DIY Ferret Hammock Sewing Tutorial - Step by Step Guide
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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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- Sewing Machine
- Walking Foot (optional, but helpful for thick layers)
- Thread
- Sewing Needle (Stretch needles work well for Minky or Fleece fabrics)
- Quilting Pins or Clips
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Measuring Tape or Ruler
- Outer Fabric: Cotton or Flannel Fabric - 1/2 yard (cut 18-inch x 42-inch piece)
- Inner Fabric: Minky or Fleece Fabric - 1/2 yard (cut 18-inch x 42-inch piece)
- 4 Metal or Plastic Clasps (Rotational/swivel type is ideal)
- 4 sets of KAM snaps (optional)
- KAM Pliers & Awl (optional)
-
1/2-inch-wide Nylon Webbing: Cut four 3-inch-long strips
- Alternative tab options:
- 1/2-inch-wide bias tape, cut into 3-inch pieces
- OR sew your own tabs from 2-inch x 3-inch fabric pieces folded to 1/2-inch x 3-inch
- Alternative tab options:
- Lighter (optional, for sealing webbing ends)
How to Make the Hammock Tabs
Step 1: Cut the Webbing
- Cut four 3-inch strips of 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.

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

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.

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.

Step 2: Turn Inside Out
- 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.

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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