As an artist, I find immense joy in creating things with my own hands. There’s a certain magic in transforming raw materials into something functional and beautiful. That’s why I’m excited to share this DIY hanging cocoon chair project with you today. It’s a project that combines simple carpentry with basic sewing skills to create a unique and relaxing addition to your home, perfect for lounging, reading, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.

Inspired by my own children and their need for a peaceful retreat, this DIY hammock chair became a reality. My eldest son, an avid reader, often seeks solace away from the lively chatter of his younger sister. Our front porch, a sanctuary from the bustling household, became the ideal spot for this cozy haven.

While my children were the initial inspiration, this DIY project is not just for kids! With sturdy materials capable of supporting up to 200lbs, this hanging chair can be enjoyed by adults as well. By simply opting for heavy-duty supplies readily available at your local hardware store, you can easily adapt this project to accommodate a higher weight capacity.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before we embark on this crafting journey, let’s gather the necessary tools and materials:

Materials You’ll Need:

1 1/4″ x 3′ oak dowel (Oak is a robust hardwood, ideal for weight-bearing projects)
3/8″ x 16′ braided polypropylene rope (Measured and sold by the foot at most hardware stores)
2 yards of plain canvas fabric
80mm stainless steel spring snap link (Choose a link with a minimum weight capacity of 220 lbs)
3/16″ stainless steel quick link (Opt for a link with a minimum weight capacity of 660 lbs)
Black fabric paint (Ensure the paint you choose is compatible with fabric)
Paintbrush

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Tools of the Trade:

Drill and 3/8″ drill bit
Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board
Shears or fabric scissors
Ruler or measuring tape
Lighter

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Cocoon Chair

Now that we have everything prepped, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Shaping the Canvas

Fold your canvas fabric in half lengthwise, ensuring the fold is on your left.
Measure 7 inches inwards from the top right corner and mark this point. (Note: I initially cut mine at 12 inches, but found 7 inches to be the optimal length).
Using a ruler, draw a straight line from the marked point to the bottom right corner of the fabric. Cut along this line through both layers of the folded canvas.
Unfold the fabric to reveal your cocoon chair shape.

Step 2: Hemming the Edges

Fold the top edge of the fabric down by 1/2 inch and press firmly with an iron to create a crisp crease.
Fold the edge down again by another 1/2 inch and iron it flat. This double fold creates a clean and durable hem.
Secure the folded hem in place with pins and stitch along the bottom edge using a sewing machine.
Repeat steps 1-3 for the long bottom edge of the fabric.

Step 3: Crafting the Rope Pockets

Rotate the fabric 90 degrees to the left so that the longest side is on your right. We’ll now create pockets for the rope.
Fold each corner of the fabric inwards approximately 1 1/2 inches and iron flat. These folds will form the base of the rope pockets.
Fold the top raw edge (the one without the hem) down by 1/2 inch and iron flat.

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Step 4: Reinforcing the Rope Pockets

Fold the top edge (from the previous step) down again by 1 1/2 inches and iron flat.
This double fold reinforces the pockets and provides a clean finish.

Step 5: Securing the Pockets

Stitch two lines along the bottom folded edge of each pocket, ensuring the stitches are strong and secure.
Use backstitches at the beginning and end of each seam to prevent unraveling.
Repeat steps 1-2 for the other rope pocket on the opposite side of the fabric.

Step 6: Preparing the Dowel

Measure and mark two points on your oak dowel: one at 2 inches and the other at 4 inches from each end.
Using a 3/8″ drill bit, drill holes through the dowel at the marked points.
Smooth any rough edges around the drilled holes with sandpaper. You can also stain the dowel at this stage if you desire a different finish. I chose to leave mine natural for a more rustic look.

Step 7: Adding a Personal Touch

Lay your canvas flat on a protected surface. This is a great opportunity to unleash your creativity!
Using fabric paint, personalize your cocoon chair with a design of your choice. You can paint one or both sides. Allow the paint to dry completely.
If you’re using pre-printed fabric instead of painting, ensure it’s upholstery weight or outdoor fabric to withstand wear and tear.

Step 8: Threading the Rope

Tie a knot at one end of your 16′ polypropylene rope, leaving a 3-inch tail. Melt the end of the rope with a lighter to prevent fraying.
Thread the rope through the outer hole of your oak dowel and upwards through the widest corner of one side of your canvas seat, exiting through the narrow top corner.
Tie a knot about 3 feet away from the first knot you made on the rope. Thread the rope upwards through the dowel.
Next, thread the rope downwards through the hole located 4 inches from the opposite end of the dowel. Measure and mark a point 3 feet away from the loose end of the rope and tie a loose knot.
Thread the rope downwards through the other canvas pocket and back upwards through the remaining hole in the dowel. Tie a final knot with a 3-inch tail. Ensure your knots are adjusted so that both sides of the chair hang evenly.

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Step 9: Hanging Your Masterpiece

Locate the center of the rope section above your dowel. Tie a knot, leaving about 8-10 inches of slack above it. This is where you’ll attach the hanging hardware.
Attach the spring snap link to the knot, followed by the quick link.
Choose a secure location to hang your cocoon chair. Ensure the hook or mount is securely anchored to a ceiling beam or a sturdy tree branch.
Once hung, adjust the knots on your rope to ensure the seat hangs level and comfortably. Always test the chair’s stability by gently hanging on it before settling in.

Tips for Extra Comfort and Personalization:

Enhance the comfort of your cocoon chair by adding a soft, round pillow to the bottom. This provides additional cushioning, especially for younger users.
Adjust the hanging height of the chair by adding or removing rope length to suit your ceiling height.
For a cozier ambiance, complement your hanging chair with a soft rug and surrounding plants.

Safety First, Creativity Always!

Remember, safety is paramount in any DIY project. Before using your new hanging chair, double-check all knots and connections to ensure they are secure. This chair is designed for gentle swaying, not vigorous swinging. Always use caution and enjoy your creation responsibly!

Share Your Creations!

I encourage you to personalize this project and make it your own! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fabric designs, paint colors, or even add embellishments like tassels or fringe. Remember, the beauty of DIY lies in the freedom to explore and express your unique style.

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Feel free to share pictures of your finished hanging cocoon chairs with me. I’m always inspired by your creativity! For more DIY craft and gift ideas, explore the wonderful world of handmade treasures on Robert Kline Art. Happy crafting!