Introduction: Cat Hammock
Everybody loves hammocks. Especially cats. This one happens to be one that suspends over a heat radiator, but it could be mounted to a wall or free standing.
Step 1: Parts List
Similar to my other instructable on making a window cat lounge, this uses scrap sticks. I define "sticks" as any slender piece of wood, minimum 1/4" thick x 1/2" wide.
So, an approximate (because it depends on the size you want and what you can find) parts list:
2 pieces approximately 12"
2 pieces approximately 14"
2 pieces approximately 20
3 pieces approximately 18"
assorted little pieces
a piece of cloth approximately 18" x 28", preferably stretchy
So, an approximate (because it depends on the size you want and what you can find) parts list:
2 pieces approximately 12"
2 pieces approximately 14"
2 pieces approximately 20
3 pieces approximately 18"
assorted little pieces
a piece of cloth approximately 18" x 28", preferably stretchy
Step 2: Assemble As Shown
It doesn't really matter the exact dimensions. The diagonal piece serves 2 functions here:
1- is to brace it.
2- is to raise the bed above the heating radiator. If you are just making a hammock, you won't care about this function.
Make sure the appropriate corners are square.
Use a dab of glue, then clamp it or wrap it with tape, and set it aside overnight. Do the same for the other (mirrored) side. Don't try to do all of it in one day, it just won't work.
After you have let it set overnight, attach them using 3 horizontal sticks. Here, SPACING MIGHT MATTER. Remember that I made it to fit above/behind a radiator. The spacing is based on the ridges of the radiator- see photos to see what I mean.
1- is to brace it.
2- is to raise the bed above the heating radiator. If you are just making a hammock, you won't care about this function.
Make sure the appropriate corners are square.
Use a dab of glue, then clamp it or wrap it with tape, and set it aside overnight. Do the same for the other (mirrored) side. Don't try to do all of it in one day, it just won't work.
After you have let it set overnight, attach them using 3 horizontal sticks. Here, SPACING MIGHT MATTER. Remember that I made it to fit above/behind a radiator. The spacing is based on the ridges of the radiator- see photos to see what I mean.
Step 3: Cut Out a Piece of Cloth to Suit.
Cut a piece of cloth, a square the size of the frame, plus these "tab" shaped straps.
Make sure the tabs are long enough to wrap around the horizontal frame members, plus about 1 inch.
Make sure the tabs are long enough to wrap around the horizontal frame members, plus about 1 inch.
Step 4: Additional Diagram of the Bed
Hopefully this clarifies it without misleading you....I tried to model the pockets for the sticks, but it isn't accurate- it isn't supposed to look this droopy and oversized!
Loop it back underneath itself, then sew it in place. If you have access to a sewing machine, you may want to sew the pockets first, then insert the sticks, then glue it together, in that order.
Loop it back underneath itself, then sew it in place. If you have access to a sewing machine, you may want to sew the pockets first, then insert the sticks, then glue it together, in that order.
Step 5: Free Standing Variation
As shown, using the duplicate pieces, flipped upside down.
Step 6: Another Variation
instead of an angled member, just glue in blocks. It makes the carpentry easier, but the sewing becomes more difficult.
Step 7: Finished
Note how it slides in behind the rad, and becomes hemmed in.
Step 8: Pictures of Happy Cats
These are pictures of the 2nd variation, with blocks instead of the angled strut.
Step 9: One More Picture
this one has a removeable bed for washing, so you don't have to undo the seam each time. Email me if you want to know how to do this.