Introduction: How to Make a Corner Hanging Small Pet Hammock
About: I'm a full time college student with two jobs, so any chance I get to sit and relax by sewing is magical.
This hammock fits into the corner of any cage and is perfect for any small pet, such as a hamster, rat, ferret, or sugar glider. It can also be customized for any size pet.
Step 1: Designing It
For my hammock I am using two different fabrics. I decided to use a soft fleece for the top part where the rats will lay and a regular cotton fabric for the underneath.
I first began by drawing the shapes I needed onto a bit of paper and cutting it out.
I first began by drawing the shapes I needed onto a bit of paper and cutting it out.
Step 2: Gathering Materials
I am using a cream fleece. I will refer to this as fabric A.
I also use a dark purple cotton. This will be fabric B.
You will need scissors, a marker, pins, a ruler, and a needle and thread/sewing machine. Optional is a double sided fabric tape to help keep the fabrics together.
I also use a dark purple cotton. This will be fabric B.
You will need scissors, a marker, pins, a ruler, and a needle and thread/sewing machine. Optional is a double sided fabric tape to help keep the fabrics together.
Step 3: Cutting the Fabric
I am using:
1- 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 12 triangle of A. This is piece 1.
3- 2 x 1 rectangles of A. Piece 3.
1- 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 12 triangle of B. Piece 2.
1- 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 12 triangle of A. This is piece 1.
3- 2 x 1 rectangles of A. Piece 3.
1- 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 12 triangle of B. Piece 2.
Step 4: Pinning
I began by pinning pieces 1 and 2 right side* together. I left the corners open so that I can sew the handles in later. They will be how the hammock is hung.
*The right side of the fabric is the side that has the pattern and will be facing the outside when the project is done. The wrong side is the part that will be on the inside when you are done.
*The right side of the fabric is the side that has the pattern and will be facing the outside when the project is done. The wrong side is the part that will be on the inside when you are done.
Step 5: Sewing
Finally I began the sewing.
If you have a sewing machine then this will be easy and quick. If you are doing this by hand like me then it will take a bit longer.
Begin near one of the corners, but leave it open. I made little marks around each of mine. Flip the hammock inside out. My corners were wide enough that I could fit it through one of them. If you use grommets or attach yours differently then I suggest leaving a two - three inch opening to flip it through. Then press the hammock flat with an iron before finishing the gap. I feel that this makes it easier to finish. Then use a hidden stitch to finish the large gap. Next, use a hidden stitch to finish the corners with the hangers.
If you have a sewing machine then this will be easy and quick. If you are doing this by hand like me then it will take a bit longer.
Begin near one of the corners, but leave it open. I made little marks around each of mine. Flip the hammock inside out. My corners were wide enough that I could fit it through one of them. If you use grommets or attach yours differently then I suggest leaving a two - three inch opening to flip it through. Then press the hammock flat with an iron before finishing the gap. I feel that this makes it easier to finish. Then use a hidden stitch to finish the large gap. Next, use a hidden stitch to finish the corners with the hangers.
Step 6: All Done!
Now hang your hammock in the cage for your little friends to enjoy!
I simply used some fabric scraps to make secure ties through the straps and the bars of the cage.
I placed mine in a corner with a rope leading to it.
I simply used some fabric scraps to make secure ties through the straps and the bars of the cage.
I placed mine in a corner with a rope leading to it.
Step 7: Some Tips
1. Make sure to wash the hammock every few days. Especially if your pets use it often!
2. While cutting the shapes on paper first is not necessary, it really helps. It is also useful if you decide to make this again later. I always paper clip mine together and put them in a folder. This way I can just pull the paper out and I don't have to worry about what sizes I made the last one.
3. "Measure twice, cut once." In my graphic design class this was drilled into out heads. It is always better to measure your lines twice and make sure they are correct, than to measure once and do it wrong then end up cutting it and having to re-cut and waste fabric.
2. While cutting the shapes on paper first is not necessary, it really helps. It is also useful if you decide to make this again later. I always paper clip mine together and put them in a folder. This way I can just pull the paper out and I don't have to worry about what sizes I made the last one.
3. "Measure twice, cut once." In my graphic design class this was drilled into out heads. It is always better to measure your lines twice and make sure they are correct, than to measure once and do it wrong then end up cutting it and having to re-cut and waste fabric.
