Charles asked:


Ok so if I want a hammock at least 7′ between the spreader bars, what size hammock should I look for?

Harvey

ecclectic1962 asked:


Is that a good idea? for sleeping 8hrs.Any experience?

Melanie

Baron Albert asked:


Hammock Legends

Indoors or out, a hammock can make a great addition to any home. Is there anybody on this planet who can’t imagine themselves laying in a comfortable hammock on a tropical island somewhere? Sipping a ‘Blue Hawaiian’, watching the beautiful people go by? Many people see a hammock as their ‘luxury. Possibly one of their most ‘treasured’ pieces of furniture in the entire house, or garden.

But where did they come from? The origins of the hammock are somewhat confused.  Some say they were invented by the famous Greek, Alcibiades. A great statesmen who was a student of the legendary philosopher Socrates. Dated as far back as 450BC. Others believe hammocks are native to South America, in the Amazon basin. Indeed, they are widely used by the natives of this region, even today. Christopher Columbus first brought the Hammock to Europe from the Bahamas.

Fabric Choices

Things have changed, as you can imagine, from the early days. Originally, a hammock was made from the bark of a ‘Hamack Tree’, hence the name! Later, the Sisal plant was used, primarily because it was much more available. Today, a hammock can be made from several fabrics. However, cotton tends to be favoured for comfort, polyester for it’s strength and longevity. There are disadvantages and advantages with any material. For what purpose you intend to use your hammock for will ultimately dictate which material is most appropriate.

Popular and Practical

Fabric and rope hammocks are very popular and extremely practical for most people‘s needs. Fabric hammocks tend to be more comfortable, on the whole, that rope, and cotton is thought to be the most comfortable option for either. Although these days, a good quality polyester rope is certainly giving cotton a run for it’s money. Apart from being stronger, polyester is not susceptible to mould and mildew, as cotton is. Cotton colours are more natural looking than the brighter polyester hammocks. However, cotton soon fades, not able to withstand direct sunlight or poor weather conditions. Rope hammocks are good for inside or out, but a polyester hammock will last longer outside.



Approved by the Military

Canvas hammocks have been used by the Navy since the beginning of the seventeenth century. Renowned for being tough, at sea they were often used on the gun decks. But hammocks were used anywhere permanent bunks were not a viable option. They are still used by the Navy today, as well as by many other people, for a variety of situations. Even the commander and pilot of the Apollo program were equipped with them! Traditional style canvas hammocks wrap around the body like a cocoon. Less chance of falling out while you slumber! A canvas hammock might be made from hemp, cotton or polyester. Important to know beforehand, if you want to choose the right hammock that is!

Camping and Portable Hammocks

Today, a whole array of purpose made hammocks are available. Lightweight, portable hammocks are great to throw in your bag when you’re heading for the beach. A backpacking hammock is also lightweight, with the added benefit of mosquito netting. Also good for day trips. Camping hammocks are all these things and more! A camping hammock actually replaces the need for a tent. Despite what you might think, be assured, they do work really well.



Bonnie

Terro White asked:


There is nothing that can supersede the ultimate bliss of swaying in your favorite hammock in your garden on an idle summer afternoon. Imagine the warm breeze taking away your stress as you rest yourself with a drink in hand. Or you might be taking a short nap there as your hammock sways from one side to another. No worries to perplex your mind, just a few hours of immense relaxation. 

So, if you would also like to experience this pleasure and tranquility, it is time that you bring a hammock to your home. There is a wide array of hammock choices that are made available. Explore various hammock styles and select the one for yourself today!



Different hammocks styles

An overview of hammock style is given below:

1.    Brazilian hammock – Made from soft yet thick cotton cloth, this hammock is both comfortable and resilient. You can also find a plethora of colors in this style. However, one drawback of this style is that when left outside in the summer season, its colors may fade away soon.

2.    Camping hammocks – These are also called portable hammocks and are especially designed for people who love camping. They are light weight and you can easily fold them and carry them anywhere you want. Netting in this hammock style provides protection against insects and they are still very comfortable. Generally, they are made from parachute nylon, which is quite durable.

