Making a Hammock for Sailors

During the history of hammocks, the sailors have benefited the most from the use of it. These are perfect item for them since it doesn’t require too much space on their ships. Since sailors bring a lot of things on board, that even their sleeping stations are being occupied, space is really valuable for the sailors. Aside from helping the sailors maximize their space, it also provides them with so much comfort when it is time to sleep. Convenience is also provided by hammocks to sailors since can it can be easily removed and stored from any part of the ship. The numerous uses of hammocks to sailors have led to the belief that they were responsible in the spread of it.

In line with the great use of hammock to sailors, there is this so-called sailor’s hammock that people can use even if they are not sailing. To create this kind of hammock, one needs to have two old twin-size sheets, a sewing machine, thread and thimble, quilt batting, at least 20 fabric grommets, nylon rope, scissors, cigarette lighter, and safety pins. In case a sewing machine is not available, a needle would do for the creation of this hammock.

To start with the sailor’s  hammocks  project, the twin-size sheets must be cut in long rectangle, probably up to about six feet or more. Another option would be to combine a pattern or just quilt it into the fabric. The hammock mattress’ top and bottom must be cut in equal width as well as length to make some pieces. A piece of quilt batting that was cut would be placed between two fabric layers. In the cutting of the quilt, one must remember that its edges should be two to three inches shorter than the fabric pieces.

In order to pin the quilt batting into the fabrics, safety pins can be used. To ensure that the sheets of fabric would still have that good appearance, the wrinkles must be smoothened out upon the pinning of the materials. After taking care of the wrinkles, the edges would be sewed first. The sewed part must be at least two or three inches from the edge. The safety pins used must now be removed so as to proceed with the hemming of the border.

To perform hemming, the edges must be folded inward. In sewing for the edges, there is one technique that needs to be carefully learned. It must be sewed together very closely to the edge of the fabrics. This one is quite difficult but it must be properly managed. The quilt batting would not be sewed in hemming. Holes must then be made on the border where the fabric grommets are in place.

The nylon ropes would then be cut in sections before it is placed on at least two holes. The loose ends would then be secured with a knot but there must be left slack, enough for the hammock to be tied on either a tree or porch post.

Following those steps would make the creation of sailor’s  hammocks  much easier.