Who needs a resort when you can laze in a canvas hammock?


Tie this hammock between two trees, or verandah or pergola posts. Before using it make sure it has been securely fixed. Add cushions as pillows and to stop them falling off attach some tapes and tie them to the bar at the top.

Finished size about 2.6 x 1.4m

You'll need
2.9 x 1.83m of 12-ounce canvas
Pins; scissors
Polyester thread
90-110 sewing machine needle
40m of 7mm cotton rope
Zipper foot
PVA glue
Water-soluble fabric marker
Eyelets about 11.11 mm internal diameter and eyelet punch, hammer
Two 1500 x 19 x 40mm lengths of radiata pine
Drill; 8mm drill bit;
Medium and fine grade sandpaper
Satin finish exterior varnish; paintbrush
Spirit level
Two 7.5cm metal rings.

Here's how
1. Cut the canvas to measure 2.9 x 1.6m.

2. Pin and sew a 5cm double hem on both long sides of the canvas.

3. Pin and sew a 7.5cm double hem on both short sides of the canvas.

Note: For a designer look, sew cotton fringing to the long sides of the hammock.

4. Cut two lengths of rope the width of the hammock plus enough to tie knots at either end. Thread the rope through each hem on the short sides. Position the rope against the folded edge and, using the zipper foot, stitch a line across the width of the hammock close to the rope, through all thicknesses. Tie knots at both ends and trim off the excess rope. Dab some glue onto the ends of the rope to prevent fraying.

5. Mark and punch 12 evenly spaced eyelets across the top and bottom ends of the hammock.

Note: It may be necessary to use a scalpel to make a hole in the canvas before positioning the eyelets. The canvas may prove too tough for an eyelet punch to penetrate.

For the eyelets on the corners of the hammock, where there are more layers of canvas, it is necessary to punch in two eyelets one on top of the other (one eyelet will take up one-third of the thickness of the canvas and the other two-thirds). Complete each eyelet separately, gaining access through the open side of the hem.

6. Mark and drill 12 evenly spaced holes through the 19 x 1500mm sides of the pine lengths. The holes should align with the eyelets.

7. Sand the pine slats, using the medium and then the fine grade sandpaper. Dust off.

8. Apply a coat of varnish. When dry, sand using the fine sandpaper, dust off and apply two more coats of varnish. Allow to dry after each coat.

9. For each end of the hammock, cut two lengths each of rope measuring 2.5m, 2.8m and 3.2m. Taper the ends of each rope and dab with glue. Allow to dry.

10. To attach the ropes to the metal ring. Fold each length of rope in half, pass the loop of the rope through the ring and thread the ends through the loop to make a lark's head knot. Working from the centre out, knot the shortest lengths first, then the 2.8m lengths on either side of them, then proceed to knot the 3.2m lengths. Repeat for the second ring.

11. Attach each length of rope to the pine slat by threading it through the corresponding hole in the slat. Ensure that the pine slat is level using the spirit level and make half fisherman's knots below each hole. Repeat with the other pine slat.
Note: Position the slats about two-thirds down the length of the centre ropes.

12. Using a figure-of-eight knot attach the ropes to the corresponding eyelets on both ends of the hammock. The knots should be on the wrong side of the hammock. Trim the excess rope and dab with glue.

Tip:
Go to town and paint colourful designs on inexpensive natural coloured 12-ounce cotton canvas. Try alternating blocks of canary yellow and turquoise on one side, and paint the other side yellow and dot with the turquoise.

For pillow ties, you'll need one metre of ribbon or tape. Fold it in half and sew securely at the fold to the top corners of your pillow. Trim the ends of the ties.



From left to right above: Figure of eight and half fishermans knots

Larks head knot

Source: Better Homes and Gardens October 1995