Making Your Own Hammock: What Fabric To Choose

Welcome to the exciting world of hammock-making! 

If you're looking for a fun and cost-effective DIY project that is perfect for beginners, then making your own hammock is a fantastic choice. Not only is it a great way to flex your creative muscles, but it's also a practical and enjoyable addition to any outdoor space. 

The best part? You can make your own custom hammock for a fraction of the cost of buying one from a retailer, with prices as low as $25 depending on your choice of fabric. 

So, whether you're looking for a cozy spot to relax or a unique gift for a loved one, let's dive into the best fabrics to use and get started on crafting your perfect hammock!

One of the most commonly asked questions we get is, "What is the ultimate hammock fabric?". The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer! However, fear not, as we've got you covered. 

In this post, we'll explore eight different types of hammock fabrics that each offer unique advantages and features. So, whether you're seeking durability, comfort, or affordability, we'll help you find the perfect fabric for your next hammock-making project. 

There are a few things to take into consideration when designing a hammock:

• How lightweight and packable do you want it to be? 
• How much stretch do you want it to have? 
• How breathable would you prefer it to be?
• How durable do you need it to be? 
• How do you want it to feel?

One important note before we go on... 

When interpreting the information here, be sure to consider the "weight class" of the fabric. For example, if we say 1.0 oz MONOLITE is "very durable", that means it's very durable compared to similar weight fabrics - not compared to fabrics that are much thicker/heavier (e.g. 2.2 oz HEX70 XL). Said another way, always make sure you're comparing apples to apples. For the purposes of this article, we've created three weight classes: ultralight, mid-weight, and heavy-weight. 

Moving right along...

This 1.0 oz MONOLITE mesh is a newer fabric and one of the lightest fabrics we recommend for hammock use. Aside from being extremely lightweight, it’s also see-through. 
 
MONOLITE is constructed with a unique monofilament yarn and mesh weave creating the best durability we've ever seen for the weight. It's strong plus much more resistant to snagging and abrasion than fabrics of similar weight (e.g. 1.1 oz Ripstop Nylon). It’s also insanely breathable with a CFM (cubic feet per minute or airflow) over 1000 of over 1000.
 
It’s also stiffer with more structure than your typical ultralight fabric which makes it a lot easier to sew. On the other hand, this also makes it a little bulkier to pack down compared to other fabrics. Available in 10 color options. 

Pros: ultralight, extremely breathable, very good abrasion resistance, easier to sew 

Cons: more expensive compared to other fabrics, bulkier compression, lowest weight capacity, more transparent giving less privacy.

This is probably one of the most popular choices for basic hammock building. In short, it’s cheap, lightweight, and packs down well.

This is a lighter weight, yet still fairly durable ripstop fabric. It has also been specifically finished to have a very soft hand feel.

Keep in mind that, like other lightweight fabrics, it can be a bit slippery and challenging to sew if you're not used to handling such materials. Fortunately, it comes in a variety of colors to choose from, with a total of 19 options available.

Pros: cheapest fabric option, soft to the touch, most color options

Cons: harder to sew, less abrasion resistance compared to other options, lowest weight capacity 

As the name implies, 1.2 oz MTN XL Hybrid uses our unique Hybrid weave ripstop construction. Compared to most standard ripstop fabrics, we use a much thicker, stronger yarn (80D) for the ripstop grid vs the base fabric (20D). The result is a noticeably stronger and more rugged material with minimal increase in overall finished weight. 1.2 MTN is way more durable than any hammock fabric in its class but not as durable as 1.7 MTN.

The diamond hybrid ripstop grid pattern makes the fabric easier to sew, increases comfort for load-bearing applications, and tends to extend the overall life of the fabric. Like the other fabrics in our XL line, we've custom woven 1.2 oz MTN XL Hybrid to be wider than standard fabrics at 67" versus the more common 60" width. 

