How to make a canopy for a crib: dimensions, necessary tools, step-by-step instructions and expert advice

Caring and loving parents try by any means possible to decorate the child’s room in order to give it comfort, beauty and, of course, please the little owner. They order a carriage-shaped bed for a girl, a car-shaped bed for a boy. They paint the walls in all the colors of the rainbow and sew curtains with images of their favorite cartoon characters. One way to decorate a nursery is to decorate the bed with a canopy. And the idea of sewing a canopy for a crib with your own hands is worthy of applause!

A canopy over a crib is a great way to make your baby's sleep comfortable, safe and fabulous. The size of the canopy for a crib depends one hundred percent on the age of the child. After all, you can decorate a bed with fabric not only for a newborn, but also for an adult child. Today this accessory can be bought in almost any children's store, but there is a risk that it will not fit into the existing interior. But there is good news - the Internet is replete with advice on how to sew a canopy for a baby crib with your own hands, with photos and detailed instructions. Let's look at how to do this in detail below.

Why is it needed?

A canopy is a fabric canopy over a child’s bed, which, first of all, is needed to protect the baby from dust, insects, and bright sunlight or light rays. For newborns, their functionality expands - the numerous folds of the canopy fabric are designed to hide from prying, often overly curious eyes. And, of course, we must not forget about the aesthetic function; beautiful canopies easily add tenderness and airiness to the interior. Different sizes of canopy for a crib allow you to play with the appearance of the decoration. To create different looks, just choose different fabric options - tulle, organza, chiffon, cotton. The latter does an excellent job of protecting against sun rays.

The history of the appearance of the canopy

Many years ago, a beautiful fabric cape was the privilege of the children of the padishahs and came to our culture from the East. The standard sizes of a canopy for a crib in eastern countries are tens of meters of the most expensive silk and brocade. And even earlier, the prototype of the modern canopy was animal skins, which were used to cover the temporary bed of primitive people in order to retain heat. And only when private rooms appeared, the need for a canopy as a means of protection disappeared completely, leaving only an aesthetic function.

Advantages and disadvantages of canopies

Like every product, the canopy has its pros and cons. As a rule, they are not critical, but forewarned is forearmed! So let's talk about them.

So, the advantages of a canopy:

protects from drafts;
protects against insects;
protects against cold walls (however, this plus is only possible if the cape is made of thick fabric);
a newborn is not afraid of open space;
creates a feeling of security;
protects from bright light.

Minuses:

collects dust;
needs regular washing;
high price for products made from expensive and natural fabrics;
instability creates a risk of injury for the small user of the canopy.

Features of sewing a canopy for a child

As mentioned above, the size of the canopy for a crib will directly depend on the size of the crib and the age of the child. In addition, we must not forget what material the cape will be sewn from - fabric consumption is of great importance.

You need to start sewing only after you have chosen the type of fastening and installed it above the bed. This can be a mobile mount in the form of a special pin with a ring or hooks screwed into the ceiling. The dimensions of the canopy holder for a crib are usually from one to one and a half meters. But the older the child, the larger this size will be. Remember that you will need quite a lot of fabric, because it must completely cover the entire bed, and sometimes the entire space - from the ceiling to the floor. After sewing, the entire structure will need to be carefully pulled onto the canopy holder, forming beautiful folds.
Determine the size of the canopy for the crib.
The main rule when sewing is to decide on a pattern and prepare it correctly. Those who are well acquainted with the rules of sewing various products can work on the design themselves, resulting in an original and exclusive item. For beginners in sewing, we recommend using ready-made patterns and repeating them exactly, so as not to spoil the intended result.
You can sew a bed cover either from a whole piece of fabric or from several parts, sewing them together. It is better to choose a thin, flowing, soft fabric.
It is not recommended to use heavy tape or any weighting elements to process the edges of the fabric; it is better to overcast the edges of the fabric. But decorate the edge with a thin ribbon using a needle - why not? It looks neat and beautiful.

Canopy for a girl's crib

How to make a canopy over a girl's bed? For a girl’s sleeping place, you need not only high-quality, but also a beautiful frame. Pay attention to the design of the future product. The pattern can be found in a magazine or on the Internet. Calculate the required amount of materials and buy them. Purchase matching ribbons and decorative embellishments. Make suitable templates from the pattern and cut out the blanks.

