How to Make Hammock

Hammocks offer a comfortable, convenient way to relax while enjoying some fresh air and sunshine. Indoors, a hammock can also be a stylish, space-saving alternative to a traditional bed. High-quality hammocks are often expensive to buy, but making your own hammock can be easy, affordable and fun. Homemade hammock designs range in complexity from a blanket wrapped around a couple of cords to intricate, hand-crafted rope or macramé creations. This article outlines how to make a simple but appealing hammock using inexpensive materials and basic sewing skills.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Strong fabric, 3 yards or longer by 1 yard or wider
• Rope, 50 feet or longer by 3/8 inch or more in diameter
• Sewing machine (recommended) or sewing needle
• Sturdy thread
• Scissors
• Tape measure or yardstick

1. Measure and cut the fabric. Your fabric should be between three and four feet wide, and at least two feet longer than the height of the tallest person you expect to use the hammock. A good baseline is 42 inches wide by eight feet long.

2. Along the entire length, fold the fabric over one half-inch, and then fold it over another half-inch, so the cut edge is tucked inside a double fold. Then sew along the entire seam. Do this for both sides of the fabric.

3. Along the entire width, fold the fabric over one half-inch, and then fold it over another two to three inches. Then sew along the entire seam. Do this for both ends of the fabric.

4. Cut your rope into two equal pieces. Thread one piece through the two- to three-inch loop you sewed in one end of the fabric. Thread the other rope through the loop at the other end of the fabric.

5. Find a suitable spot to hang your hammock with two supports (such as trees or poles) ten feet or more apart. Tie one rope securely to one support, and then tie the other rope to the other support. Be sure the hammock is low enough to enter and exit comfortably, but high enough to swing freely even while occupied.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing fabric, consider strength and durability, color and style, comfort and ease of care and cleaning. It is better to make your hammock a little too wide and long than too narrow or short. An oversized hammock will still be functional and comfortable, unlike one that's too small. Double- or triple-stitching can make your seams stronger and doesn't require much extra time or material.

• Choose rope with a "working load" greater than the weight of the heaviest person you expect to use the hammock. Always use strong, reliable knots to hang your hammock. Be careful when getting into or out of your hammock.

References

• Unique Projects

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Grog's Household Knots