<< Read Part 3 <<
Part 4:
Tightening the hammock:
On the other side, do the same, but without the two outer tension ropes. After you take the two ropes through the first bar, weave them through the edge meshes of the hammock and insert them through the second bar. Hang your hammock between two fixed points now and go in it. Make sure you distribute your weight as evenly as possible when you first enter the hammock. Before entering, it is wise to check the hammock if the mesh and mazes are even, and adjust them when necessary. When I worked with paracord I found that the knots were able to slide and move because of the slipperiness of the cord.
The hammock will now stretch out. Depending on the material you have chosen you will probably have to repeat it a couple of times. I use a Timber Hitch on one end and a Waggoner’s Hitch on the other. This last knot is described in Ray’s Essential Bushcraft book on page 168, and is ideal to put some tension to your hammock. Tighten the hammock again and again and put your full weight on your project until you feel the hammock is not getting any longer.
At this time be careful not to fall out of your hammock because the outer tension ropes are not in use at this time. When they are in use these ropes will greatly improve your ability to stay in your hammock. When you think your hammock has been stretched enough it is time to put the outer tensioning ropes to work. Connect the loose ends of those outer tensioning ropes with each other with a simple Reef Knot.
By tightening or loosening those outer ropes you are able to switch between different models of your hammock. Tightening those ropes will result in a model consisting of a bathtub, while loosening those ropes will result in a hammock like an ironing board. Now, check the rest of your hammock and remove any pieces of rope which are too long.
The finished Hammock:
Figure 14 - The Finished Hammock
Woodlore would like to thank John van Zanen for all of his hard work in putting this extensive guide together. You can expect more from this contributor in the future…
To everyone out there who has used this guide to make your own hammock, please let us know how you got on, and send us a photo to show where your hammock ended up!
The Ray Mears & Woodlore Bushcraft Blog 
I will post my results on http://paracord-projects.net/ when the hammock is done. This is one of the largest projects to attempt, so it takes quite some time and preparation.
Mark
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John, thank you for an excellent step by step guide in Hammock building. My partner recently purchased one for me, the next one will be made using this excellent step by step guide, now I just got to learn what knots are required for the anchor points (where’s them Ray Mears DVD’s with that info?).
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I’m thinking about following this guide to build a hammock.
I’d be using the hammock instead of a bed. Would you have any tips on how to put up a hammock in a house?
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A very big thank you for posting this guide. I finished my hammock yesterday and have just tried it out. Perfect!
Thanks again.
Steve
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Thank you all for those compliments! It was a fun project to do past summer. I used 3 mm paracord for my hammock, but you could also try sisal rope with two strands to make a hammock. I have used that in the past as well. Good luck if you are having a go with one. Let me know how you are doing. Kindest regards, John.
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John,
Super goeie inzending man 🙂 Dank je wel. Nog een ding op mijn lijst erbij om te gaan doen.
Cheers,
Frank
PS: John, you used paracord, (what diameter is suitable), I guess it will be stronger but more important comfortabler?
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Nice work John, glad to see your keeping up your Bushcraft. Best wishes. Ed Jones (Journeyman shelter buddy!)
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What a great series of posts, massive well done mate! Hope the hammock gives you many happy memories.
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