6 × dream-worthy hammocks—craft your own easily from fabric, leftover boards, or even a rag rug
A hanging chair or hammock is a lovely way to enjoy laid-back summer days. We’ve put together instructions so you can make one that suits your yard or terrace.
1. Hang out in comfort
A lightweight hammock is easy to make using wooden rods, fabric, and rope. The ropes provide support, while the rods help it keep its shape. Choose water- and dirt-repellent fabric and treat the wooden parts, and you’ll have an easy-care spot to relax in. Check out the instructions for this hammock!
2. Crafted from a sauna bench
Turn a sauna bench into a gently swaying lounge spot for your terrace—perfect for relaxing. Give the bench a finishing touch with paint or wood oil. Hang the daybed from the ceiling with sturdy rope and top it with a mattress or seat cushion for extra comfort. Check out the instructions for the patio bed!
3. Upcycled from a rag rug
An old rag rug works great as a hammock because it stretches and feels pleasantly soft against your skin. Instead of hanging by the weave alone, the rug is secured with ropes wrapped around rods attached at each end. Staples make it easy to detach the rug and hang it somewhere new. Check out our instructions for making a rag rug hammock here.
4. For small spaces
A hanging chair made from thick natural rope fits easily on a small balcony or in a corner of your patio. You’ll also need a seat cushion and a rod for hanging. If you don’t need a lounge spot in winter, fold up the net for easy storage. Check out the instructions for the knotted hanging chair!
5. Put leftover boards to use
A variety of leftover boards can become a one-of-a-kind hammock. Tie the boards together like a rug to form a flexible yet sturdy seat. Use an outdoor-friendly furniture paint—mix and match different colors or use up leftover paints you have on hand. Check out the instructions for this upcycled hammock made from leftover boards!
6. Sewn from fabric
A fabric hanging chair is an inviting place to sit, and you can easily move it wherever you’d like. Choose a material that stands up to sunlight. If you sew it from two different-colored fabrics, you can flip it from time to time for a fresh look. Check out the instructions for the fabric hanging chair!
