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Hammock Chair DIY

step by step tutorial to make a hanging hammock chair
Keyword DIY, hammock chair
Cost $35

Equipment

  • power drill
  • sewing machine

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4″ x 3′ oak dowel
  • 3/8″ x 16′ braided polypropylene
  • 2 yards canvas plain
  • 80mm stainless steel spring snap link
  • 3/16" stainless steel quick link
  • fabric paint black
  • paint brush
  • drill and 3/8" bit
  • sewing machine
  • iron and ironing board
  • sheers
  • ruler
  • lighter

Instructions

  • Fold your two yards of canvas in half and lay flat with the fold on the left as shown. Measure in about 7″ from the top right edge and mark.
    I cut mine about 12″ in, and it was a bit too much, so I’m suggesting 7″. Using a yard stick or ruler, draw a line from that top mark to the bottom right corner, and cut through both pieces. Open your canvas. 
  • Fold your top edge down 1/2″ and iron flat. Then fold it in again 1/2″ and iron flat. Pin and stitch the bottom of the fold as shown above. Repeat with the long bottom edge. 
  • Flip your canvas 90 degrees to the left so that the longest edge is on the right. You’re going to create pockets for the rope to slide through on each side. Fold each corner in about 1 1/2″ and iron flat. Then, fold the unhemmed top edge in 1/2″ and iron flat.
  • Fold again 1 1/2″ and iron flat.
  • Stitch two lines along the bottom folded edge as shown. Reinforce your beginning and ending with back stitches. Repeat with other side.
  • Make a mark 2″ and 4″ in from both ends of your dowel, and drill through. Sand your rough edges and stain if you’d like. I chose to leave mine natural.
  • Place your canvas on a large sheet of cardboard, and paint your design on one side. Let it dry, and then paint a design on the other side (optional). If you’re using printed fabric, be sure it’s upholstery weight or outdoor fabric to ensure its strength. 
  • Tie a knot at one end of your 16′ rope so that there is about 3″ of a tail. Melt the end so it won’t fray. Thread it down through the outer hole of your oak dowel and up from the widest corner of one side of your canvas seat to the narrow corner of the top.
    Then, tie a knot about 3′ from your first knot, and thread it up into the oak dowel. Continue to thread it down into the hole 4″ from the other edge, and measure 3′ from the loose end, and tie a loose knot.
    Thread it down through the other canvas pocket and back up through the last hole before tying a knot with a 3″ tail. If your two sides aren’t even, adjust your knots before pulling them tight. 
  • Find the center of the rope above your dowel, and tie a knot with about 8″-10″ of room above it. Attach your spring link, and then your quick link, and finally hang it on a hook screwed safely into a ceiling beam or large tree branch.
    Be sure to adjust all of your knots to make sure the seat sits evenly. Test it out by hanging on it before sitting in it to make sure everything is secure.