How to Make a Fabric Hammock

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Hammocks are a universal symbol of casual relaxation. When you imagine lying in a hammock, it's peaceful. Bring the calm of a hammock to your own backyard by making one yourself. Making a hammock can be as simple or as challenging as you want it to be depending on the style you choose. We're going to share with you two methods for making your own hammock from scratch with professional results!

Video Chapters

Making a Hammock Harness - 0:40 min.
Making an Easy Sunbrella Hammock - 17:36 min.
Making a Pleated Polyester-Filled Sunbrella Hammock - 24:32 min.
Making a Hammock Pillow - 42:48 min

Materials List

Hammock Harness

340 ft. 1/8" Dacron Leechline Rope #21209
2 Stainless Steel #3 D-Rings #45697
2 Oak or Cedar Spreader Bars (1-1/2" x 3/4" x 62")
12 ft. 1/4" Polyester 3-Strand Rope #21302

Easy Hammock

3 yds. of 60" fabric (Sattler or Sunbrella Marine Grade are recommended)
Tex 90 Polyester, Tenara or Sailrite^® Lifetime Thread
Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape #129
48 #1 Spur Grommets #26315

Pleated Polyester-Filled Hammock

6 yds. of 60" fabric or 9 yd. of 46" fabric (Outdura or Sunbrella upholstery are recommended)
Tex 90 Polyester, Tenara or Profilen Thread
Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape #129
3 yds. 55" Batting #100158
48 #1 Spur Grommets #26315
2 Harken Forged 1/4" D Shackles #122108

Hammock Pillow

1 yd. 60" fabric or 2 yds. 46" fabric
Tex 90 Polyester or Lifetime Thread
Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape #129
1 yd. 55" Batting #100158

Tools List

1 Wood pallet
27 wood screws
Drill press with 1/4" bit
Dowel rod
Sailrite^® Edge Hotknife #103800
Sewing Machine
Deluxe Magnetic Sewing Guide #103597
#1 Spur Die Set #18202
#1 Hole Cutter #18210
Premium Cutting Block #103642
Multiuse Pins #103985
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Marker
Saw
Wood stain & varnish

How to Make a Sunbrella Fabric Hammock Video 2

There are countless ways to create a hammock from the very simple sling style, to knotted rope and quilted slings. In our video, we outline how to make a simple sew hammock and a slightly more complex, quilted version. When making a fabric hammock, you want to be sure to choose a fabric that is strong enough to support human weight. We used a Sunbrella® Shade Fabric, but a Sunbrella® Marine Grade or Upholstery Fabric would also be a great choice. Another fantastic hammock choice is Sattler® Marine Grade or Outdura® Upholstery fabric.

Sewing the fabric sling is only one part of building the hammock — you’ll also need a way to hang and support it. In the video, we show you how to create a hammock harness. To make the harness you need to weave the support ropes, and attach them to a wooden spreader bar. Then you can hang the hammock to a metal support frame or between two trees or sturdy posts.

This video also contains a section on how to make detachable pillows for your hammock. Since the hammock we made is sized for two people, we made a double pillow that runs the full width of the hammock when attached.

Who’s ready to relax in a hammock? Thinking of making one yourself? Share your hammock memories, ideas and sewing tips with us in the comments!