So after only two months of use in Costa Rica, I already found some booboo’s in my hammock. First, a huge hole in the netting of my hammock from choosing a stupid way to hang it. Then, a tiny little hole in the canvas part of my hammock. This was probably from all those times I napped in my hammock while covered in sand. I was a true beach bum in Costa Rica. Even though the hole was so small it was hard to spot (unless you weren’t looking for it, of course), I knew I needed to patch it up because the hole would only get bigger.

Returning home from Costa Rica, I took my hammock to REI to possibly get a replacement hammock. But they didn’t carry my hammock anymore. I was actually glad to hear this. I didn’t really want a new hammock. I already had memories with this one, and I wanted to keep having memories with it. So I asked them how I can patch it up.

I actually had about three different REI employees give me advice on how to go about fixing these little holes. Apparently there were specialized glues and tapes for fixing tents and other gear. They fetched me these items and told me that if I really wanted to make my hammock last, I would sew it up, apply the specialized glue, and then the specialized tape. I decided to give it a try.

Here are my step by step tips on how to fix your hammock

What you need:

A sewing kit, Seam Grip, and gear repair tape (both available at REI or Amazon). It’s important that you use a specialized tape, otherwise it will come right off.

 1. Before you do anything, set up your hammock.

It’s way easier to fix your hammock when it’s hung up. Especially when you have a teenie tiny hole in it like mine did. When’s it’s hung up, you can see light filtering through the hole. That’s how you spot it.

2. Patch up the holes with a needle and thread.

Maybe have a friend with you in case you struggle getting the thread through the needle. It took me about 10 minutes before I passed it over to my accomplice. 

See how much easier it is when it’s hung up? You can see where you’re sticking the needle through. You don’t want to accidentally sew your hammock together.

Now look for the tiny hole…have fun with that. It took me a while but I found it! And once again, don’t underestimate it’s size. It will get bigger if you don’t fix it right away.

Try to cross stitch the hole to make sure it’s fully covered and stays in place. You do this by looping your needle back through your stitching, making it sort of look like the lacings of a football (as in an American football).

3. Apply Seam Grip over your stitching.

This will keep the stitching secure. I did this for my stitching in both the netting and the canvas. The nice part about Seam Grip is that it comes with two different kinds of brushes for applying the glue, making it easier to spread on.

4. Use special gear tape to place over the sewn patch and sealer on the canvas. Now there’s no way the hole will open up again!

Make sure to press firmly to clear out any air bubbles.

Be sure to place tape on either side of the canvas. That way you sandwich the hole in a secure tape covering.

4. Hooray! Your hammock is as good as new! It may look a little rustic now…but it all adds character. Now you can continue enjoying that good ol’ hammock of yours.

Disclaimer: Technically you’re supposed to let the Seam Grip dry and the special tape set. I just couldn’t help myself.

The majority of these photos are courtesy of Maya Erickson. Thanks for helping me get that damn thread through the needle.

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