Door frame mounted child's swing
This practical door frame mounted swing is so easy to make and the most expensive item is the tension rod, although you can mount using rail holders and an aluminium rod, which is a far cheaper option. The swing in this project is for a child aged 1 to 3 of average weight, but you can easily modify the design.
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YOU WILL NEED:
Strong fabric - 2 pieces of 300 x 980 and 200 x 1060mm
4 metres of bias tape
Piece of 6mm board for the seat - 280 x 280mm
Nylon rope, 5mm thick
4 of 24mm diameter dowels, each 340mm long
Sewing machine and accessories
120- and 240-grit sandpaper
Drill/Driver and 6mm wood bit
Note: This swing is for a child between about 1-3 age of average size. You can support smaller toddlers with pillows. For added strength for a larger toddler, insert a 6 or 12mm board in the seat base and use larger dowels. Always check the weight loading ability of the nylon rope to ensure that you child's weight will be supported.
HERE'S HOW:
1. Both pieces of fabric for the seat are folded over to create a double layer as shown in diagrams A and B below. You also need to cut out leg holes in the front piece. Use bias tape around all the edges to secure and finish off.
Note: Make sure the pockets allow for easy insertion of the dowels you will be using.
2. After cutting, folding and edging, place piece A on top of piece B and sew the parts together in the middle, leaving the front section open for inserting the seat board in place.
Before inserting the dowels, place the piece of board inside the seat pocket. You can always sand the edges if the sheet doesn't fit nicely.
Using a drill/driver and 6mm wood bit, drill holes at the end of each dowel for threading the nylon rope through. Use 120-grit sandpaper to round off the edges of the dowels. Go over again with 240-grit for a smooth finish.
Cut strips of nylon rope that will be long enough to hang onto a tension rod and be threaded through the dowels and knotted underneath. Fold over and tie a secure knot at the top. One end is threaded through the dowel holes on the left side - knotted tightly underneath, and the other on the right side. Check that the seat is level before securing the right side. Melt the end of the nylon rope with a hot iron or lighter.
A tension rod is required for mounting in a door frame. Alternatively, attach open rail holders to the door frame and slip in an aluminium rail. You will find these at your local Builders Warehouse.
