How to Make a Tree Swing

Select a branch from which you will hang your tree swing. It should be sturdy enough to support the weight of a grown person without danger. It should also extend sufficiently far from the tree that you can use the swing safely.

Sand the board with sandpaper until it is smooth, comfortable and suitable for sitting.

Drill four holes into the board for the rope, two on each side. They should be close to the corners and be equidistant from each other, such that you will be able to sit on the swing comfortably when it is assembled. The size of the holes should match the nylon rope: about 3/8 of an inch.

Cut two 4-foot lengths of nylon rope, using a lighter or a matches to melt the cut end. If you don't melt the end, the rope will unravel.

Thread each end of the first rope through the two holes on the right side of the board. Tie the ends off beneath the board in a knot.

Repeat step 5 with the second piece of rope on the left side of the board. You will attach these two pieces to the rope hanging from the tree.

Climb the tree using a ladder, taking the drill, the eye screws and a screwdriver with you.

Measure a spot on the branch where you want the swing ropes to dangle from.

Make two holes in the lower end of the branch with the drill, slightly further apart than the width of the swing seat.

Insert the eye screws in the holes, tightening them with the screwdriver by inserting it into the eye of the screws and twisting.

Take two lengths of rope long enough to stretch from the branch to the ground. Tie each length to the eye screws, securing them with a tight and sturdy knot.

Cut the other end of the rope to fit the desired length of the swing, about 1 foot off the ground. Loosely tie the ends of the rope to the smaller pieces of rope extending from the board.

Adjust the swing to fit the size of whoever will be using it. It should be far enough off the ground so that the tallest user can sit in it and just touch the ground with the tips of his toes.

Tighten the knots securing the board to the rope after you have made all the adjustments you need. The knots should be firm and unyielding--able to support the weight of whoever uses the tree swing.