3.    Rope hammocks – These hammocks are spread open permanently with the help of spacer bars made of wood. In case, you are one of the people who usually leave their hammocks outside during warm summer months then it is advisable for you to meticulously look into the hardware construction that strengthens these bars. It would be great to look for superior finish of waxed wooden bars that are triple-varnished and have nickel-plated fasteners.

4.    Mayan hammocks – A multi-colored dyed string is woven in the pattern of a diamond to make Mayan hammocks. Skilled artisans weave them in different color combinations and each of them is an epitome of great artistry. It may be an extra-thick string, extra-large size or a usual Mayan hammock; it feels that you are lying on any soft sponge. This unmatched comfort of Mayan hammock is accountable to its flexible cotton string.  

4 W’s to purchase hammocks

Hence, it is entirely a personal choice as to which hammock style you like the best. As far as purchasing the hammocks are concerned, there are 4 W’s that must be taken into consideration: 

1.    Who all will be using it? – Some hammocks have the capacity to hold even three adults at a time. Also, there are hammocks that are easy to get into for pets ad kids.

2.    Where will you use it? – It can be used either inside or outside? Take the measurement of the place where you intend to use it.

3.    What material is the best? – You can select from the variety of strings, ropes and clothing.

4.    When will you use it? – If you plan to use it outside only during the warm summer season, purchase a hammock that is more weather resistant and whose colors do not fade away.



Robin

pandarose4355 asked:


I am looking for a pattern or directions in making a stuffed toy crochet hammock.The kind that hangs in a corner of a child’s room.Anyone know where I can find such a pattern? Thanks!!

Carrie

Galia Ivanova asked:


There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to hammocks. Many people do not realize how many different fibers, styles, etc.. there are. For a rope hammock you have two fibers to choose from - one is polyester and the other is cotton. There are a few other blended options, but cotton and polyester are the two most popular, and the most commonly found. It is a hard choice, because each fiber has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, a few considerations may help sway a buyer one way or another.

Where is the hammock going to be located?

Cotton hammocks should not be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. It can cause them to fade and lose color. Whereas, a polyester hammock is resistant to the sun. Over time, even polyester may fade a little if placed in direct sun light or very hot sun locations. However, polyester can take much more sun, and for much longer periods of time compared to cotton. So, for outdoor use, polyester wins the durability question. And for shady locations and indoor use - the cotton would do just great.

Which fiber is more comfortable?

Cotton rope hammocks give under the weight of the body, and will eventually conform to the body for better support and more comfort. Cotton is a breathable material, which means less sweat for the person who is using it, even during the summer. It is also softer to the touch and feels great swinging in the wind. Polyester is not as comfortable, soft, or breathable as cotton. So, cotton wins the comfort test.

Which is more resistant to rain - polyester or cotton?

Again, if you hang the hammock inside your home, this is a moot question. But if it is outside, cotton is prone to mildew, mold, and rotting from moisture or rain. There are some commercial treatments claiming to “waterproof” cotton. However, they have not been proven to actually being able to waterproof cotton. Polyester on the other hand is resistant to moisture and rain damage. So, polyester wins on resistance to water. But if you use a special protective hammock sleeve for your cotton rope hammock then you will have no problems with hanging it in the outside.

Cost of polyester and cotton rope hammocks?

Polyester is generally cheaper than cotton. Of course, this depends on the brand of the rope hammock. A high end brand of polyester hammock will be more expensive than a low quality cotton hammock. So, the better buy depends where you buy the hammock.

Overall, the cotton hammock is great for indoor usage, but the polyester hammock wins for outdoor usage. Polyester is durable and generally cheaper. Cotton is less durable, but much more comfortable and a little more expensive. The real question is: do you want a rope hammock that you will not need to replace for years to come (polyester), or a hammock that is extremely comfortable, but will need to be taken special care (cotton)?



Sue

Lazyrus asked:


The working load is about 300 pounds. I was thinking maybe I could use two pieces for each side, for extra safety, but I’m not positive that this is a good idea.

Thanks!

Hazel