A hammock can be a great way to relax. You can make a DIY hammock at home in a few simple steps. The first step is to gather your materials. If you have a wood dowel, you can easily drill a few holes for your hammock. Alternatively, you can use an old backpack strap as webbing. Depending on how big you want your hammock, you can find suitable material from the local hardware store.
Next, you’ll need some fabric. For the best results, you’ll need to purchase a cotton fabric. This will give you the durability you need for your hammock. Ideally, you’ll want a 7-foot-long piece of this strong material.
Make sure the fabric you choose has a slight convex curve at the ends. If you don’t, you might have trouble hanging the hammock. Once you’ve determined the width of the fabric, cut it into two pieces, each measuring approximately seven feet long.
After the fabric is cut, you’ll need to weave a series of cords. Each cord should be four feet long. Be sure to leave some extra thread at the end of each cord. When you are done braiding the cords, they will be about 10 percent shorter.
It’s hard to say exactly how long your finished hammock will be, but you’ll need at least ten pieces. These can be made from sixmm or eightmm natural cotton rope. Using a soft eye splice, you can make the ropes into one or two. However, you should be sure to test the weight capacity of the hammock you’re making.
Finally, you’ll need to fasten the top and bottom of your hammock. Typically, you’ll hang your hammock between two trees, but if you have the space you can install a hammock stand. Having a stand allows you to make adjustments to the height of your hammock as needed. In addition, you can also use a tarp to cover your hammock and provide a bit of shade.
The main drawback of a tarp is that it’s less visually appealing than other ideas. But if you need to make a rain fly for your hammock, a tarp is a good bet. Besides, it’s a functional and easy-to-make item that isn’t likely to get tangled.
The most exciting part is the assembly. Hanging a hammock can be tricky, but if you’ve made one before you should have no problem with this task. As a general rule of thumb, a hammock should be between five and 10 feet away from the ground.
Taking the time to build a homemade hammock can be as relaxing as lying down in one. While it might not be as practical as the newest hammock stand or tree house, it’s a nice diversion if you’re spending time outdoors near your patio or pool.
When making a hammock at home, you may not have the sewing skills to produce an heirloom-quality hammock, but you can easily make a simple one with a few yards of ripstop nylon. Ripstop nylon is a common material found in sails, kites, and jackets.