Monday, August 14, 2017

Quilted and Reversible Kitty Hammock Tutorial


Hi Cat lovers! 
 Today I have a really fun and super easy project for your favorite kitty! A Reversible Kitty Hammock! As you can tell, Riley, is already putting his to good use! 
  I made Riley's to fit wooden Dining chairs. You can also make them for end tables etc..  


Here are the supplies that you will need:
1. 2 pieces of Coordinated fabric. I used a fat quarter of "Meow or Never Tomcat Grey Furball" cotton for use during the summertime and one fat quarter of "Lily & Will Revisited" flannel for use during winter. Both are available at the Fat Quarter Shop.
2. Aurifil thread for piecing and quilting. Color 5021 50wt shown.
3. Batting. I used 2 pieces of a thick poly batting for extra softness.
4. Twill tape for ties or make four Ties" from the fabric.( I am using Twill tape from the Fat Quarter Shop) The length will depend on the diameter of your chair/table legs. Mine are 18" each. ( It is better to have them too long than too short.) 



 Measure the distance between the chair/table legs. I used a chair that has a cross bar so the ties will not slip down the chair legs.
Add 4 inches ( for drop)  to your measurement and cut both pieces of fabric and the batting to that size.


Fold your twill/ties in half . Layer fabric right sides together and the batting on top. Fold back the batting and one layer of fabric. Center your Folded ties BETWEEN the FABRICS and extending slightly past the corners.

Pin thru all four layers.  The batting, flannel, twill ties and the cotton print fabric. 


Sew all the way around all 4 sides leaving an opening for turning.I also double stitched over the twill ties.


To turn the hammock right sides out, just reach in and pull the twill ties out through the opening!
How fun and easy!



Push the seam allowances out and press. Quilting gloves makes this really easy! Press all the way around including the seam allowance for the opening.


Top stitch all the way around the edge, closing the opening and reinforcing the corners on the twill tape.


 Quilt however you wish. I simply quilted 2 straight lines through the centers.




 This helps the hammock stay hanging open making it easy for your kitty to climb in. Tie above the chair side rails so the hammock doesn't slide down the legs. If your chair does not have side rails, try using large rubber bands wrapped around the chair legs just below the ties. 


Riley gave his seal of approval! He loves to jump out and grab me and Missy when we walk past! 


Then he curls up and takes a nap! 


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! I think Riley will need another one or two. Maybe one with cute little mice!
Happy Stitching friends!
Thank you for stopping by!
xo Jan