DIY Hammock Swing Tutorial

Looking for the perfect backyard accessory? Don’t miss out on this step-by-step DIY hammock swing tutorial.

Editors Note: This DIY hammock swing tutorial was prepared and submitted by Wendy. She participated in Season 11 of the So You Think You’re Crafty challenge.

This project is a bit longer than the quick crafts and easy recipes I usually feature, but it’s so popular I didn’t want to pull it from the site!

Thank you so much for selecting my DIY hammock swing tutorial as the top project in the So You Think You’re Crafty Sunshine Challenge. I am so excited to share the full tutorial with you.

DIY Hammock Swing Tutorial

Gathering up the material for this project will include a trip to the craft store and a visit to your local hardware store.

What you will need to make your own hammock swing:

• 150 Feet of 5/16 Nylon Cord
• 2″ Wooden Dowel – 48″ long
• Carabiner Hook
• 2 Yards 45″ Wide Fabric – use duck cloth or a fade-resistant outdoor fabric
• Sharp Fabric Scissors
• Sturdy Thread
• Sewing Machine

How to recreate this hammock swing:

The first step in this hammock swing tutorial is to measure and cut your fabric.

Spread the fabric out so that you can see the full two-yard piece. Fold the fabric in half, right sides together – the folded fabric should measure 36″x 45.”

Measure from the cut edge back toward the fold.

Cut the double layer of fabric to measure 33″x45.” Hang on to the extra fabric. You’re going to need every bit of the extra six inches at the fold!

Set aside the large piece of fabric that will be used for the base of the swing.

Take the extra strip of fabric and cut down to fourteen smaller strips, each strip measuring 3″x6.”

Sew Your DIY Hammock Swing

The next step in this hammock swing tutorial is to start sewing! We’re going to start with the tabs you will use to string your swing up and hang it.

Fold the fourteen small strips of fabric in half, right sides together. Each folded strip should measure 1.5″x6.”

Sew along the length of the strip, closing the tab, using a 1/4″ seam twice (for added strength). If you happen to have a serger, use that. You will only have to take a single pass at it!

Once your tab is sewn closed it will measure 1.25″x3.”

Turn your tab inside out, so the right side is out. Sew the ends together. You know have a completed loop/tab.

To reinforce the tab, I stitched a rectangle and then an “x.”

Repeat thirteen times until all fourteen of your tabs are sewn together and ready to be attached to the swing.

Pull out the larger piece of fabric. The next step will be to pin all of the tabs in place.

Fold down the top layer of fabric along the 45″ side.

• Measure one inch from the bottom and pin one tab into place on each side.
• Measure five inches from the first tab and pin a second set of tabs in place. Repeat this step three times.
• Measure six inches from the fifth tab and pin the sixth set of tabs in place.
• Measure seven inches from the sixth tab and pin the last set of tabs in place.

Line up the sewn edge of the tab with the cut edge of the swing fabric. Make sure that all the tabs are lined up with the center of the swing.

Replace the top layer of fabric and line up all the edges.

Carefully remove the pins from each tab and move them to the outer edge, ensuring they go through all three layers of the swing – top, tab and bottom.

Sew a 1/4″ seam along both sides and the top of the swing, but leave the bottom open. Using the first seam as a guide, sew a second seam another 1/4″ in.

Turn the entire swing right side out – we’re almost done with the sewing!

Fold the bottom inch in and iron all of the edges flat.

Sew a 1/4″ seam around the entire swing. Using that seam as your guide, run a second seam around the swing. Repeat the process a third time.

Remove all the pins from the swing.

String Up Your Boho Hammock Swing

The third step in this hammock swing tutorial is to cut and tie all of the ropes for your swing.

Cut the rope into the following pieces:

• 4 – 92″ pieces (bottom back)
• 2 – 88″ pieces (bottom middle)
• 2 – 84″ pieces (bottom front)
• 2 – 78″ pieces (back base)
• 2 – 66″ pieces (back middle)
• 2 – 52″ pieces (back top)
• 1 – 10′ piece

Tie the tabs to the swing in the following order…

Starting at the bottom, fold one length of rope in half.

With the ends together, loop them around and through to form a knot at the base of each piece. Use a flame to melt the ends.

Slip the knotted end through the tab on the swing.

Tuck the other end of the rope under the knot, but over the tab and pull until taught.

Push the knot down onto the tab so that the fabric is on top of the knot. Move to the opposite side of the swing and tie that piece into place.
Repeat with each remaining piece of rope until all 14 pieces are knotted onto the tabs.

The next step in the hammock swing tutorial is to add the crossbar.

Measure 7″ from each end of the dowel and add a small screw. This will keep the rope from sliding in on the pole.

Add the rope loops onto the pole starting at the top and working your way down. Do this for both sides of the swing.

Grab a partner. Hold the swing level and wrap a scrap of rope around the loops twice and tie together in a square knot. Burn the ends of the rope.

The last step in the hammock swing tutorial is to hang the swing.

Take the 10″ piece of rope and fold it in half, then in half again. You will be holding a loop and two tails.

Slide the carabiner onto the folded rope and tie a knot around it to secure it in place.

Note: Carabiner’s are sold by weight supported. Make sure to purchase a carabiner based on the weight your swing will need to hold.

Separate the two looped ends and tie a knot in each one, leaving the loop large enough to slip over the end of the dowel. Make sure it’s tight enough that it slides right over the gathered ropes already on the crossbar.

Slip the loop onto the dowel before pulling the knot tight so it can be adjusted.

Finish Up Your DIY Hammock Swing

Creating envelope pillows for your swing are an optional step in this hammock swing tutorial.

The bottom pillow is cut 21″x45″ and sewn with 1/2″ seams at the top and bottom. The pillow has a 2.2″ overlap. The finished size is 20″x21.”

The back pillow is cut 16″x45″ and sewn with a 1/2″ seam at the top and bottom. This pillow has a 3.5″ overlap. The finished size is 15″x20.”

Note: In an effort to save on a little sewing time, I used the selvage edges on the envelope flaps rather than sewing seams on the edge to finish the pillow off.

I hope you enjoyed this hammock swing tutorial. I know these types of swings have become very popular on patios, porches and in backyards. If you decide to make one, be sure to email a photo, share a link or tag @taunieverett on Instagram!

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