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How can I Make a Hammock?

Garry Crystal
Garry Crystal

Hammocks have existed for centuries. Sailors used them as beds on long sea voyages, as the elevation factor meant they could sleep peacefully and avoid mice. For some people, the idea of lying in a hammock on a hot summer day, cool drink in hand, is their concept of bliss. Making your own hammock should only take an hour or two of your free time.

When making your hammock, consider the material that you are going to use. The most common material for a garden hammock is a light colored canvas. The light color will reflect the heat better than dark colors. Canvas is also breathable and will not become sticky in the heat.

Hammocks are sleeping contraptions that are used for a person's relaxation.
Hammocks are sleeping contraptions that are used for a person's relaxation.

Begin assembling your hammock by sewing the edges of the canvas. Roll in each of the longer sides by about 15 centimeters (6 inches) and sew them with a sewing machine. This will ensure that the edges do not look tatty or begin to fray. Make sure to leave enough room to pass the rope through. Next, repeat the procedure on the shorter edges.

Next comes the rope. You will need two short pieces of rope and two other pieces long enough to thread through the canvas with a generous amount left over. Thread the shorter pieces through each of the loops you have made at the end of the hammock canvas, then tie the ends of the shorter pieces of rope in a knot. You will not be untying these knots, so make them secure as possible.

Thread the longer pieces of rope through the canvas. The ends can be tied lightly, but they should be easy to untie. Next, choose the spot where the canvas is to be hung.

Safety is important when you choose your hammock spot. Make sure the trees that you choose are strong enough to handle your weight. Also, make sure that there are no heavy overhanging branches that could be dead and fall into the hammock.

People should make sure the trees they choose are strong enough to handle their weight.
People should make sure the trees they choose are strong enough to handle their weight.

Tie your ropes tightly around the trees or upright supports. If you are using a tree, make sure that you place wooden slats between the tree and the rope. If you tie the rope too tightly to the tree, you will cause a type of damage called ring barking, which is literally strangling the tree with the rope. All that is left is to swing into your hammock and enjoy a peaceful and comfortable sleep.

Discussion Comments

BrickBack

@Popcorn - I just wanted to say that my sister has a free standing hammock in her backyard that is really comfortable. It is so easy to fall asleep especially when the breeze hits. She ordered it from a catalog and had to assemble it at home, but it wasn’t too bad.

I actually would be afraid to make my own hammock and would rather order one from a company because at least I know that the hammock will be safe to use. This hammock that my sister has in her backyard has steel poles so I know it is sturdy enough.

popcorn

Once you have made your hammock you would be surprised where you can put it. I have a basement in my home with some pretty sturdy brick pillars, so once winter rolled around I moved my hammock in from the trees outside to indoors.

With a bit of maneuvering I was able to put my hammock up in my basement with a great view of the television. It is actually really comfortable to swing near the entertainment system and just relax.

If you are shy of extra beds and someone needs to crash, putting a hammock up indoors in a quick and easy solution. Just make sure your hanging your hammock off structural beams so they can support your weight.

manykitties2

@Ivan83 - I actually agree with you about it being a lot harder to make a hammock than most people think. I gave it a shot a few years ago because my friends and I were going camping and they said the beach area was perfect for stringing up a hammock. Being on a budget I thought it would be cheaper to buy my own rather than spend cash on a store version.

I picked up all the materials and set to work and for some reason, I just couldn't get it right. A hammock looks really easy to construct but it can be tough getting it to hang right and not ending up a mess of rope and fabric. I eventually gave up on my project and borrowed a hammock from a friend.

Ivan83

I hate to break it to anyone reading this article, but making your own hammock is a lot harder than this makes it sound. I found some instructions online a few years back for a homemade hammock very similar to this one.

I was feeling ambitious at the time and so I decided to try it for myself. I bought all the materials, printed out the instructions and sat down to try and get this done. Six hours later I had a horrible tangle of rope and fabric that didn't at all resemble a hammock. In fact it could not hold up even a small child.

I tried again a few days later and had similar bad luck. Finally I gave up on the project completely. maybe I am just inept, but I don;t think it easy to make your own hammock. Seriously, if you have the means just go out and buy your own. You will save yourself so many headaches

nextcorrea

I have a good friend who made his own hammock using hemp rope that he had actually braided himself. It was a great hammock, I slept in it a few nights. The fabric was soft but strong, you never worried about falling through or snapping the ropes.

I know that hemp rope can be kind of hard to find but it is really a superior fiber. Whether you are making hammocks, shirts, paper or rope it is a great material. Hopefully in the future we can reconsider the benefits of hemp and start using it more practically.

chivebasil

I have been camping for years using hammocks rather than tents and the experience is completely different. Anyone who hasn't tried it should really give it a go. There is something about sleeping in the open air under the stars that just cannot be matched by a regular old tent. You are more connected to nature and you do not have to deal with a lot of the hassles of tent camping. Hammocks keep you off of the uncomfortable ground, they let you feel the breeze on your body and they are much smaller and more lightweight if you are traveling with a backpack. Give it a try and you will never camp with a tent again.

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    • Hammocks are sleeping contraptions that are used for a person's relaxation.
      By: anyaberkut
      Hammocks are sleeping contraptions that are used for a person's relaxation.
    • People should make sure the trees they choose are strong enough to handle their weight.
      By: anyaberkut
      People should make sure the trees they choose are strong enough to handle their weight.
    • Garden hammocks are usually made of a light colored canvas.
      By: alekuwka83
      Garden hammocks are usually made of a light colored canvas.