What a coincidence! I just ordered materials to make a hammock. I have definitely converted. Just Jeffs website has a lot of information on it about making a hammock and hammock camping in general. On the linked page look under pick the size. The dimensions on Jeff's site and some from looking at the hennessy's on the REI website helped me a lot when ordering. I bought 1.9 oz nylon from quest outfitters and got a piece 9.5 feet long. The roll is 58 inches wide if I remember right. I am six three so nine and a half feet should give me plenty of room to hem, whip, and tie the ends. Good luck!