A Heavenly Hammock

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First Row

At this point you should flip the gauge stick over so that the shuttle cord hangs on the left side (you'll work from left to right on each row). Then muster up a little courage and pull out the stick, letting the loops dangle free. Now, hold the gauge in your left hand, just under the work ... bring the shuttle and its cord down in front, up behind and through the first cast-on (not starter) loop, and down in front of the stick again. Pinch the twine with your thumb, make a half hitch around the two strands of the first cast-on loop, and carry the shuttle down and around the gauge stick again. This time, pass the shuttle through the second cast-on loop, and continue as before. Repeat the process through each cast-on loop in turn, making sure to keep the work even. (This initial row can be a purple pain in the neck, but don't let it get to you. If you persevere, the task will — honest! — get easier later on.)

Soon all the cord on your shuttle will be used. Reload, and knot the free end of the new twine to that of the previous cord, using a square or weaver's knot.

Second Row, Third Row and So On

Flip the work over when you reach the end of the first row — as you'll do after finishing each row — and proceed as before. Keep repeating the process until you've netted the length you want (54 rows should equal about 7 feet of netting).

Anytime after completing the second row, you can cut the starter loop and pull it free from the cast-on loops. After doing so, support your work by any convenient means — such as sturdy dowel, as shown in Fig. 11 (see Image Gallery) — but do make certain that whatever you use will hold the piece evenly.

Mounting

Drill 20 holes (30 for a two-person hammock) through each of your two hardwood bars 1 1/2 inches apart on center, and beginning 2 1/4 inches in from each end. The end holes should be 1/4 to 5/16  inches in diameter, and all the others 3/16 to 1/4  inches.

With that done, cut four cords each of the following lengths: 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56 and 58 inches. You'll have a total of 40 pieces, or 20 for each end of the hammock. (If you're making the double model, cut the same 40 lengths plus four each of 60, 62, 64, 66 and 68 inches long — making 60 pieces in all.) These will form the fan-shaped arrays of strings between the end rings (by which you'll hang the hammock) and the supporting hardwood bars. The longest pieces will, of course, be secured to the outside holes in each bar, and the strings will get shorter as they near the center.

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