A warm summer day conjures images of pools, water hoses, lemonade and, oh yeah, hammocks. Lying out in the backyard with nothing on your mind but relaxation - what could be more heavenly? You know youll need a hammock but who wants to pay those big bucks for one? And who wants to be challenged by those net-type hammocks that often throw you on the ground many times before youre finally able to actually climb in? You can easily make a much safer hammock and invest a fraction of the money.
If youve got a blanket at home youre well on your way to lying around in that hammock you want. The blanket can be a twin size and hold one person or it can be much larger and hold two people. There are no real requirements when it comes to the blanket type, however, certain blankets work better than others. For example, a blanket that stretches, or an Afghan-type throw, arent ideal. Blankets that are really fuzzy might not be too comfortable in hot weather. A lightweight blanket that doesnt stretch is perfect.
Besides the perfect blanket youll need two strong dowel rods. The wooden rods are sold in many different lengths and sizes at any home improvement store. Hardware stores and some department stores also sell the wooden rods. Choose two of the same size, about two inches in diameter. Using a larger size diameter is okay; using a smaller one means the dowel could break with the weight of the person in the hammock. And, the dowels you use must each be as long as the blanket is wide. Its not that difficult to assemble the new hammock. Lay the blanket out on a flat surface and place one dowel at one end of the blanket. Fold the end of the blanket over the dowel. Pin and sew this area, straight across, to hold the dowel in the end of the blanket. Or, use adhesive instead. The glue you choose must be waterproof and suitable for fabric. Fold the blanket end over the dowel and glue the fabric down. Do the same to the other end of the blanket with the second dowel rod. Before gluing or sewing the dowel rod in its necessary to make an opening for the tying apparatus to hang the hammock. The easiest way to create the tie is to use great lengths of velcro. Velcro is easy to attach to the dowel, strong enough to hold the hammock, and makes it ultra-simple to hang the hammock from a tree or even deck rails. To add the velcro, place the dowel at the end of the blanket, then fold the blanket over and remove the rod. Now make a slit, right in the center, to allow access for the velcro. Cut the slit through both layers of the blanket, slide the rod back in, then glue or sew the rod pocket. Now slide a length of velcro through the slit in the blanket and around the dowel. The length of velcro can simply be wrapped around the object you want to use to hold the hammock. If you dont have velcro you can use a traditional tie to hold the hammock. Go ahead and fold the end of the blanket over the dowel and cut the slits. Use strong rope and thread it through the slits. So, one length of rope will be through the slits and around the dowel. If you were to fold this rope in half the fold mark would be wrapped around the dowel. Tie the rope once then leave the two ends hanging for tying. Allow quite a length of rope, at both ends, to accommodate the wherever you will hang it. Whenever youre ready to hang your hammock all you have to do is locate two objects that can hold the rope or velcro. It could be two trees or you can hang it in the corner of a deck by tying it around the pickets. The same can be done in the corner of a picket fence. The hammock is easy to get in and out of since theres none of that netting to fumble with. You dont necessarily have to use a heavy blanket to make the new hammock. A sheet works well to make something similar but much cooler. Either way, you likely have the largest part of the hammock already at home. With the dowel rods and rope or velcro you can easily assemble the hammock in no time. Now, lets check the weather report, shall we?
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