cord you have started and start to tie a simple knot in the end (photo 2). This simple knot is probably one of the first you ever learned.
2. Once the knot will hold it's shape pick up another long piece of rope and begin feeding it through the knot that you have just made in the end of the cord.
3. Follow the cord with the free end of the rope, making sure it stays on the same side of the cord the whole way through (i.e. if you start with the cord on the bottom and the rope on the top, then the rope should be on top of the cord in every part of the knot) until you have a knot of the same size and shape started in the opposite direction (photos 3-5).
4. Now work the knot through pulling tight and making sure that you don't leave too much of either end sticking out. when you are done you should have a tight Ordinary Knot as in photo 6.
Once you have enough cord to make it to the other end piece, finish it off with another Bowline knot to connect the cord to the end piece (as in step 2) , and you now have your first long piece (cord).
Repeat this process as many times as you wish for your hammock, but keep in mind, with an odd number of ropes you will have a single rope holding you up across your spine, and with an even number you will be well supported by two ropes. For me, 4 was too few, 5 left a rope riding my back, and 6 was just fine. Once you have all of your cords, it is very important to sit on them. Make sure the hammock is connected very well to the trees, and slowly rest your weight on the cords. If they snap or break the rope was not strong enough or you did not tie the knots tight enough. Fix the damage. With the strength of a few good cords you should have no problem.
About the ordinary knot: The ordinary knot is a way to tie two ropes together so that they hang in a straight line ( not kinked) and will NOT pull apart if you apply pressure. Really durable and a great way to make a bunch of tiny ropes into long ropes.
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