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Dukes and Duchesses

Dallas Fort Worth Creative Lifestyle Blogger

creative projects · Written by Randi Dukes

How to Make a Rope Swing

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Despite the fact that it’s been 108 almost every day this week, I try to encourage my kids to unplug and play outside as much as possible.  We have a backyard pool and a really great playhouse but I wanted to give my kids something else to play with in the back yard so I built a super simple {and cheap} rope swing.

how to make a rope swing

 

I bought my supplies at my local hardware store: a packaged piece of round pine for the seat, a carabiner, and about twenty feet of natural rope.

Another customer in the rope aisle suggested I use natural rope since it won’t stretch like nylon would and he also suggested I buy more than I thought I needed … great advice since I used almost all of the extra I bought.

how to make a rope swing

My piece of pine already had a small hole drilled into the middle of the underside, saving me from having to measure and find the center.

how to make a rope swing

How to Make a DIY Rope Swing for Kids

I drilled a one-inch diameter hole in the same spot and then stained the seat with a natural Minwax stain.

how to make a rope swing

I did a bit of research to figure out the best {and safest} knot to use to tie the carabiner onto the end of the rope.  I ended up modifying a tree-climbing knot that I found.  If you decide to make a rope swing, I’d encourage you to do your own research on the safest knots to use.

how to make a rope swing

I used a carabiner so that I can easily take the swing down and easily put it back up.  I wrapped the rope over a branch and looped the hanging rope through the carabiner.  The swing can be taken down just by opening the carabiner.

how to make a rope swing

Once the rope was hanging in place, I figured out the height I wanted the swing and tied the seat in place.  I pushed the rope through the seat and tied a solid knot under it.

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I cut off the excess rope but I did leave a bit of a tail so the kids can pull each other around.

how to make a rope swing

Before I let the kids on the swing, I tested it myself.  I figured if it can adequately hold me, it should be fine for my pint-sized little ones.  I’ll continue to test it as the kids play, just to make sure the knots are holding well.

how to make a rope swing

Luke, Lila, and Tate have had a great time on their new rope swing and I’m hoping it’ll encourage them to be outside even more.

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more posts like this

For more ideas to get the kids outside, be sure to check out this homemade sidewalk paint tutorial …

how to make sidewalk paint

… how to play kick the can …

kick then can

… and a simple tutorial for homemade sidewalk chalk.

how to make DIY sidewalk chalk


14 Comments

About Randi Dukes

I’m Randi, a Dallas-based mom of five kids, ranging from third grade to college and including a set of twins. I love strong coffee, craft and DIY projects, my planner, and my big ol’ family. When I’m not creating something for my blog, I can be found in the car, running kids from one place to another. I’m the one knitting at the red light. Connect with me on google+ | twitter | facebook

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Comments

  1. barb says

    August 4, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    You did a really great job and I love the idea! So simple and the kids will get lots of use out of it.

    Reply
  2. bj says

    August 4, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    I so admire you for wanting your kids to “unplug” and get out in the fresh air, rip and romp and get plenty of exercise. They will be much healthier for it…body AND mind. Some of my fondest memories are playing outside with friends.

    Your instructions are awesome for making the swing. Wish my grandkids were still little..I’d make them one. 🙂

    I am a new follower…come over and follow me and maybe we can meet in the middle for a swing on this new toy. :))
    xo bj

    Reply
  3. { L } says

    August 4, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    That is AWESOME that you made that for them, wow! We bought one very similar on etsy last year but I’m impressed that you made it yourself. 🙂 They are so much fun for kids even though my boys have walked in with black eyes and bumps on their heads more than once from it lol…

    Reply
  4. Linda says

    August 4, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    You’re so inventive! They’ll love that! And your grass is looking not so green :), so it must be HOT!!

    Reply
  5. Tonia L says

    August 5, 2012 at 6:14 am

    Rope swings are the best! My childhood neighbor had a rope swing with a motorcycle helmet as the seat. We had so much fun on that swing!

    Reply
  6. Rachel Cotterill says

    August 11, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Great idea, and so simple 🙂 Visiting from SITS.

    Reply
  7. Jamie says

    March 9, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Love this, Randi!! My kids would love it too and looks really easy to make. I’m making one! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Lori says

    May 22, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Thank you so much for the instructions not just simply saying, “I built this great swing!” I’m finding as I’m looking for things for the kids to do this summer that so many wonderful ideas are posting images but very little in the way of instructions. This swing looks like such a great idea!

    Reply
  9. Tara says

    September 24, 2014 at 11:15 pm

    Can you please tell me the diameter of the round pine disc?
    Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
    • Randi Dukes says

      September 25, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      It’s about 18 inches diameter.

      Reply
  10. Shannon says

    March 18, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    What area in Lowe’s did you find the round piece? I have looked everywhere and can’t find it! Thanks!!!!

    Reply
    • Randi Dukes says

      March 18, 2015 at 1:52 pm

      I’m quite sure I got it back in the area where you can find table legs and trim. Right on the edge of the lumber section. I sure hope that helps!

      Reply
  11. CreativaCale says

    June 15, 2015 at 2:02 am

    You are great and this is simple and the best idea.I wish to put Your link on my blog.Hugs from Serbia,
    Cale
    p.s.kids go …my 3 kids grow and now I have dog

    Reply
  12. moretha says

    July 9, 2022 at 10:38 pm

    I asked my spouse to put one in our yard. I’m happy my kids also find it enjoyable. I get additional swing accessories at https://treeswingstore.com/treeswingaccessories/. The cost is definitely justified.

    Reply

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Welcome to Dukes & Duchesses!

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I’m Randi, a mom of five living in Dallas. I love strong coffee, long lists, bright colors, thrift stores, repurposed junk, and power tools.

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