Claire here, and even though this time of year is all about winding down and soaking up the sun, it’s hard to believe how fast the summer’s whirling by. So for this month’s installment of Transformed, I set out to create something that would force me to catch my breath and relax: a do-it-yourself hammock! Earlier this week, Kate and I woke up early and took a trip out to The Greenbelt to snap up these photos, but I’m planning on suspending the hammock in my backyard to enjoy it all summer long. This design is super easy to recreate, and best of all, can be fully personalized by incorporating different lace and trim details… keep reading for the full tutorial!
- muslin 2.5 yards (the bolt should be about 44″ wide)
- 1/4″ x 100′ all purpose clothesline
- (2) 3/8″ anchor shackle
- (2) 1/4″ spring link
- sewing machine
- thread (white or off white)
- tape measure
- scissors
- pins
- (2) 5′ length chain (choose a chain with a weight load limit that suits your needs)
- Cut a 1.5″ x 44″ strip of canvas.
- Lay muslin out on flat surface. Pin canvas strip along the 44-inch edge of the muslin, 2 inches in (as pictured).
- Sew around edges of canvas strip. The heavier material will add support.
- Use a tape measure to mark three spots along the 44-inch canvas strip, 11 inches apart. Cut a 1-inch rectangle at each mark, and sew around the edges of each rectangle.
- Fold muslin over so canvas strip is folded in half as pictured, and sew along the edge to create the loop for the rope.
- Cut 4 pieces of rope to 8 feet each (you may burn the edges of the cut rope to prevent fraying). Feed one piece of rope through the opening of the loop and pull out of first square as pictured. Loop second piece of rope from first square to second, etc.
- Tie the ends of each 8-foot piece of rope as pictured.
- Gather the ends of all 4 tied ropes and tie a bow line knot with them around the anchor shackle.
- Repeat steps 1-8 on other end of muslin.
- Make it your own! Add lace, fringe, or paint for some “flare” (used some lace scarves and upholstery trim on mine!)
- Use spring links to connect chain or rope to anchor shackles on each end, and suspend in your desired location.
I want to be reading a book in this hammock today.
If only I had a backyard! This is amazing, Claire!
Thanks so much!!!
Yikes! I’d be afraid of mine not holding up and leaving me on the ground…
haha! I was worried at first too I have to say. As long as you follow the directions and tie it properly it will hold tight!
awesome!
Thanks Emily!
Where is your dress and sandals from?
Dress is Free People and sandals are Zara!
We need a new hammock. Love the bohemian feel of this one!
beautiful hammock and gorgeous images
kw ladies in navy
Thank you Kelsey! So excited you think so!
I am sooo obsessed with this project, Claire! You blew me away with your perfect styling.THIS is a project I want to tackle…
You are FEARLESS with these DIY projects! I love them all but this one really takes the cake. I think this is just what my backyard has been needing!
Thanks Kristina! I have to admit I was daunted by this one at first, but once I figured out the design it was so easy!
What a gorgeous location and a creative idea…so beautiful!!
Thanks Carrie!
WOW!! You are one creative gal & beautiful! Love this!!:)
Thank you Nycia! It is so fun to read such great responses from everyone.
such a beautiful article- love the pictures! the hammock would be great to have for reading on a summer morning 🙂
Thanks! It is the perfect place for reading!! We are still deciding where to hang it in my yard, can’t wait to have it permanently up!
This is amazing! I wish I had a garden. 🙂
Thank you! I still haven’t decided the perfect place to hang it…
I love this so much…so beautiful! I love all the posts on this site but can never wait for your next “Transformed” post Claire!
Thank you so much Danielle! That is quite the compliment since every post on Camille’s site is wonderful!!
Looks the definition of relaxation! I love it 🙂
http://currentlylovingblog.blogspot.com/
Isn’t it? If only I could stay it in all day!
Oh, Claire, this is perfection! The whole shoot looks like a dream.
xo,
Ashley
Thanks so much Ashely! It was so fun to make (and to style/shoot!)
great job! very nice color!
Kisses
Magda and Agnes:*
Love it going to make me some .yes yes
I know this article is a couple years old, but do you recall about how much this cost? I’m looking to set up multiple hammocks at my wedding, so I’m looking for an inexpensive way to do so. 🙂
This is awesome! I am just having some trouble understanding the steps between 4 and 5. Where did you sew at step 4 and how did the muslin get folded over like that and how fom step 4 is there no extra fabric and then step 5 there is?