DIY Ferret Hammock Sewing Tutorial - Step by Step Guide

One of my favorite things to sew has always been anything that spoils my fur babies. I used to have six ferrets — yes, six! — and they brought so much joy and energy into my life. Sadly, they have all crossed the rainbow bridge, but in their memory, I wanted to share one of my favorite things I used to make for them: soft and cozy custom hammocks. 

Creating DIY toys, tunnels, sleeping cubes, and hammocks for my ferrets was more than a hobby — it was an act of love. I found it far more rewarding and more affordable to sew my own small animal accessories, especially since store-bought options were either too expensive or didn't fit what I needed. 

As a prior proud Crazy Ferret Lady, I even gave my ferrets their own room to play, sleep, and explore. Ferret-proofing an entire house is a nightmare, so dedicating a safe space just for them was the perfect solution. If you're a fellow ferret lover or small pet parent, I hope this tutorial inspires you to create something special for your own furry companions.

 

Materials You Will Need for DIY Small Animal Hammock

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How to Make the Hammock Tabs

Step 1: Cut the Webbing

  • Cut four 3-inch strips of nylon webbing
1/2-inch Nylon Webbing

1/2-inch Nylon Webbing

             Alternatively: Cut four 3-inch strips of 1/2-inch wide bias tape or sew your own tabs from 2-inch x 3-inch fabric pieces folded to 1/2-inch x 3-inch

Step 2: Seal the Edges

  • Carefully melt the cut edges of the nylon webbing with a lighter to prevent fraying

Step 3: Add Snaps (optional)

Tip: Using snaps lets you easily remove clasps before washing, which helps prevent breakage in the dryer. I've broken a few clasps before figuring out this solution!

  • Attach female KAM snaps to each of the nylon strips. 

 

Attach female KAM snaps to each of the nylon strips


Please note that in both of the photos above, I made a mistake by installing male KAM snaps first. I should have placed female KAMs at the edge of the webbing to make it much easier to remove the clips for washing the hammocks without damaging the clips. 

  • Attach male KAM snap approximately 1 inch (center to center) from the female snap 
male KAM snap approximately 1 inch (center to center) from the female snap


Alternatively, you can fold the webbing over the clasp and sew it securely if you prefer not to use snaps. You can also skip the next step of adding clasps and just use the snaps alone to hang the hammock. Choose what you feel is easier and best for you and your fur babies. 

Step 4: Attach Clasps

  • Add the clasp to one side and sandwich it between the two snap ends. 

  • Secure the clasp by snapping the snaps closed. 

 

Below is an example of my first hammock I made, where the metal clasp broke after washing the hammock in the washer and dryer. This was the reason I came up with the snap idea. 

Cutting and Pinning the Fabric

Step 1: Cut Fabric Pieces

  • Cut both your outer and inner fabrics to 18-inch x 42-inch pieces.
Cut both your outer and inner fabrics to 18-inch x 42-inch pieces

Step 2: Pin Fabric Together

  • Pin the right sides together with the outer fabric on top of the inner fabric.
    • I like to cut the cotton fabric first and then use it as a guide to cut the Minky fabric while pinned — it keeps the slippery Minky or fleece fabric from shifting while sewing.

 

Sewing the Hammock

Step 1: Stitch Together

  •  Sew around the edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving a 3 to 4-inch opening along one of the 18-inch sides for turning.
Sew around the edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance

Step 2: Turn Inside Out

  • Carefully turn the fabric right side out through the opening.
Carefully turn the fabric right side out through the opening

Step 3: Press Edges (by Hand)

  • Flatten the edges using your fingers — avoid ironing Minky fabric with high heat, as it can damage it

Step 4: Edge Stitch

  • Sew a 1/8-inch topstitch all the way around to give it a clean finish and secure the layers. 
Sew a 1/8-inch topstitch all the way around to give it a clean finish and secure the layers

Folding the Hammock

Step 1: Lay the Fabric Flat

  • Place the Minky/fleece fabric (inner) side down and cotton/flannel (outer) side up.

Step 2: First Fold

  • Fold one short (18-inch) edge inward about 10.5 inches.

Step 3: Second Fold

  • Fold the opposite short edge inward about 12 inches, overlapping the first fold by about 4 inches. 
    • The folded length should be around 18.5 inches.

Step 4: Insert Hammock Tabs

  • Tuck the tabs into each corner, between the folded layers, with clasps pointing toward the center. 

Note: The photo below shows the correct direction the tabs should face, but keep in mind that the tabs will actually be sandwiched between the cotton/flannel layers and won’t be visible on the minky side, as shown in the image. The picture is simply to illustrate the proper orientation of the tabs before sewing.

Step 5: Secure and Sew

  • Pin everything in place and sew along the open edges with a 1/4 inch seam allowance

Step 6: Final Flip

  • Turn the entire piece inside out — and you are done!

 

Finished Ferret Hammock (or Small Animal Hammock)

Here are the two hammocks I made: one with metal claps and the other with plastic. My ferrets loved the cozy hangout space. 

I can confidently say these hammocks were Ferret Tested and Ferret Approved!

Cute ferret pile!

Final Thoughts

This DIY small animal hammock is a great weekend project for any small animal owner, whether you have ferrets, rats, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, or other small creatures. Custom sizing, fabric options, and detachable clasps make it super functional, affordable, and easy to maintain. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to leave a comment or share photos of your DIY hammocks! 

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