Do you or the special kids in your life have a favorite toy or doll who could use some time off its feet after a busy day of play? Is it time for a toy to "retire" after a lifetime of hard work? This hammock can be made to any size depending on the yarn and hook and how many stitches you make.
![](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e9/Toy_hammock_25.jpg/300px-Toy_hammock_25.jpg)
Steps
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Choose yarn or string to make this project. It can be any color and any thickness you think will look good with your toy. You may find you prefer cotton yarn or string, so that it isn't too stretchy.
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Chain 8.
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Chain a multiple of five.
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Chain ten more stitches. There are now 118 stitches in the example.
- The first eight and the last ten stitches will form the loops at either end, which is why they're listed separately.
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Slip stitch into tenth from hook.
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Chain five.
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Slip stitch into fifth chain from hook.
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Continue.
- Don't worry if you don't find exactly eight stitches here. Just try to leave more than five and fewer than ten.
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Chain three, join with a slip stitch.
- Turn the work. This will start the third row.
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Chain five.
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Repeat.
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Chain five and join.
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Chain eight and join.
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Repeat until desired width.
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Chain only four.
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A straighter edge.
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Chain eight more.
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Count the loops and measure the fabric.
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Cut dowels and drill holes.
- This is a 7/16" dowel with 1/8" holes every 1/2", but use whatever size and spacing seems right for your fabric.
- Drill the holes larger than you will need for just the yarn or string. It will make it much easier to assemble and hang the hammock.
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Clean up the holes and do any sanding.
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Run strings through each loop.
- It will help to hold the opposite end firmly. Here, it's wrapped around the other dowel and weighed down with books and things.
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This threading tool was improvised from a wire twist tie.
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Bring the strings together at the middle.
- It's important to get everything centered and even here so that the finished hammock will balance.
- When gathering the second end, measure the distance along the middle string from the edge of the fabric to where you are holding the bundle and tying it.
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Tie a knot.
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Finish the ends.
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This simple frame is made from cup hooks and a few dowels with holes drilled in them.
Tips
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A photo of the finished hammock without a toy in it, for reference.
- If you would rather not crochet, you could use any stretchy piece of fabric, such as a rectangle cut out of an old t-shirt and hemmed.
- Add large wooden beads to the ends, if you have them, for an extra touch.
Warnings
- Only give this hammock to a child who is old enough to understand that it will only support the weight of a toy, not a child. Better yet, use it to display a special toy who has "retired" already.
- When drilling holes in dowels, clamp them securely and keep fingers, hair, and loose clothing clear, and wear safety glasses. Use a drill press if you have one.