I’m very excited to share with you a tutorial on Milly’s swing today! I found the original tutorial here, but made adjustments, and some of you requested the changes. This project is rather simple and costs a fraction of what you would pay to buy a similar swing. If you have any sewing experience and some knowledge of basic woodworking, this should only take a few hours. For those of you who may be frightened by all of this, find your way to the end of the post for your chance to enter to win one! Let’s get to it!
You will need:-about 2 yards of home decor outdoor fabric (if your fabric has a pattern or a stripe, you may need more in order to get the proper placement)
-sewing machine, thread, and your typical sewing notions
-(2) 1 1/8 x 48″ round dowel rods
-miter saw, handsaw, or circular saw
-drill with 3/8″ drill bit
-(2) 3/8″ nylon rope cut to 10′ each (I know they will cut this for you at Home Depot)
-1/4 x 2″ steel ring
-(2) rope clamps
-hammer
-3/8″ spring link
1. Cut (2) 36 x 14″ rectangles, (2) 14 x 11″ rectangles, and (2) 6 x 11″ rectangles. If you are dealing with stripes, it will look best to have the stripes on the largest piece oriented one way, and the stripes on the smaller pieces oriented the opposite way.
2. Take the 2 smaller sets of rectangles and place them right sides together. I used about a 3/8″ seam allowance for this entire project. Sew together on 3 sides, leaving one 14″ and one 6″ side open. Snip the 2 fully sewn corners to allow for space and turn right sides out. Top stitch along the 3 closed sides.
3. Find the center of one of the biggest pieces (36 x 14″). Place the open end of the 14 x 11″ piece centered on one side and the open end of the 6 x 11″ piece centered on the other side. Pin in place. Place the other 36 x 14″ piece right side down and pin everything together. Sew around the edge, leaving about an 8″ opening on one short side.
4. Trim all 4 corners and turn the swing right sides out. Make sure all of the corners are crisp and run your finger along the inside seams to ensure the fabric is fully turned. Turn the fabric under in the opening you left to match the rest of your edges.
5. Topstitch the entire middle rectangle.
6. Fold over 3″ on all 4 sides and sew across, using your top stitch as a guide. This creates the pockets for the dowel rods. Now we are finished with the sewing. On to the more handy, less domestic, part of this DIY!
7. My husband is handy by day, so I am pretty lucky to have a lot of great tools and someone who knows how to use them at my disposal. He used a miter saw to cut (4) 16″ dowels and then used it’s clamp to help hold the dowels as he drilled the holes. The miter saw cuts so smoothly, you don’t need to sand the edges. This can just as easily be done with a circular saw or handsaw, but may need a bit of sanding. Drilling the holes calls for steadiness, so I definitely recommend a clamp or vice of some sort if you have one. We just eyeballed the 3/8″ hole at around 1″ in on both sides of the dowel.
8. Take the (2) 10′ ropes and loop them through the ring so they are centered, 5′ on each side. Attach the rope clamps around each piece of rope using a hammer. Attach the spring link to the other end of the ring.
9. Now you want to thread the dowels through the pockets. After they are in the pockets, you want to orient the dowels so that the side dowels are on top of the front and back dowels. Now you will thread the rope through the holes, one rope on one side and the other rope on the other side. In our experience, the threading of the rope was the most difficult part. The first swing we made, my husband had no problems, but the second one was a little more difficult. If you had the rope cut at the home improvement store, they should have burned the ends for you. Just make sure they are burned really well and use something like a screwdriver or crochet hook to work it through the holes. You’ll want to have someone hold the spring link up in the air so you may adjust the dowels evenly. We tied a simple overhand knot in ours, but you may want to try something like this stopper knot, for extra sturdiness.
10. Hang it up! There are so many different options here depending upon what you’re attaching it to. We went with this option on our pergola’s beam. Just make sure your beam or branch is sturdy and the that the hanger you choose has a high enough weight capacity.
11. Put your babe in it! Milly loves to just lounge in this thing. She even sat in it at her birthday party like a throne of sorts. Ha! It’s certainly not the type of swing you request to go higher and higher in, but the gentle movement plus the comfy factor makes it something I would relax in if I could!
It saddens me that I feel the need to include this but it seems necessary.
Use this tutorial at your own risk. The Makerista is not responsible for any loss or injury. Never aggressively swing your child or leave them unattended. This swing is intended for constant adult supervision.
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hi! i know exactly where i'd hang this! on our covered patio of a house we just remodeled and moved into 2 weeks ago! after 2 boys, i finally got a little girl 🙂 she just turned 1 and i've been looking for a swing for her!
congrats on your little girl! i'm sure she would love this!
And, I actually already pinned this! Which is how I found your blog!
I have liked! I don't know how to sew; nor do I own a sewing machine, so I REALLY need to win. 🙂
I'd hang this swing from a tree in my backyard for my 2-year-old, Darby to enjoy. Swings are her favorite part of the playground, so I know she'd love it.