The fabric is decorated not only with ribbons. For this, lace is suitable, which must be stitched around the entire perimeter of the product. Make a lace bow to hide where the two pieces meet.

All edges of the product are trimmed with satin ribbon or thread. This keeps the edge neat and prevents the fabric from fraying. If the edges are weighted with tape, the fabric flows easily and fits well around the perimeter of the bed.

Pay attention to the selection of the color palette of fabrics and decorative elements. You can choose the usual pink or peach shade. Products made from flowing translucent fabric in pure white, light beige or milky shades look good.

In general, focus on the color of the crib and other pieces of furniture in the room, as well as the finish of the walls and floor. Consider factors such as the presence of mirrors, glass elements and natural light in the room.

Read also: Types and features of modern mosquito nets

What do you need to sew a canopy?

You will need:

textile;
holder;
satin ribbon;
canopy pattern for a crib;
sewing supplies;
materials and accessories for decoration.

It is more convenient to sew a canopy on a sewing machine, but if you have enough time and patience, you can sew it by hand.

In total, for a standard size crib cover you need from 2.5 to 3 meters of fabric with a standard width of one and a half meters. The holder can be purchased at any children's store or made with your own hands - thick wire, pliers and strong hands will help you a lot with this. In order to decorate the upper part of the canopy, you cannot do without a wide, strong ribbon - 3.5 meters if you do not form a bow, and plus 0.5 m if you want to decorate the cape with a beautiful bow. For additional decoration, you can use flowers made of fabric, ruffles, sequins, beads - all this is abundant in the store for needlewomen.

Canopy for a boy's crib

If you have a boy, you can also create a canopy for his crib with your own hands. Consider the overall style of the room and the prevailing colors in it. Notice how the crib canopy looks in the photo below. Models for boys are distinguished by calm shades and consistent style. A harmonious combination with finishing materials and furniture color makes the atmosphere unified.

When creating a canopy, consider the following:

It should be distinguished by restraint of colors and design.
The canopy should be made in white, yellow or blue to create a pleasant and bright atmosphere for the child.
Do not focus on bright and heavy fabric, as this will negatively affect the child’s condition and mood.
The canopy can be short, long or medium.

To create a canopy for a boy's crib with your own hands, use more discreet appliqués and decorative elements. These can be stars, airplanes and bear cubs. The combination of a blue top and a white main fabric looks good.

Choosing fabric for the canopy

The canopy that you hang over the sleeping place of a child or an adult must be sewn from so-called “breathable” fabric. For sewing children's canopies, tulle and chiffon are most often used. Moreover, the dimensions of the canopy for a crib make it easy to form beautiful folds from these fabrics. In addition, they allow air to pass freely even in the hottest weather. Fabric options for a canopy for a baby crib, sizes with photos and designs are widely presented on handicraft forums.

If you plan to install the bed in the sunny part of the apartment, it makes sense to choose a denser material, such as linen, satin or cotton. That's what the experts say. Some people solve several problems at once and sew two canopies - one from dense material for the cold season, and the second from light, breathable and transparent material for hot days and nights.

You need to remember that whatever fabric you choose, it must be natural. No synthetics for canopies! It does not allow air to pass through well, can create a greenhouse effect and will completely make it impossible for the person whose bed it covers to have a sound and healthy sleep.

As for colors, they depend on the gender of the child, the interior of the nursery and the aesthetic preferences of the parents. The general recommendations of designers are delicate pastel colors, preferably plain fabrics. For decoration you can use bright fabrics and accessories.

What is a canopy

Weavers from Italy first told about the canopy. The word itself means silky fabric from Baghdad, a famous eastern city. Previously, it was used as transparent capes over the bed or throne of the sultans. Now it is used both to decorate the bed and to protect newborns ; it is attached above the cradle using special structures. A small fabric canopy is necessary for a newborn who is not yet accustomed to the outside world. Canopies for children's beds are popular because... create a cozy corner for the baby.

What is it needed for

Such an unusual cape should be hung on a crib for many reasons:

The canopy will protect your baby from dust and insects on a summer night.
Everyone needs healthy, full sleep. A small curtain will protect the child from bright lighting and protect from excess noise.
It will protect the child from drafts.
The patterned surface will create comfort and develop the child’s aesthetic taste.

