DIY Hammock Pad for Rope Hammocks

Why buy it when you can sew it, right? Earlier this summer, I whipped up this DIY Hammock Pad for rope hammocks. It was so easy and made such a big difference in enjoying our hammock that I wanted to share it with you.

We have a very small backyard, but we make the most of it. This summer, I had my heart set on finally getting a nice big hammock to relax in while the kids play outside. I scored a great used rope hammock on Facebook Marketplace, but it didn’t have a pad, so the ropes do start to dig.

Online, not only was every hammock pad sold out, but even if they had been in stock, they run upwards of $160! That was nearly twice as much as the hammock and stand itself!

I decided that it could not be that hard to sew my own DIY Hammock Pad, so I set about making my own.

DIY Hammock Pad Materials

5 yards outdoor fabric material – (Sunbrella is nice, but there are less expensive brands). Very important to get outdoor fabric so it can withstand moisture and not get mildewed. If you want a doubl-sided look, get 2.5 yards of two fabric choices.

Twin / Medium Polyester Batting – Again, the poly is better for outdoor use.

3 pkgs Quilt Binding in a coordinating color – Usually these are about 1″ wide.

8 feet paracord or other strong ribbon/fabric for ties.

1-2 spools heavy duty thread in coordinating color – Look for thread that is rated for upholstery or thicker fabrics.

SAVINGS TIP: I was able to get outdoor fabric pieces at Joann on their clearance racks. Sure, it wasn’t probably my first choice fabric, but I like it and it’s fun! I used coupons for the batting and notions. Total spent: about $40 and a couple hours of my time!

Other (you may already have, but will need)

Sewing Machine
Quilting pins / Straight pins (very large safety pins can also work for holding pieces together, but you need straight pins for the binding).
Fabric scissors

DIY Hammock Pad Directions

Cut 2 fabric piecces to the size of your hammock. Most rope hammocks I’ve seen are 54×80. But please measure yours before buying and cutting fabric.

Cut batting to same size as fabric.

Layer all three pieces as follows: one fabric face down, then batting, then the other fabric face up. I like to put heavy dinner plates on my quilt so everything stays in place while I layer and pin.

Pin the three layers together. Be sure to pin every 6-8 inches so the fabric does not shift during sewing. The more you pin, the better.

Thread machine and bobbin with your heavy duty thread. Start quilting your hammock pad. I chose to do simple straight lines 3 inches apart. There are many options for quilting, but this was the fastest.

TIP: Quilt from the middle and move outward. For instant, I went to the middle of the pad and quilted from the middle to the bottom edge, then from the middle to the top. Then I did the same on either side of the first quilted line. This ensures the fabric won’t skew sideways on you.

Finish all the quilting. My pad did shift a little on one section but the rest didn’t so I just trimmed off the uneven portion at the end.

Pin the quilt binding around all three layers. Because this is pre folded, you should be able to just slip it over the edge of your pad and pin through all layers. Pin binding around entire pad, tucking and turning at the corners. When you have to add a new section of binding, turn the raw edge of the new piece under and layer it over the previous piece’s ending.

To make the hammock pad ties: Cut 2 feet pieces of paracord or you could sew strips out of leftover hammock fabric. Fold each piece in half, and tuck the folded end into each corner of the pad under the binding. Pin down.

Sew binding down around entire pad, being sure to catch the ties as you go by them.

You’re done! Enjoy a relaxing time on your new hammock pad. This also makes a great picnic blanket, although a little bulky.

Shop for DIY Hammock Pad Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to create this DIY Hammock Pad for your own relaxation! Some tools you may already have, and some are optional. See guidance above for what is essential and what is just helpful if you have / want it.
(Commissioned Earned Links)

Richloom Fabrics Richloom Solarium Outdoor Fresca Cobalt Fabric by the Yard Premier Prints Indoor/Outdoor Blooms, Yard, Pacific Wrights Double Fold Quilt Binding Bias Tape, Light Gray, 3-Yard Wrights Coral Double Fold Quilt Binding 7/8 Wrights Cool Cucumber Double Fold Quilt Binding 7/8 Quilter’s Dream Poly Batting – Select -White-Mid-Loft – Twin Dritz 131 Quilting Pins, Yellow, 1-3/4-Inch (175-Count)160 Curved Safety Pins Quilting Basting Pins with Plastic Cases Gutermann Sew-All Thread, 547-Yard, Slate Fiskars The Original Orange Handled Scissors, 8 Inch, Orange SINGER 00110 Seam Ripper, 4-Inch