Pros: durability to weight ratio is exceptional, highest weight rating for the ultralight class

Cons: most expensive

Looking for a hammock fabric that delivers on performance and feel? Look no further than HyperD. Since its introduction in 2014, this diamond grid nylon has become one of our top-selling options for good reason. It's soft, smooth, and incredibly strong, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking for a durable and comfortable hammock.

HyperD is our custom developed line of lightweight diamond grid nylon specially designed to balance strength and softness. 

At 1.6 oz, it offers a middle ground between the heavier 2.2 oz fabrics and the lighter 1.0 oz options, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a lighter weight hammock without sacrificing durability.

With more than 15 color options to choose from, HyperD makes it easy to customize your hammock to your liking. 

Pros: strong, soft to the touch, average price, lots of color options, stuffs down smaller, easier to sew

Cons: lower weight rating than fabrics that are only slightly heavier (e.g. 1.7-1.8 ozs) 

If you're in search of a hammock fabric that's tough but also easy on your pack weight, look no further than our 1.7 oz MTN XL Hybrid.

Compared to most standard ripstop fabrics, this fabric has a thicker, stronger yarn (120D) for the ripstop grid vs the base fabric (40D). The result is a stronger, more rugged material with minimal increase in overall finished weight. The hybrid ripstop grid pattern makes it easier to sew, increases comfort for load-bearing applications and tends to extend the overall life of the fabric.

As part of our XL line, the 1.7 oz MTN XL Hybrid fabric is wider than most hammock fabrics, measuring 74 inches instead of the more common 60 inches. This extra width allows for a more comfortable diagonal lay, flattening the hang angle and increasing comfort for many people. With 7 colors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect match for your preferences. 

Pros: strong and highly durable, wide fabric, easier to sew, high weight capacity

Cons: most expensive option, less color options 

If you prioritize the feel of your hammock fabric above all else, this option could be the perfect fit for you.

1.8 oz AIRWAVE was designed and woven from scratch by us with the single goal of delivering a radically new and unmatched next to skin softness.

Unlike standard nylon, AIRWAVE fabrics use a secret sauce called Air Textured Yarn. During processing, an air jet is used to create tiny loops in the yarn that combines the ultra soft hand feel of organic cotton with the high strength of synthetic nylon. AIRWAVE is softer than everything else and every bit as strong.

Like 1.7 oz MTN XL, 1.8 oz AIRWAVE uses our unique Hybrid weave construction with a much thicker, stronger yarn (135D) for the ripstop grid vs the base fabric (40D). The end result for you is a stronger, more rugged material with minimal increase in overall finished weight.

Keep in mind that this fabric has a thicker, stronger weave, which may result in a slightly bulkier pack size. However, with 8 available colors, you can still find an option that suits your style.

Pros: very breathable, soft cotton feel

Cons: less color options, more “grippy” on clothing when you lay in the hammock (could be good or bad depending on preference) 

This is one of the first hammock fabrics we ever made and remains a top choice to this day, offering an unbeatable combination of affordability, comfort, and weight capacity.

This fabric is an excellent option for those on a budget or anyone making their first hammock. Despite its low price point, it boasts a soft feel and a high weight rating, ensuring that you won't have to compromise on quality to stay within your budget.

Pros: lightweight for its weight class, lots of colors, most affordable option

Cons:  heavier and more durable than what’s actually needed for the average size person 

2.2 oz HEX70 XL is a 70 denier nylon designed specifically for higher strength durability, and abrasion resistance compared to standard 1.9 oz 70D ripstop fabrics.

This fabric has a firmer feel and likely the most support of any hammock fabric we carry. It also looks plain cool :)

Like the other fabrics in our XL line, we've custom woven HEX70 to be wider than standard fabrics at 74" versus the more common 60" width, a good choice for those who want a roomier hammock or more shoulder space. Available in 13 colors.  

Pros: wide fabric, very high weight capacity, extremely durable

Cons: not the lightest weight option, bulkiest compression