If you are worried that the decor will only collect dust and will not provide any protection, then you are mistaken. The material can be easily washed, which will help you maintain the hygiene of your child's room. If you know for sure that the baby will be in the crib most of the time, then it is very wise to purchase an accessory made of thick fabric that will completely cover the crib.

To buy a finished product, you need to measure the parameters of the crib. They depend on the length of the curtains, the size of the bed, the mounting height and the design of the accessory. The length of the “curtains” depends on your taste. It is best to buy such a canopy with long edges. Average length – 160 cm without decoration. Before purchasing, measure the length from the bed to the holder rings where they attach to the stand. The width depends on the size of the bed. It is advisable to buy a model that is wider, and not exactly the size of the cradle.

Canopy mount

You can attach the accessory above the crib in several ways: at the head, in the middle and around the perimeter. The first way is at the head . The tripod is made of wire bent into a “P” shape. The tube on which the holder is located is hung with screws on one side of the bed. A cloth is put on it. The second way is in the middle . The holder is made round and the tube on which the “hoop” is held is attached using screws. Then the material is put on it.

The last method is along the perimeter . For this method, you will need to attach posts to each corner of the crib. Four holders (crossbars) are attached to the top of the racks. After you have attached the bars well, throw the curtain over it. This method is suitable for cribs that already have stands. The choice of fastening type depends on your preferences.

Canopy crib – photo

Canopy in ten minutes

We will look at how to sew a canopy for a crib with your own hands step by step below. For this you will need:

large hoop (diameter at least 60 cm);
3 pairs of standard size curtains made of tulle (length 300 cm, width 250 cm) or similar pieces of fabric;
5 meters of tape 3-5 cm wide;
hook;
needles and threads/sewing machine;
drill, dowel and hook.

Let's start sewing.

First you need to disassemble the hoop, removing the protective mechanism from it - we will need it later.
The next step is to bend the top edge of the curtains by 5 cm and stitch on a sewing machine. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can use regular needles. We do the same with all six curtains.
We string the curtains onto the hoop and secure them using a security mechanism.
Cut the tape into three equal pieces. Their length will depend on how low you want to hang the canopy.
We fix the ribbon on the hoop every two curtains in the form of a loop.
We connect all three loops together, tying them at the top point.
Using a drill, we make a hole in the ceiling and attach the hook.
We hang the canopy on the hook.

DIY crib canopy: step-by-step instructions with photos

Installing a canopy on a baby crib is an excellent opportunity to ensure the safety of your child’s sleep, and besides, it’s not difficult to do it yourself. The main purpose of the product is to protect against external irritants and create comfortable conditions for being in the cradle. You can choose a canopy of any shape and color to create a corporate style and interior for your baby’s room.

Choice of fabric and tailoring features

The main thing in choosing fabric is safety for the child.
The choice of fabric depends entirely on the preferences of the parents. It is important to consider the following factors:

what density will the curtains be;
what the final version looks like;
how much material is required.

It is advisable to use lightweight and breathable fabrics in light colors that are aesthetically attractive. The material should not be saturated with chemicals - this can negatively affect the child’s health.

When determining the size, you need to take into account the fact that the cover covers the entire perimeter of the crib. If there is too much fabric, the baby may get confused.

It is also important that it be practical, easy to wash multiple times and dry quickly.

The following options are suitable:

Linen - if the room is on the sunny side, then a thick curtain will protect well from light. But we must take into account that it does not allow air to pass through well.
Tulle will add lightness to the room, but during the cold season it can only serve as an addition.
Velvet is suitable as a cover for a canopy to highlight the decoration, but it gets very dusty.

In addition, you can use various fabrics made of synthetic fiber or mesh, translucent. Additional alternative: organza, voile, chiffon, cotton, chintz, cambric, etc. You should not use silk (it can be an allergen), wool and other fleecy fabrics (they are highly electrified).

Choosing the shape and type of canopy

A canopy in the form of curtains can be of various shapes. The main classification distinguishes the types of canopies in accordance with the mounted mount. They can be mounted on a ring with a tripod, directly on a wall or ceiling. It is worth choosing, taking into account the mobility of the structure, so that if necessary, you can easily change or move it, or update the canopy.

