Kids Upcycled Hammock Chair

Deck out your patio space with a custom hammock chair for kids! This project works well with a variety of medium weight fabrics, especially an upcycled tablecloth.

What you need:

• Sewing Machine
• 2 yards of medium-weight fabric, such as canvas, twill or repurposed tablecloth
• Neon all-purpose sewing thread
• 12 feet ot tassel trim (optional)
• 1¼” dowel rod, 3 or 4 feet long
• ⅜” rope, about 18 to 20 yards long
• Large safety pin
• Drill and ⅜” drill bit
   

Prepare & Cut:

NOTES: This tutorial is based on these instructions and this tutorial with a few changes. There are many hammock chair tutorials available online - find one that works best for your purposes.
Tablecloths are often treated to resist stains and moisture damage, which makes them a perfect pick for a hammock chair that might be exposed to the elements. If you’re working with a tablecloth, first make sure you have enough usable yardage, in this case, about 2 yards.For this project, a large rectangle or square shape works best. Also perform a close check of the tablecloth for holes or worn spots. Cut around these spots, if possible, when cutting out your hammock chair pieces. Or plan to mend and reinforce these areas before assembling your hammock chair.

1. If you’re using an upcycled tablecloth, inspect it for needed mending, repairs or reinforcement.
2. Cut the tablecloth to 2 yards in length (if needed). It’s possible to make this project with less length, but you’ll want at least 1½ yards to provide ample support for the head and body.
3. Fold the tablecloth in half lengthwise and place the fold on the left.
4. At the upper edge, measure and mark 16” from the left folded edge.
5. At the lower edge, measure and mark 26” from the left folded edge.

6. Connect the two marks with chalk or a fabric marker, and cut along the line.

Assemble:

7. If needed, double-fold and press the upper short edge and the lower long edge, then stitch in place to create a basic hem.
8. Fold and press the long diagonal edges ½” to the wrong side. Fold and press again 1 ½” to the wrong side.
9. Insert the trim under the folded edge, with the tassels out.

10. Stitch in place at ¼” from the folded edge and again at ½” from the folded edge.
11. On the dowel rod, find the horizontal center point. Working on the right side of the dowel rod, measure 14" (35cm) and 16" 40cm) from the center point and mark. Repeat for the left side of the dowel rod.
12. Drill a ⅜” hole at each mark. (If you find this step difficult, bribe your friendly drill-press-owning neighbor to drill the holes for you.
13. Tie a knot in one end of the rope, about 5” from the end.
14. Thread the rope down through the outer hole on the dowel left side, so that the knot rests on top of the dowel rod.
15. Mark approximately 4’ from the knot on the rope.
16. Thread the rope up through the diagonal hammock casing, starting at the lower left edge.
17. Tie a knot at the 4’ mark, and thread the rope up through the inner hole.
18. Mark approximately 8’ from the knot on the rope. Note: If you’re working with a longer section of rope or need a longer rope at the top of your hammock chair (for hanging purposes), add that here.
19. Thread the rope down through the inner hole on the dowel right side.
20. Tie a knot at the 8’ mark.
21. Mark approximately 4’ from the knot on the rope.
22. Thread the rope down through the diagonal hammock casing, starting at the upper right edge.
23. Thread the rope up through the outer hole.
24. Tie a knot at the 4’ mark.
25. Hang the hammock from a secure hook.