Make a Hammock in an Afternoon – Easy DIY
There is no better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than in a hammock in a beautiful garden. This easy DIY only takes an hour and costs under R200 (about $15) – now that’s pretty cool 😉
And if you only have 5 minutes to spend to make a hammock then maybe you can start by creating this miniature hammock for your fairy friends. That way they can enjoy the garden too 😉
What You Need To Make The Hammock
- 6 m Sisal Rope, cut in half
- 1 Throw (140 cm x 180 cm or 55″ x 71″)
- A drill, sewing machine and some scissors
- 110 cm (43″) wooden bar or lathe with a diameter of at least 5 cm (2″)
Fold the throw in half and then fold the outside corners in by 30 cm (11 6/8″) as shown below.
If you’re lucky Jazz might even pop in to help out and make sure your measurements are correct.
Cut away the folded corner pieces and zig-zag the cut edges so that they don’t fray.
Now we need to create pockets for the sisal rope on each side. Fold each side in about 4.5 cm (1 7/8″) and pin. Stitch up the pockets and reinforce the beginning and end with back stitches. Stitch twice to make sure the pockets are strong enough. Repeat on the other side.
Getting the Hammock Ready to Hang
Make a mark 9 cm (3.5″) and 14 cm (5.5″) in from both ends of the lath and using a 13 mm (5 1/4″) drill bit, drill through. Tie a knot at one end of each of your 3 m ropes. That’s about 3 and a bit yards. Use masking tape to seal the edges so they won’t fray.
How to Hang the Hammock
Thread the rope down through the outside hole of your lath and into the top, narrowest edge of the throw and through to the widest edge. Tie a knot about 170 cm (67″) from the first knot and thread it up into the lath. Repeat on the other side. Adjust the knots up or down to make the hammock higher or lower.
That’s it, your hammock is ready to hang. Just knot the two pieces at the top together.
It’s the perfect addition to the garden or inside. This one has found a permanent home in my son’s bedroom. He loves it, especially since we made him a footstool from empty soda bottles. That way he can have somewhere to rest his feet when he’s not curled up inside the hammock reading a book.
If you’d like to make your own hammock in an afternoon don’t forget to pin it for later/
A word of caution. Make sure your hammock is fastened to a branch that is strong enough to support the weight and whoever is sitting on it. You need to check that the hammock is properly tied so that it won’t come loose or fall when you get in. Kids should never be allowed to use the hammock without adult supervision.
Oh BTW, if you’re struggling to find the right throw or some of the other materials, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: By clicking on the links below, we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us think of more awesome crafty things to share with you 😉
And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
If only I could crawl through the computer screen with a good book. I would spend many hours relaxing in the shade during the summer in that wonderful hammock. If only I had a strong enough tree branch in our yard because I’d be making one of these for sure!
You let me know when you figure out how to crawl through that screen of your Marie and I’ll get the books and hammock ready for you my friend ❣
I have been researching the theory of using different types of hammocks and hammock swings for deep pressure therapy for autism, ADHD, Spinal injury, Sensory Processing Disorder, anxiety and PTSD (all things someone in our household manages on a daily basis. I now sleep in a hammock fulltime in my bedroom and have hammock swings, cuddle pod swings and hammocks throughout my home inside and out. Its easy to move them to the room needed by using clips. This has been life changing for us and am thankful to get so much relief for so many various issues.
Oh wow Connie, that sounds absolutely fascinating. I didn’t realize that hammocks could make such a difference. I would love to hear more about your research too.
Beautiful hammock! Can you show video on how you make it?
Ahh Tanny, I wish I could get the whole video thing done properly. I really struggle to figure out how best to do it and share it so it’s not huge. I’ll carry on trying though
Nice! Love the blanket colors! A video would be Awesome! 🙂
Thank you Sharon that blanket is real pretty and one day, I’ll figure out how to make a video 😉
I bought two of these from Wish. Now I know how to make more sturdy ones! I can’t wait. Think I will use stronger dowels, we are a very “healthy” bunch. My husband hung ours from 4×4s supporting our patio cover.
Thank you for these directions. I can make more and use the colors I want. (The bought chairs used cotton twine which stretches so badly I worry the “setter” will end up on the floor! Going to replace with the good sturdy stuff you used.)Gotta go make. Thanks.
It’s a HUGE pleasure Judith, I so happy you like the idea and it does make it so much better when you can make them using fabric or throws that fit in with your decor. Have fun and shout anytime if something doesn’t make sense, I’ll be glad to try help out
I have a hammock swing, but I didn’t make it. Yours is lovely. Nicely done.
Thank you Kellie. They’re surprisingly easy to make once you figure out how the rope goes
What a great idea. Never thought about making my own hammock seat. You have the perfect garden for it, lush and gorgeous! What a great space to while away an afternoon.
Thanks so much Nikki, we love our hammocks and I find the seat ones are easier to get into and out of. Lol, we’ve had some curious mishaps with the long ones.
I cant believe how easy you make this look – love it!
Thanks Sarah, it really is easy though 😉
This is so cool! I would love to have a hammock. We even have the perfect tree, except the hubby wants to chop it down. I will have to work on him, and maybe make a hammock. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Linda and please don’t let hubby cut down the tree, hammocks are the perfect spot for enjoying Mother Nature. We’ve made three of them already and they’re super easy to do.
Having relaxed time with the hammock✌?✌
Awesome Viria, enjoy it <3
So the throw had tassels already attached? That made yours more unique.
We made one too, but with regular canvas: https://www.heavenlyhammocks.com.au/diy-hammock-chair-make-your-own.php
Oh your hammock is stunning. Love the idea of using rip cord, it makes so much easier to thread through the pockets on the side.
Nice job! I love hammocks and currently have a traditional one hanging between two trees in the yard. But I really like this seated one, would be easier to read in this one than lying down. I pinned it in the event I get around to making myself one!
Hi there Jen, hope you did get some time to make one (please share a pic or to when you do). It’s really easy once you figure out how the ropes go.
Your pillow is on point here it really is such a cool project. This is perfect for the summer time. And the fabric color is nice and relaxing. I think I’m just about ready to come on over and take a nap over in your hammock. Thank you for visiting us over at Sweet Inspiration.
Hi Mary, you can come visit anytime 🙂
Michelle, this hammock seat is too cool!! I can imagine sitting in this outside, while my kiddos are playing! And the price is nice too. : ) You did a great job on this!!
Hey Keri 🙂 Thank you
Need a conversation for cm
Hi Sandy, yes you’re right. I’m slowly trying to add the cm to inches converter to all the posts. Thanks for the heads up, I have added a link to a converter for the hammock.
Approx 2.5 cm = 1 inch
What is a Pouffe??
I think it’s also called a ottoman.
When I grow up I want a backyard like that… awesomeness!!
🙂