The most common options include fastenings:

On a vertical cornice along the entire perimeter. The installation resembles the crossbars for ordinary curtains. Can be placed in any area of the bed.
On a horizontal support. The mount is installed against the wall in the form of a rod or arc. Curtains frame the sides of the crib. This option is often used for girls’ nurseries, since the fabric hangs in graceful curves.
In the form of a crown. The shape is circular, reminiscent of a tent. Installed on the ceiling or attached to the wall.
In the form of a beam in the middle. The simplest solution is to install the mount in the middle. The fabric is thrown in an “L” shape.
In the form of racks. Sturdy installation that is part of the crib.

Materials and tools

Before you begin the process of making a canopy, you need to prepare all the necessary materials and tools.
Creating a canopy includes three stages: sewing the curtain, installing the fastener, and final design. To make the product you will need the following materials and tools:

textile;
finished pattern;
measuring instruments;
pencils or crayons;
strong threads to match the color of the fabric;
needles (can be sewn on a sewing machine);
canopy holder (made independently or purchased ready-made);
screwdriver;
decorative elements: ribbons, frills, etc.

Even a beginner can handle sewing a canopy - there is nothing difficult about it. The main thing is to decide on the form.

Canopy attached to the head

The easiest way to attach a canopy over a crib is at the headboard. First you need to prepare a pattern. Part of the fabric will go to the headboard itself, the main part will go to the side curtain.

The canopy is sewn based on the size of the crib. The easiest way to measure the width of the material is by the length of the frame. The fabric is processed and decorative elements are added in the form of ribbons, bows and frills.

The result is a one-piece curtain, which is then attached to a special cornice in the form of a circle. You can make it yourself from durable rods. The following devices are also suitable:

metal sports hoop;
bent metal tubes in the shape of a circle;
embroidery hoop of the appropriate diameter.

The material for the curtain is strung on loops that go around the circle of the resulting hoop. The holder is connected to form a circle. It is installed on a tripod and attached to the crib on the side of the child's head.

Fixed in the middle above the crib

The pattern for a canopy with fastening in the middle is very similar to the option described above. In this case, the holder is installed on the side or under the ceiling.

Similarly, we put a curtain on the hoop, having initially prepared it. The principles remain the same.

We fix the resulting structure on a holder installed in the middle of the crib.

You can also install an additional hook on the ceiling where the canopy itself is hung. In this case, you will need dowels, screws and a drill/driver to secure them firmly. It is important to make sure that the attached hook and the frame itself are held tightly enough.

Royal

A more complex solution is the royal canopy. It differs from other options in the need to install mounting posts. Initially, a pattern is selected (it can also be circular), four rectangular pieces of fabric are prepared in accordance with the width and length of the crib.

Then they are processed and hemmed on all sides. As an alternative, they are trimmed with satin ribbons. The curtain is decorated immediately, until it is attached.

The dimensions of the crib and mounting locations are marked on the ceiling. Fastenings for support beams are installed.

The frame slats with curtains strung on them are attached to the ceiling using an additionally stretched cord so that the canopy is around the entire perimeter of the crib.

Finished canopy decor

When decorating a product, you need to ensure that all decorative elements are well secured.

Since the canopy is intended not only as a protective structure, but also as an element of the interior, you can dilute the appearance with the help of various decor:

initially use fabric with an ombre effect;
sew small soft toys;
add cardboard cutouts;
decorate with bows or ribbons;
attach beads, plastic chains;
make ruffles in the form of lace;
hang a veil.

To entertain the child and create a more comfortable atmosphere, you can install musical carousels or small garlands in yellow or white shades.

Video: Step-by-step instructions for sewing a canopy for a crib

What the final appearance of the finished structure will be depends only on the capabilities and imagination of the parents. It is important to consider not only beauty, but also ease of placement. The canopy should not be an obstacle to the crib. It should be comfortable for both the baby and those around him. It is important to remember that curtains primarily perform a protective function.

Source: https://repaireasily.ru/master/baldahin-na-detskuyu-krovatku-svoimi-rukami.html

Options for decorating canopies

There are an incredible number of ways to make a fabric product not just useful, but sophisticated, original, and beautiful. Due to the different sizes of the canopy, different accessories are used for the crib - the more fabric, the heavier the elements can be used for decoration.

Falling ribbons, braid, appliqués in the form of toys, wide frills, ruffles, lace - decoration depends only on imagination and the availability of resources. You can also combine the canopy with the now popular musical carousel; the baby will surely love this juxtaposition.

If time and money allow you, make two canopies. This way you can “play” with their design, and also change the bed covers depending on the time of year and when you need to put them in order.