Cotton Hammocks Are A Classic Summer Backyard Accessory
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Cotton hammocks are what many people choose when they’re looking for a hammock. Cotton rope hammocks are a classic among summer backyard furnishings.
Hammocks made of cotton are very popular for their soft feel against the skin and their ability to stretch and mold to the body’s contours. Let’s take a look at this well-loved hammock material and the many styles available.
Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from the cotton plant. Its use stretches back thousands of years. The fiber was used for clothing in ancient Egypt, India and China. Native Americans used cotton to weave clothes and textiles. In Central America cotton was used to make into fishing nets and traded as a commodity. It’s believed that hammocks were derived from these woven fishing nets.
A single cotton fiber of itself is not very strong. But when multiple cotton fibers are twisted and interlocked together they make a strong, smooth thread, string or rope. Cotton is renowned for its softness and comfort, especially in clothing. Notably, “Egyptian cotton” is used to make luxury bed sheets and bath towels. As a soft natural fiber, cotton readily absorbs water which can make it susceptible to mold and mildew. Cotton is sometimes blended with other fibers such as polyester or linen to create textural interest or add additional strength and durability.
Types of Cotton Hammocks
Cotton string and cotton rope are often used to make hammocks. Cotton rope hammocks are perhaps the most well known and traditional hammock style. Most rope hammocks are made with spreader bars as pictured above. Bars are often made of wood and are attached at each end of the hammock. Spreader bars help keep the hammock open to lie in and support the user’s weight. If you have small children, you may not want to choose a cotton rope hammock as the large open weave may entangle small hands and feet. The hammock can be hung in the classic manner between two trees; or if desired, suspended from a stand. Cotton rope hammock stands are available from a wide variety of vendors at competitive prices online.
Other hammock styles made from cotton include Mayan hammocks and Brazilian hammocks. Mayan hammocks are made from cotton string, often brightly colored, and hand-woven in a complex yet flexible weave. They are very strong and can hold lots of weight - some hold 3 people and more! - yet are light enough to use for backpacking and camping. Mayan cotton hammocks do not have spreader bars and must be hung higher above the ground than a spreader bar hammock. Some care must be taken with Mayans as their intricate weave can be easily damaged with an errant clothing button or zipper, or sharp object.
Brazilian hammocks are made from cotton that is hand woven into a colorful fabric that features beautiful fringe at the hammock’s sides. Most Brazilian cotton hammocks are non-spreader bar types. These fabric hammocks are somewhat safer for small children because there are no large holes or gaps to get caught in. Keep a watchful eye on children around any hammock.
A fun new style is the hammock swing. Cotton hammock swings may be just the thing if you’re looking for a great way to enjoy hammocks without fear of falling. Hammock swings are a lovely cross between a traditional porch swing and a hammock. The comfort is quite addictive; I’m plotting where to install a few around my home.
Cotton hammocks of any style may be used indoors or outside. Keep in mind that hammocks made of cotton will not last long exposed to the elements outdoors because they will absorb moisture which will eventually weaken the fibers and cause mildew and rot. If you choose to use a hammock stand with cotton hammocks, make sure that you choose the right hammock stand for the hammock style you have. Stands for spreader bar hammocks cannot be used for hammocks without spreader bars; and vice versa. As cotton is a natural material, it will stretch to its full length, sometimes as much as 2 feet, within the first several uses. Because of this natural stretch, you may need to use a little extra rope or chain when first hanging your cotton hammock. As you use the hammock and it stretches out, you will likely need to adjust its height several times by tightening and shortening the ropes or chains. This adjustment period is normal. Check our other tips for hanging hammocks when you buy your cotton hammock.
Summer’s almost here…where’s your hammock? Cotton hammocks can be a wonderful addition to your home or backyard utopia.
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