Darby would love it! and look so cute in it. 🙂
I would hang it from a beam on our swingset. So great!
I liked your page on Facebook
little miss Rooney needs this swing! i would hang it in her bedroom (if that is possible?)! 😉
i have been thinking how fun it would be to have a mount inside somewhere! totally fun!
i like you on facebook too!
I would hang one of these on my patio, and maybe have an attachment in the nursery too!
I liked you on Facebook!
I pinned this post too!
I LOVE this! I have a black and white obsession 🙂 I would love to hang this in my front yard on our huge tree, for my son, Henry. He would love this! I have pinned from your blog and liked you on facebook! Thank you!
Thanks for the love, lindsay!
a place to relax, take the outdoors in and generate countless smiles, my daughter Hazel is inspired by the outdoors. The best thing is this is collapsible and portable, easy to take on our long road trips to the next outdoor destination. Next trip: Colorado and cant think of a more perfect setting to swing in this:) liked on facebook as well 🙂
Thanks, Justin! This would be great to take on trips and hang on a big tree branch!
i am guessing the swing would not just be used by one of my , but both of them… and possibly even inner of the day care kids!! the swing would currently be used on our swing set, but if i can dream… it would eventually be somewhere on a covered porch!! i have also liked your Facebook page!!
i'm sure both of your boys would love this! and yes, we can all dream, i know what you mean!
i'd love to win this swing for my youngest son that just turned one! thanks!
liked on facebook!
pinned on pinterest!
We have 2 kiddos who would LOVE this hanging from a tree in grandma's backyard! Grandma's house is the best and we will have lots more grand kids to come use it in the future!
I would use this in my backyard for my daughter!
I love this swing and I have no sewing talent whatsoever! I would hang it our our swing set for my 7 month old son, Jax. He loves to swing! Also, I liked your page on Facebook.
Was literally going to email you to ask where you got this fantastic swing! Even better that it's DIY! We're expecting a baby girl in September and I know it would be great in our front yard 😉 LOVE the blog and am ready to have you come style our new baby's nursery, first birthday party, MY birthday party, etc!
Oh, thanks Stephanie, that's sweet! I'll be posting pictures of my daughter's nursery next Monday, so be on the lookout! Congrats on your baby girl! It's such a joy to plan for girls, isn't it?!
I would hang from porch for my two yr. Old son and my baby that is 2 weeks old (when he seems big enough)! You are amazing! Thank you!
Sounds like you have your hands full, Jess! I was there this time last year! I hope the transition to two has been relatively smooth for you and thanks for your sweet words!
I have been looking for a swing for Jameson to hang from our deck and this is perfect! I can't wait to see what other projects you complete. I've liked your page and pinned this on Pinterest!
Thanks Lindsey! I appreciate your support!
Hey Gwen! The swing is awesome and totally way more than I can do! I would love this swing for our soon to be little lady and swing in the back yard! I have liked your Facebook page 🙂 Hope you are well!!
This swing would hang in our backyard and allow my Michael to get those huge belly laughs at home instead of just at the park. His 1st birthday is in August! Liked on FB too!
I know what you mean! It's been nice not needing to go all the way to the park. It's amazing what a little swinging can do for my daughter's spirits. If she's a little fussy, I pop her in the swing and that usually lightens her mood. 🙂
So adorable!! I would mail this to my friend who is adopting a new baby girl! I know they would love it! Liked on FB as well!
Thanks, Jen!
Love this!! Liked on fb!
I would love to hang this swing at my in laws house. It would be beautiful on their land and all the grand babies could use it! I liked the page and pinned the tutorial:)
I would hang it in our tree in the backyard. My little boy LOVES swings but I can't always take him to the park. I liked your facebook and repinned. Thanks 🙂
amazing!! i would love one of these for my almost 10 month old. we would hang it on our fruitless mulberry tree in our backyard. so much better than those bright plastic ones! 😉
I would totally give it to my cutest little nephew who just turned one! My kids are a little older to enjoy this type of swing but he will have a blast in his backyard!
I still can't imagine you did it yourself! Inspiring!
You've been liked on FB and pinned 🙂
Adorable! My favorite part is the swing is functional yet still stylist. My little guy and baby girl on the way would surely love this. Great giveaway! Liked on FB and repinned.
Milly is adorable! Love her Freshly Picked mocs too!
yes, please! I wish I thought of this when Audrey was a baby. My youngest and last nephew just turned 1 and he and his mama would adore this swing! Thanks for the giveaway.
I am loving the new blog, Gwen! So excited that you're sharing your some of your secrets with us & I am looking forward to more! I have the perfect cottonwood tree in the backyard that my little Lulla would have a hayday swinging from! She & I would both very much appreciate this adorable swing! 😉 **Liked & Pinned**
thanks friend!
awesome tutorial! Thanks for sharing! I would totally hang this in our backyard for my LO who's 13 mos.
