How to Improvise a Hammock

Summer is never far away, and there's no better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than reading or napping in a hammock. If you don't own one, you can put one together for a relaxing swing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Large blanket or sheet
• 2 pieces of rope (12 to 20 feet) or 1 long piece (20 to 30 feet)
• 2 anchor points

How to Improvise a Hammock

1. Choose 2 anchor points for the head and foot of the hammock. These can be trees, fence posts or any other stable objects that are at least 4 to 5 feet tall.
2. Stretch your rope between your anchor points. If you're using two pieces, make sure they are equal in length between the points. If you're using one piece, tie it well to the first anchor, stretch it and secure it at the second anchor. Then return and tie it off at the first anchor.
3. Take your blanket and center it both ways along the rope. Fold your blanket in thirds from side to side, enclosing the rope inside the blanket. You want the blanket folded completely in thirds.
4. Separate the ropes so that the center third of the blanket is on the bottom, and the outer thirds are completely overlapped on top of the middle third and the ropes.
5. Straddle your hammock, and separate the two ropes so you can lie between them. Lie down on your hammock. Your weight will create the hammock, keeping the blanket folds in place, and the ropes separated.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use this technique to create a hammock chair. Just tie the ropes overhead.
• Notice that the most comfortable way to lie in a hammock is on the diagonal.
• Remember that the rope is going to stretch once you get in the hammock. You don't want to end up with your rear on the ground.