How to Make a Princess Bed Net

Bed nets traditionally keep out mosquitoes that carry malaria.

Bed canopies are decorative but also often have a practical use. During hot summer days, especially in very warm and humid climates, the netting prevents mosquitoes from getting near the sleeper. Many bed canopies are decorative and do not work as mosquito nets. A pretty princess might want a canopy for her bed to make it look more regal. Use pink tulle for the netting and add princess decorations like tiaras and scepters.

Things You'll Need

• Craft string
• 30-inch hula-hoop
• Tulle
• Needle
• Thread
• Metal ring
• Decorations
• Ceiling hook

Instructions

1. Cut four lengths of craft string at 3 feet each. Tie the string to the hula-hoop at four points. Tie the strings so they are directly across from each other.

2. Measure from the ceiling above the bed to the floor using a tape measure. Make note of the measurement.

3. Cut the tulle to the length measured in Step 1. When purchasing the tulle, ask to have it cut to length. Tulle is cut by the yard, and one yard is 3 feet long. For example, if you measured 9 feet from ceiling to floor, then you need 3 yards.

4. Thread the needle with 2 feet of thread. Wrap one end of the tulle around the hula-hoop so that the edge of the tulle wraps around the hoop completely.

5. Sew the edge of the tulle where it meets the material after wrapping it around the hoop. Sew completely around the hoop, and around each string. The tulle will bunch up. Make sure the end meets the beginning of the tulle where you began sewing. This is the front of the bed net.

6. Gather the four strings and lift them above the hoop. Tie all four strings to the metal ring. Use the ring to hang the net from a hook attached to the ceiling.

7. Sew or glue any princess decorations to the net. Place one at the very top to hide the knotted strings and hook.

Tips & Warnings

• Some decoration ideas include paper butterflies, cloth princess signs, plastic tiaras or giant bows.

• Line the edges of the tulle with pink satin for an elegant look.

• This bed net is not intended for use as a mosquito net. If you want the bed net to keep out mosquitoes, it needs wider mosquito net tulle. The material must wrap around the bed completely. Tuck the bottom underneath the mattress for added protection.

References

• Dena Crain: Artist/Teacher in Kenya; How to Make a Mosquito Net; Dena Crain