I also liked you on facebook!
Hi Gwen! The swing you made for Milly is absolutely gorgeous! If I had the opportunity to win a swing like Milly's, I would put it in the playroom we just designed for Jack (18 months). After following you on Pinterest, I found ideas for an indoor playroom under your "kids room" section. I hung a swing from the ceiling and everything! The only bummer is that it is a red Little Tikes swing with crooked ropes, making it uneven as it hangs. The playroom is so neat, and I like to think it looks classy – but the swing just doesn't fit! I tried to find a tutorial on how to wrap fabric around the plastic swing to make it look nicer, but to no avail. Jack still loves the ugly thing 🙂 – but if I had a swing like yours, boy oh boy, I'd have to pinch myself! Thanks for considering us! PS – I don't have FB anymore, but if I did, I would definitely like your blog!
Thanks for the sweet comments, Jesi! Sounds like you've made an amazing space for Jack!
Totally late but liked and pinned anyway! So excited to follow this. You are just incredible!
that's sweet! thanks, melissa!
I saw this project on Pinterest and HAD to click through Thanks for sharing your beautiful engineering with the world : )
Glad you clicked through, Laura! Thanks for reading and if you end up making the swing, let me know if you have any questions!
I love this swing exactly how it's shown! What fabric did you use?
Thanks, Jacqueline! I bought the fabric off of ebay. I just searched "outdoor fabric black and white stripe." Best of luck finding something similar and making a swing!
Perfection!! I have to pin this to my little girls board! This is a must have for any little girl:)
Oh, thanks so much, Meg! Thanks for reading and have a lovely week!
Hi! I just found your blog via Mandy at vintage revivals- I love it! I can't wait to make this swing for my little guy… I was just wondering, did you treat the dowel rods with anything to protect it from the weather?
We didn't treat them and it withstood this winter with no problems!
Yours is the second blog I found for this swing. It's definitely the better of the two. My in-laws helped me make this. It came out great! It's so cute and functional. Thank you so much.
Glad it worked out well, Priscilla!
I would hang it from a tree in the back yard for my baby girl.
I would hang it from a tree in the back yard for my baby girl.
I love this swing! My 9 month old Eva would love to swing in style inside next to her black and white teepee or outside under our big oak tree. Thanks for sharing this awesome product!
Btw I pinned!
Very very cool! I'd hang this out on our back patio. We live in an apartment right now with no playground of any kind so if I want to take the baby to swing I have to hoof it.
Omg! I love it! My baby boy would be using it. I would have it hanging on my grandmother's porch where we spend most of our time talking and watching my little one play. He would love it! I have liked and pinned.
I love this swing and the black and white stripe is perfect!! I would hang it under our deck where it is shady. Mr. Brooks would be the one to use it!
I pinned it!
Do you sell these on Etsy or anywhere by chance? I would buy one in a heartbeat!
I don't Katy, but I know that several others on Etsy sell similar swings. I'm sure someone would do a custom fabric if you're wanting the stripe! Good luck!
I would hang this on my condo's porch for my son, who is almost 18 months old. He can share it with his sister, who will make her first appearance at the end of this September. Great way to get my babies outside more, which can sometimes be a bit of a challenge living in a basement condo with no nearby play area! 🙂
When I go out from home Then I also worried about my child… That's why I take my ⒷⒶⒷⓎ ⓈⓌⒾⓃⒼ with me… Its helps me to keep touching with others and I never worried about my child…
wow very informative post. Lovely swing. Looks great!! I love your blog, thank you for all your tips and advice as made new swing:) see more
How big is your daughter? Ive mde my daughter 1 of these before and this year she is too big for it so i want this one to be larger than last one
Kristin, she was 1 here. She’s now 3 1/2 and hasn’t used the swing for a while. I think making sure your rope and hook can hold her weight would be the most important thing. Good luck!
Hang it under our tree in the yard for our little man! Do u sell them ? Would love to have one!
I don’t but I think since I shared this there are a few people who’ve started selling them on Etsy. Hope you can find one!
Thank you for this tutorial 🙂 My son loves his new swing!
Great to hear!
This is the most adorable thing. Love it!!! I’m having a baby boy and it would be wonderful to have a swing for him in the front of my house. I have pinned the tutorial as well.
Thanks, Sarra and congrats!
This is wonderful! I’ve “liked” your page and am sharing. Would love to win this for my friend’s little baby girl! 🙂
Do you make and sell these?
I don’t, Autumn, but since posting this I’ve noticed a lot of people now make and sell them on Etsy. 😉 I had looked there with no luck before and that’s what prompted me to make it. Hope you find one you like on there!
I would hang this on the big tree out back! We recently had to relocate due to the flood which in some ways were a blessing. My daughter now has a big back yard to play in! She is the youngest of 3 boys so she would be able to spend plenty of time in it.
It’s good to hear some good came from the not so good, Natasha! Thanks for commenting and congrats on four blessings!