How to Make a DIY Cat Hammock

How to Make a Cat Hammock

Turn your side table into a napping spot for your cat with just a few pieces of scrap fabric, batting, and cotton ribbon.

Martha Stewart Editors

Updated on July 12, 2023

DIY Cat hammock — Photo:
Chloe Mackintosh

Did you know cats can spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping? Our furry friends love to find obscure places to take their catnaps. Finding the perfect spot often means cat hair winds up on pillows, sweaters, or clean laundry. Give your kitty a special place to relax with this easy DIY cat hammock.

This idea comes from our friend Chloe Mackintosh of Boxwood Avenue. "My cat, Mimi, is very old and spends most of her day napping," she says. "She loves this spot next to the window where she can watch the birds and bask in the sunshine."

For this project, you will need a table that has a top platform opening for securing ribbon ties. "If you don't have one, you can find wonderful inexpensive options at places like Ikea and Target," Mackintosh says. "Or, if you have a wooden table, you can screw or nail little pegs to the four legs to serve as the hanging spot for this kitty hammock."

This cat hammock is easy to remove and wash once it inevitably fills up with your furry companion's hair. Even better, it blends right in with your décor so that you don't need to have an extra piece of furniture.

What You'll Need

Materials

Fabric, 1 yard
Twill tape, 12 inches
Batting
Quilter's ruler
Fabric scissors
Straight pins
Sewing machine and supplies
Side table (optional)

Instructions

Cut your fabric:

Chloe Mackintosh

Measure the dimensions of your table. Cut two squares of fabric measured to match your table dimensions plus 1 inch (for seam allowance). (Note: If your table measures 20 by 20 inches, then cut 2 squares of fabric that measure 21 by 21 inches.)
Cut strips of cotton ribbon:

Chloe Mackintosh

Cut 8 strips of durable cotton ribbon or trim measuring roughly 12 inches in length.
Pin ribbon to the fabric:

Chloe Mackintosh

Set aside one of the fabric squares. On the other, pin two strands of ribbon at each corner roughly 1 inch each from the corner at a slight diagonal. Pin the ribbon to the right side of the fabric.
Place fabric squares together:

Chloe Mackintosh

Place the two fabric squares together so that the wrong sides are showing. Pin into place.
Stitch around the squares:

Chloe Mackintosh

Top stitch around the perimeter of the squares leaving one of the sides open. If you'd like, you can backstitch over the ribbon to reinforce. Allow your stitch to curve at the corners creating a nice rounded edge.
Trim the corners:

Chloe Mackintosh

Trim away the corners once finished.
Turn the cat bed right side out:

Chloe Mackintosh

Turn the cat bed right side out and press the seams. Cut a piece of batting to match the size of the cat bed.
Insert the batting:

Chloe Mackintosh

Insert the batting into the bed.
Pin the open side closed:

Chloe Mackintosh

Fold and pin the open side closed, then top stitch to close the opening.
Tie the bed into place:

Chloe Mackintosh

Tie the bed into place on your table, adjusting the height as needed.