A crib tent is decorative and can help a curious toddler stay in bed until you lift him out. The crib tents available in the stores can be bland and drab. Making your own allows you to provide safety for your child while matching your nursery room décor. Making a crib tent can take as little as three hours.
Step 1
Find the center of the tulle and mark.
Step 2
Cut in half to form two 3 1/2 yard pieces.
Step 3
Sew the tulle together lengthwise.
Step 4
Find the new center of the tulle.
Step 5
Hand sew 1-inch plastic ring to the outside of the tulle. Make sure that the ring is securely sewn in place.
Step 6
Hold the 1-inch plastic ring in and pull up on the tulle. You may find it helpful to ask a friend to hold the ring or hang the ring on a hook.
Step 7
Place the 12-inch craft ring over this point in the tulle. Slide the ring down about 12 inches.
Step 8
Pin the craft ring to the tulle.
Step 9
Wrap the tulle around ring. Whip stitch the ring to the tulle.
Step 10
Cover the whip stitch line with a ruffle of fabric. Embellish the ruffle with extra tulle or lace of a different color.
Step 11
Sew the open seam closed.
Step 12
Install the zipper at the last remaining open seam.
Step 13
Finish sewing the seam closed above the zipper.
Step 14
Screw the metal hook in the ceiling at the center of the baby bed.
Step 15
Hang the crib tent by placing the 1-inch plastic ring on the hook. Allow the netting to drape freely around the inside of the baby bed.
Step 16
Tuck the lower edges under the baby mattress.
Step 17
Unzip the tent to place or remove baby from bed.
Tips and Warnings
- Position the tent so the zipper is facing toward the side used to remove and replace the baby. Choose a tulle color that goes with your room color. Dress up a table lamp with a shade trimmed in matching tulle. Use fabric trim to make a ruffle at the 12-inch hoop. Choose a fabric print consistent with your baby's room.
- Ensure the netting is secure and properly placed before putting your child in the bed. Always use a tulle netting. Never use a solid fabric or loose weave net. Never leave a child unattended.
Things You'll Need
- 7 yards tulle
- Fabric pencil
- Scissors
- One plastic 1-inch ring
- 12-inch crafting hoop
- Pins
- One metal screw in hook
- Thread
- Hand sewing needle
- 12-inch fabric ruffle
- 1 24-inch to 30-inch zipper
