How to Make a Rainbow Tie-Dye Hammock Step-by-Step

Cotton rope hammock
Fabric dye (such as Rit) in pink, orange, yellow, green, aqua and purple
Salt
Several 2-gallon buckets
Hot water
Thick plastic sheeting or multiple dropcloth layers
Rubber gloves
Spray or squirt bottle
Disposable aluminum pans (3–5)
Access to a hose and a plastic kiddie pool for rinsing (recommended)

1. Do this project outside on a flat surface with plenty of space and hose access. Lay plastic sheeting or tarps down to protect the work area.
2. Spread the hammock flat on the tarp. Prepare two colors first (we used pink and orange). Fill each 2-gallon bucket about two-thirds full of hot water, add about 1/2 cup liquid dye and 1 cup salt, and stir until the dye is evenly mixed.
3. Begin at one end (pink for us). Dip the hammock end into the bucket, letting the wooden spreader bar rest on top. Some strands near the bar may not fit in the bucket — you’ll dye those with a spray bottle later. Let the rope sit in the dye for about 10 minutes, then check color and let sit another 10 minutes if you want a deeper shade.
4. Remove the hammock end from the bucket. To dye the rope above the wood bar, transfer some dye into a spray bottle. Place the wooden bar over an aluminum pan and spray the exposed white rope until saturated, aiming for the pan to catch drips. Continue along the bar until all the exposed rope is colored.
5. For the wide center section, work in horizontal rows of color. Divide the center mentally into four equal rows if you’re using four colors. Because the hammock is wide, dye each row in several sections. Dip each section into the color bucket for about 10–20 minutes, checking until you get the desired saturation.
6. While a section soaks, mix the next colors the same way as before so they’re ready when you need them.
7. Continue moving the dye buckets across the hammock, dyeing each section of the row until it spans the full width.
8. Repeat for the remaining rows. To speed things up, work from both sides and dye two rows at a time if helpful. Continue until the center section shows all chosen colors.
9. Finish the opposite end the same way you started, using the final color (pink in our example).
10. Let the hammock sit and dry for 24 hours. Rinse excess dye outdoors with a hose into a kiddie pool or another containment method, and dispose of the water responsibly. Rinse until the water runs clear. Allow the hammock to dry another 12–24 hours before hanging and using.