How to Make a Crib Canopy

Canopies have long been a symbol of lavishness and femininity. Where once canopies were a protection from drafts and cold, as modern heating units have been employed within the home, canopies now are synonymous with frills and romance. Canopy cribs with frames can be expensive and occupy more space than a standard crib. The look of a canopy crib can be achieved for a fraction of the cost and in a minimal amount of time.

Things You'll Need

• 12-15 yards tulle or sheer netting
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Glue gun & glue sticks
• 12-inch wide metal ring or embroidery hoop
• 1 ½- to 2-inch wide satin ribbon [1+ yards]
• Satin roses or other embellishments (optional)
• Clear fishing line
• Cup hooks (screw in)

Instructions

How to Make a Crib Canopy

1. Cut tulle into four pieces, 3 yards each.

2. Gather each piece of tulle with needle and thread at top. Gather each piece to approximately 4 inches wide at the top. (Bottom will be full and ungathered. Do not gather both ends.)

3. Glue each piece of gathered tulle around the top of the ring.

4. Glue 1 ½- to 2-inch wide satin ribbon around the outside of the gathered-tulle-covered ring to cover the gathered portions.

5. Tie four pieces of 26-inch long clear fishing line, formed into loops, around the ring at each quarter of the ring so the ring hangs balanced. These will be the hangers.

6. Screw four cup hooks, centered above crib, into ceiling.

7. Glue satin roses or other embellishments around tulle/ribbon-covered ring at equal intervals.

8. Hang canopy from loops on cup hooks.

9. Spread tulle over ends of crib. Tie the tulle against wall with ribbon or onto cup hook inserted into wall if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• For an ultra feminine look, glue satin roses in same or contrasting color in a scattered pattern all over the tulle. If your nursery décor has baby animals in the fabric print, glue small, flocked plastic baby animals around the canopy ring. For tie-backs, use large bows to hold bunched tulle and secure to the wall on a cup hook.

• Remove canopy or place out of baby's reach once baby can pull to standing. The canopy could be ripped down onto the child if within reach. Use caution when using glue guns as some makes reach extreme temperatures leading to burns.

References

• Facts about Canopy Beds
• The Romance of Canopy Beds