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How to Make a Swing From a Tree Limb

While a swing set allows mobility and the use of multiple swings, a tree-limb swing gives you an enjoyable project and memories for years into your future. When you build one at your house, you'll develop both memories on the swing and memories building it with your children. Although the process takes a little technical work, almost any adult can complete it and keep the swing safe.

Things You'll Need

3-foot-long 4-inch-by-8-inch board
100 feet 5/8-inch braided nylon rope
3/4-inch drill bit
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a branch you think is sturdy enough to support a swing. Bounce up and down on it, doing your best to break it. If it doesn't break after 30 seconds, it's safe.
- 2
  Cut the rope in half, if it's not already. Tie a bowline on one end of each rope. Place the first 2 feet of the rope on a table in the shape of a backwards ̶0;J.̶1; One foot from the end, fold the rope over to create a small loop. Feed the end of the rope up through this loop and circle it behind the rest of the rope. Feed the end of the rope through the loop a second time, pull tight.
- 3
  Hang the bowline part of the ropes over the branch so that each rope is 3 feet apart. Feed the other end of each rope down through it's own bowline loop. Pull tight, securing the ropes to the branch.
- 4
  Drill two 3/4-inch holes on each side of the piece of wood. Locate these holes 2 inches from the edge of the wood and 3 inches apart.
- 5
  Cut the ropes so that they hang as far from the ground as you want the swing, plus 3 1/2 feet. Thread one rope down through a hole and up through the hole diagonal to it. Repeat with the second rope. The ropes cross under the seat.
- 6
  Tie an Ashley's Stopper Knot at the end of each rope. Pinch the rope 18 inches from the end. Loop the end of the rope in a circle, toward you and over the main part of the rope. Feed the end of the rope into the loop, creating a second loop. Pull the first loop through the second.
- 7
  Feed the rope end through the space between the loop and the main part of the rope, then through the backside of the loop you pulled up on in Step 6. Pull the main part of the rope and the rope end apart to tighten the knot.

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