How to Make a Nicaraguan Hammock

Make a homemade Nicaraguan hammock using basic home improvement supplies.

There are many different types of hammocks, including rope hammocks that are woven using twine or lightweight cording, and Nicaraguan hammocks that are constructed using a woven piece of fabric. Although you can buy a Nicaraguan hammock from a hammock store or specialty shop, they are often costly. One option is to make your own Nicaraguan hammock using materials and tools available inexpensively from any craft or home improvement store. This also enables you to customize the hammock to your favorite colors.

Things You'll Need

• Woven blanket, 48-inches wide, 60-inches long
• Fabric hole punch, 1/2-inch
• 12 grommet pairs, 1-inch male and female halves
• Grommet punch press
• Heavy twine
• Shears
• 2 metal "O" rings, 4-inches wide

Instructions

1. Lay a woven blanket that measures 48-inches wide, 60-inches long onto a flat surface.

2. Punch out six holes along both short ends using a 1/2-inch fabric hole punch.

3. Place a 1-inch male and female grommet into a grommet punch press, then position the press over one of the punched-out holes. Press down to lock the grommet pieces in place over the hole.

4. Repeat this process to clamp a 1-inch grommet over all 12 holes.

5. Cut 12 pieces of heavy twine using shears to measure 60-inches long each.

6. Thread each piece of twine through one of the grommets, then bring the ends together.

7. Tie the ends of the twine on each side to the 4-inch metal "O" ring. You can now hang up the Nicaraguan hammock by the "O" rings.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep sharp shears out of the reach of children.

Resources

• Hammocks: Nicaraguan Hammocks