How to Make a Simple Hammock

Make a hammock for camping trips.

A hammock is usually nothing more than a simple rectangle of fabric that is strung between two trees, allowing a person to rest in the taut cloth. While hammocks may be woven or made out of special cloth, you can make a simple hammock on your own using fabric and rope. While a small amount of sewing knowledge is necessary to to make your own hammock, the results are sturdy and the project requires only a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• Sturdy fabric
• Scissors
• Upholstery thread
• Sewing machine
• Pins
• 1/2-inch rope

Instructions

1. Cut a rectangle that is 3 1/2 feet wide and 7 feet long out of a sturdy fabric using a pair of scissors

2. Hem the long edges by folding them down twice, creating a hem that is one-quarter inch deep on each fold. Use upholstery thread in the sewing machine for the highest degree of security.

3. Fold the short edges down twice, the first time creating a fold that is one-quarter inch deep and the second time creating a fold that is 3 inches deep, and secure the folds with pins. This creates a tube running along both short edges.

4. Sew the tubes into the fabric by running a seam along the fabric’s edge. The needle is going through three layers of fabric, adding to the hammock’s strength.

5. Cut two lengths of one-half inch rope, each measuring about 2 yards long.

6. Push one rope through through each tube, knotting the ends together when you do so. At this point, the hammock is ready to be hung.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sisal or polypropylene rope for your hammock.

• Do not use cotton or nylon rope to string your hammock. Cotton stretches while nylon degrades in the sun.