How can i make a mosquito net canopy for my bed?

A mosquito net canopy gives an exotic and romantic look to a bedroom. Draping from the ceiling to the perimeter of the bed's head, a properly placed canopy can replace a headboard and help save money while creating romance. Create your own mosquito net canopy using craft supplies for use with any bed and eliminate the need for a special canopy bed.

Mosquito Netting

Start by purchasing panel curtains made from mosquito netting or make your own. Panel curtains typically range in width from 44 inches to 52 inches and are about 80 inches long. You'll need three panels to complete your canopy for a full-, queen- or king-sized bed. You can make a canopy for a daybed or twin bed with only two panels.

Mosquito netting curtains come with four finished edges and a rod pocket. If you are making your own, purchase bulk mosquito netting. Cut the netting to size and serge all the way around to finish the edges. If you don't own a serger, hem the edges. Set your sewing machine to a short stitch length and use a fine-gauge needle to make the hem. Fold the hem over twice before stitching to create a narrow hem and hide the raw edge.

Ceiling Fixture

Start your canopy's drape from the ceiling by installing a plant hook in the ceiling. Such hooks are with a toggle on the end that goes into the ceiling and helps distribute the hook's load evenly and not pull through the drywall. The manufacturer will let you know how much weight the hook can handle.

Hang a hanging plant basket from the hook. Pull each of the three panels between the open wires in the basket and arrange their drape to crown the head of the bed. As an alternative, purchase a 15-inch wooden embroidery hoop and unscrew it to separate the inner and outer hoops. Arrange the panels so they spread evenly around the hoop and secure the inner and outer circles to enclose the panels.

Purchase three even lengths of chain with hooks on one end. Loop the chains' raw ends around the hook in the ceiling and secure the hoop in the hook ends of the chains. Spread the curtains evenly around the hoop and arrange the canopy as needed around the bed.

Embellishment

Add silk flowers, ribbons or colored tulle to your finished canopy. Weave fabric or flower garland in and out of the hoop or tie it on to the outside of the curtain panels. Add additional fabric on top to cover the chains or basket. Pull back the canopy using curtain ties or themed accessories.

Source:

"Sewing for Dummies"; Janice Saunders Maresh; 1999

More Information:

Sheffield School Interior Design: Decorating Children's Rooms with Bed Canopies