Step-by-Step Instructions for Hammock Making

A front porch is the perfect place for a hammock.

With a standard king-sized blanket and a length of rope, you can make a hammock anywhere you find two posts. Trees are traditional hammock supports, but anything will do. Try hanging your hammock from two bicycle hooks on your porch. Your own weight is what holds this hammock together.

Things You'll Need

• 1 king-sized blanket
• 24 feet rope
• 2 supports
• 2 1-inch dowels, 18 inches in length

Instructions

1. Measure the distance between your supports. The rope needs to be long enough to stretch between them loosely. A 24-foot rope is perfect for a 10-foot space between supports. Tie the ends of the rope into a secure knot and secure one end to each support.

2. Fold the blanket so that between a quarter and a third of one narrow end is between the sides of the rope.

3. Bring the longer side of the blanket under the blanket and around so that the the two blanket ends overlap in between the rope sides by at least 6 inches. You will lie on top of the overlapped edges, your weight holding them together.

4. Insert a dowel between the ropes at the head and foot of the blanket to keep the hammock from closing around you when you're inside of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Since weight is required to keep this hammock from falling apart, it is not appropriate for a small child.

References

• Mother Earth News: Fold a Hammock