Do It Yourself (DIY) hammocks can be easily made using common household items. There are several ways in which an individual may make a DIY hammock at home. For instance, if one has rope available, they can secure two trees together with the rope and tie each end to an object on the ground for support. If one doesn’t have rope available, they can cut a piece of cloth into the dimensions that will accommodate their body and tie or sew each end to an object on the ground for support.
How do you make a homemade hammock?
“I don’t want to buy a hammock,” was my protest when friends were planning a backyard barbeque. “You could just tie some ropes between the trees, you know. You do have trees, don’t you?” When they insisted that I at least get some rope, I found myself heading out the door with a shopping list in hand.
How to Make a Homemade Hammock
You’ll need two rope or string hammock supports, 10′ long each. I found some sturdy nylon cord at the hardware store that will work just fine. Get two 4-6′ lengths of twine, rope, or whatever you’re planning to tie your cords together with.
And you’re all set. I’m thinking about making a few different hammocks to keep in the car for impromptu picnics, or just an excuse to park myself under a tree for a while. And because it’s easy to throw together, you have no reason to!
What fabric are hammocks made of?
Most hammocks are made from cotton or nylon. Cotton is more common due to its overall comfort, ease of care and superior price. Materials such as polyester have been used for their strength, but they lack the breathability that is found in most cotton hammocks. The best materials for a comfortable night’s sleep are durable fabric that is soft to the touch and cool in hot weather. There are hammocks made from a variety of materials, each with different benefits and drawbacks.
SO DIY: How do you make a homemade hammock?
Materials:
- 2 10′ sections of sturdy nylon cord or rope
- 2 4-6′ pieces of twine, string, or whatever you’re planning to use to tie your cords together with
How do you make a hammock?
- 2 trees, posts, poles, etc. at least 10′ apart
- something sturdy/heavy enough to support the weight of your hammock
Tools:
hacksaw or machete (optional)
Step 1:
Drive one of your supports into the ground at least 10′ from each tree. If you’re hanging more than one hammock, it’s best to set them up with 5′-10′ between them for space and comfort.
Step 2:
Use the second post as a guide to measuring how high you want your hammock. If you plan on using it for sleeping, make sure there is enough headroom and that one end of the hammock isn’t higher than the other.
Step 3:
- Loop one end of your cord over the top of one post, right side up.
- Loop the other end of your cord around the nearest tree (or whatever you’re using to hold the hammock) in what will be considered, upside down. If you’re hung up on its proper orientation, take a look at your hammock. The ends should be facing the same direction, and the right side of the fabric must form a “V” shape where it attaches to each post or tree.
- Pull both cords tight so that there is no slack in either line and tie them together, preferably in a knot that won’t slip.
Step 4:
Repeat step 3 on the other side. You’ve just set up your hammock!
Indoor Hammock ideas
Using a rod or broom handle, suspend it from the ceiling about 18 inches. Suspend fabric between the rod and the floor.
Hammocks are usually 10 feet long by 5 feet wide (and typically 20-25 pounds). Clothes hangers can be hung on either end to act as suspension points for hammock ends that are tied together.
Suspend it from the porch ceiling, or suspend two rods between trees.
Tips:
If your hammock is too heavy for one end to be hung by a clothes hanger, try hanging it with carabiners.
Hammocks are usually slung at an angle of 30 degrees. The head is at the higher end.
Add a pillow to make it more comfortable 🙂
