Easy peasy hammock

[Nush]

I made a hammock out of a small cushion cover for a new hamster we might be getting. This is how it looks

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/78BF8515-23DA-453B-8625-4DC48B157686-398-000000ED676CAE45.jpg


It's really easy to make. I stabbed the ends with a knitting needle, LOL. And passed through a hemp string. It took 2 to 3 tries but it wasn't as bad as I thought. I took pictures as I did it if anyone was interested.

In all fairness I'll probably take out the tassels that is on it since the hamster will likely chew it. But I wanted to take a photo before I go ahead and do that.

[strawberrysmom]

Love it so much!!!

[Nush]

Thanks I was inspired by the floral design on the hamster bed you made but I saw the pirate and thought I have to have it:) I hope to take a picture of our WW sitting on it (hopefully he does) when we get him this weekend:)

[Kiki_3173]

I like the hemp you used to make it hang...did you "weave" or braid that yourself? If so, how did you do it?

[Lougarry]

I really love it :D I'd also know how you braid the hemp - it looks fab.

[Nush]

Thanks guys:)
It's a square knot. You can use this knot to make chew toys. If you get the wooden chews, you can thread them in the hemp so that it looks like a garland type chew toy.

This video shows you what to do for the simple square knot and the beading as well:
How to Make a Square Knot and Four Variations -- A Jewelry-making Technique - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HunXOofp_NQ)

[Kiki_3173]

Thanks guys:)
It's a square knot. You can use this knot to make chew toys. If you get the wooden chews, you can thread them in the hemp so that it looks like a garland type chew toy.

This video shows you what to do for the simple square knot and the beading as well:
How to Make a Square Knot and Four Variations -- A Jewelry-making Technique - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HunXOofp_NQ)

Thanks so much! I think I will use that to hang up Darwin's new hammock :-)

[Nush]

That's great. Let me know if you need an help:)

I think my next project is the chew toy.

[The Hamster's family]

Very talented !!! Congrats !!

Annie xx

[Lougarry]

Thank you, Nush :)

[Nush]

Thanks :oops:. It was very simple to make.

[Kiki_3173]

That's great. Let me know if you need an help:)

I think my next project is the chew toy.

The tutorial was great...and the square knot is quite easy to make! Just one more question, did you pass the hemp string through and then start making the square knot or is it tied some how under the hammock?

[Nush]

I passed the hemp string through. I made 2 holes in the hammock then passed a string in each. This gives me 4 strings for the square knot. I am not sure I'm explaining it right but I'm pasting some pictures below.

So first I stab the cloth with a knitting needle. I didn't stab it in the middle of the corner, just to the side so that the other hole goes to the other side.
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/1611068B-DE67-4EE7-BD3A-F7005405083A-142-00000005863341F1.jpg

Then I pass through one string. Make sure it's long enough because when you knot it, it'll shrink and be about a third of the string's length.
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/61EB2D75-EA72-4AF4-B8A8-F6E0587CC234-142-00000003B452719B.jpg

Then I do the same for the other side
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/90195E13-3F39-4DE3-8202-0BFF2692A171-142-00000003BD5562C7.jpg

I tie the strings together. You should have 4 strings in all.
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/11B7CEBB-067C-4AC8-B62F-2DA6BAFD704A-142-00000003C3F8D00E.jpg

This is how it looked when I started working on it
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/A63EAEE9-57AA-4BDC-B7E1-13FEFE5069D0-142-00000003CD6380DC.jpg

[Kiki_3173]

Awesome DIY...thank you...I am now going to attempt Darwin's hammock :-)

[Nush]

Take a picture. I want to see what it looks like.

[Kiki_3173]

Take a picture. I want to see what it looks like.

Ok...I lied...one more question (I promise)! Did you just tie the hemp to the cage or do you have it finished off with a hook of some kind?

[Nush]

Hi Kiki, I don't mind the questions so it's no problem. I tied it and left some extra string hanging in case I want to readjust the height. But you can put a hook on for the bars. It'll look better with one:)

[Kiki_3173]

Hi Kiki, I don't mind the questions so it's no problem. I tied it and left some extra string hanging in case I want to readjust the height. But you can put a hook on for the bars. It'll look better with one:)

I've finally got it done and hanging in Darwin's bincage for him to try out. I haven't really decided which way I want to hang it (one side is quilted with fabric to match his bin and one side is fleece), but here's what I've got so far.

This is how I decided to hang it:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/CAM00409.jpg

Here is Darwin being silly:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/image_zpsf4b53cde.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/image_zps97ee8067.jpg

[Nush]

Awww he looks sooo cute especially in that second picture.

You've done a great job with the hammock. It looks very neat:)

[Lloydhammy]

if I Don't have hemp string can I use craft chain or wire? My little guy likes to climb and I would like to make some levels and this would be a great idea for levels for him :)

[Nush]

If it's a metal chain, it would be fine. I'd be a bit careful with a wire, in case there are any stabby ends and whether it'd be ok for your hamster to climb over.

If you are using a chain, you could make a hole on both ends of the hammock and pass it through. Put clips at the ends of the chain and voila:) You'd need a long chain though.

[Lloydhammy]

I have a lot of ball chain necklaces that I used to use, I think that would work great. Does it matter of the fabric because I have yards of cute owl fabric that I am wanting to use! Thanks for responding :)

[Nush]

I think with fabric just make sure your hammy doesn't shred the fabric. With fleece type of fabric, my hamsters are more inclined to do so. I think it's probably due to their instincts of making a nest and fleece would make warm nests but I'm not happy to let them shred the material in case they ingest it by mistake. I've used cotton which would make rubbish nests:) and my hamsters are less inclined to shred it.

I think you can test the material on your hamster when they are out playing. They will bite it at first but if they soon ignore it, I would assume it's safe to use as a hammock:)

Good luck.