DIY Stuffed Animal Hammock: How to Make Your Own Plush Display
If your plush collection is taking over your bed, floor, or closet, it's time to look up. A DIY stuffed animal hammock is one of the most effective, space-saving, and aesthetically pleasing ways to display your soft toys. Whether you are organizing a child's nursery or displaying your own Squishmallow collection, making your own hammock allows you to customize the size and color to perfectly match your room.
Why Make a Homemade Stuffed Animal Hammock?
While you can easily buy a mass-produced toy net online, making a stuffed animal hammock DIY style has distinct advantages. First, commercial hammocks are often one-size-fits-all and made of flimsy synthetic netting that sags under the weight of larger plushies. By making your own, you can ensure it is reinforced and sized exactly for the corner you intend to use.
Materials You Will Need
To create a sturdy, attractive hammock without needing advanced knitting or crocheting skills, you will need the following supplies:
- 2 to 3 yards of strong, non-stretch fabric (canvas, heavy cotton, or macrame cord if you prefer a netted look)
- 3 heavy-duty screw hooks (wall anchors recommended)
- Scissors and a measuring tape
- Needle and heavy thread (or a sewing machine)
Step-by-Step Guide to Your DIY Hammock
Follow these steps to create a simple fabric hammock that will safely hold your collection:
1. Measure Your Corner
Decide how far out from the corner you want the hammock to extend. A standard size is about 30 inches along each wall. Measure from the corner out to your desired length on both walls, and mark the spots lightly with a pencil.
2. Cut the Fabric
Cut your fabric into a large triangle. If your wall measurements were 30 inches, the two straight sides of your triangle should be 30 inches, and the long front edge (the hypotenuse) will be approximately 42 inches. Leave an extra inch on all sides for hemming.
3. Hem and Reinforce the Edges
Fold the edges of the fabric over by one inch and sew them down. This prevents fraying and adds structural integrity. For the three corners of the triangle, fold the fabric back on itself and stitch a small loop (or sew in a metal grommet if you have the tools). This is where the hammock will hang from the hooks.
4. Install the Hooks
Drill pilot holes at the marks you made on the walls, and insert your wall anchors. Screw the heavy-duty hooks into the anchors. For the corner hook, place it slightly lower than the two side hooks to create a deeper "pocket" for the plushies to rest in.
5. Hang and Arrange
Hook the three corners of your fabric triangle onto the wall hooks. Now comes the fun part: arranging your plushies! Always put the largest, heaviest stuffed animals in the back (near the deepest part of the corner) and arrange smaller ones toward the front edge.
Customizing Your Display
You can easily upgrade your homemade stuffed animal hammock by attaching battery-operated fairy lights along the front edge, or by sewing a decorative fringe along the bottom. By dedicating an afternoon to this project, you'll create a beautiful, custom storage solution that treats your plush collection like the art it is.
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