How to Build a Hammock Swing
Hammocks are the epitome of relaxation and evoke memories of a seaside holiday, or lazy Sunday afternoon in nearly anyone who sees one. You don't need to be on holiday to enjoy having a hammock to laze about in, because they can be made at home. There are many variations on hammock designs, but unless you are a whiz at tying knots and making netting, you want to go with a simple canvas or sturdy cotton body attached to the hanging ropes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Canvas/strong cotton fabric 90 by 36 inches
- Sewing machine
- Polypropylene rope, non-stretchy, 3/4 inch
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Fold a double, 1/2-inch seam along both 90-inch lengths of the hammock body and sew together with the sewing machine.
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2
Fold a double seam along the ends of the hammock body and sew together, like you did for the length.
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3
Fold each end over to create a channel, 2 ½ inches wide, on each end. Sew the ends of the loop down, using double stitching to create a strong loop to thread the rope through.
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4
Position the hammock body between the two anchor points you have chosen. Cut two lengths of rope, around three times the length between the end of the hammock and the anchor point.
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5
Thread each piece of rope through a loop on the end of the hammock. Tie one end of the hammock's ropes to its anchor. Tie the other end to the second anchor, ensuring that the hammock is taught enough to stay off the ground when somebody sits in it.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure that the rope you use has a working weight of more than the heaviest person you anticipate will use the hammock swing.
If you don't have two well-placed trees to hang the hammock swing from, an eyebolt and a swivel hook on two properly set patio posts does the trick nicely.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
