I recently got into hammock camping about a year ago when I made my own hammock and wanted a bug net to go along with the hammock. I quickly discovered that the nets sold for hammocks are not cheap, so I started to research some DIY options. I found a few different designs and fabric suggestions on different hammock forums but there was nothing on instructables on the topic. In this instructable I will show you how to make a cheap (less than $15) tube style bug net for your hammock.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Most of the materials you should be able to find at your local walmart.

1. 59" x 84" Sheer Voile Window Panels Qty: 2

2. 18' Bungee Cord

3. Bungee Cord Lock

4. 100% Polyester Thread

The window panels cost $5 each, the 18' of bungee cord cost $2 and a new spool of thread cost $2. I was not able to find the Bungee Cord locks at walmart but I'm sure they are at craft stores for cheap. I am temporarily using one I had lying around the house. I will update this when I track some down. The 18' of bungee cord is enough to make two of these bug nets. The window panels are a cheap alternative to bug net fabric. I was turned on to this after finding a youtube video by crypticCRICKET showing how he made a bug net. I used the same material but went with a different design. The holes in the panels are small enough that it should keep the no-see-ums out.

The tools I used are as follows:

1. Sewing Machine

2. Scissors

3. Tape Measure

4. Lighter

Step 2: Sewing the Two Panels Together

The first step is to sew the two panels together. Place one panel on top of the other and sew along the 84" edge. Use a Zig Zag stitch and be sure to lock the start and end of the stitch. Once completed you should have one big panel that is about 117" x 84".

Step 3: Cutting the Slant

Next fold the panel in half so that you have a rectangle that is 117" x 42". On the side that has the free edges (opposite the fold edge) measure in 30" along the long edge. On the same side measure 4" down from the folded edge. Cut a straight line from one mark to the other making sure to cut both layers. DO NOT REPEAT THIS STEP ON THE OTHER SIDE. Once this edge is sewn up it sits at the foot of the hammock. It allows a small hole for the suspension to come through. the opposite side is left uncut so that you can slide the net over yourself once you are in your hammock.

Step 4: Sewing the Bottom Edge

With the panel cut and still folded, align the two long free edges. leave about an inch unsewn on the side that was not cut. Again use a zig zag stitch and be sure to lock the start and end of the stitch.

Step 5: Sewing the Diagonal Edge

Again Use a zig zag stitch to sew the diagonal edges together leaving about an inch unsewn on the corner closest to the folded edge. Be sure to lock the start and end of the stitch.

Step 6: Hemming the Holes

At this point your panel should now be a tube with one large hole and one small hole. Fold the unsewn inch of fabric over and hem the holes. These hems are where the bungee cord will be placed to cinch the bug net up.

Step 7: Insert the Bungee Cord

Feed a loose end of the bungee cord into the hem of the small hole until it comes out the other side. Cut The bungee so that there is about an inch of bungee hanging out of each side of the hem. CAREFULLY use the lighter to singe the end of the bungee that was cut. Now cinch the small hole down so that its just large enough to fit your suspension and tie the bungee in an overhand knot.

Feed a loose end of the bungee cord into the hem of the large hole until it comes out the other side. Cut The bungee so that there is about an inch of bungee hanging out of each side of the hem. CAREFULLY use the lighter to singe the end of the bungee that was cut. Feed the two loose ends of the bungee into the bungee lock and tie an overhand knot on the other side. This bungee lock will be used to cinch the large hole shut once you are inside.

flip the entire tube inside out and you have completed your bug net.

Step 8: How to Use Your New Bug Net

Simply run the hammock suspension lines and ridge line through the two openings of the net when you hang your hammock. be sure to put the small hole at the end you would like your feet to be and bunch it all there. Once in your hammock pull the large hole up and over (similar to climbing into a sleeping bag) so that the net is all around you and the hammock. Finally tighten the draw string on the large hole to close yourself in!

Thanks for viewing! let me know what you all think.