Every mother makes sure that her child has all the best. A canopy for a crib is not a whim and not a luxury, but a completely functional solution. It protects the baby from insects, accidental drafts, bright and harsh light, dust from windows. The child will always be protected in his small and cozy personal space. And we will tell you how to bring this idea to life!
The choice of fabric for a baby canopy
Thick fabrics protect the baby better, including from noise and cold. This is a good choice if the crib is in the parent's bedroom: you can go about your business and not disturb the baby. Lightweight fabrics are more airy, less bulky, less dusty.
Chintz
Chintz is the simplest and most budgetary, but at the same time comfortable option for small children. It is from it that I most often sew light clothes for newborns, because it is completely hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. It is an absolutely safe fabric that does not cause irritation, breathes and has good hygroscopicity. Chintz colors can be absolutely any, with all kinds of patterns and prints.
The downside of chintz is its fragility, which is important for a canopy that needs to be washed regularly. Periodically, it will have to be changed to a new one, but this is unlikely to be expensive due to the cheapness of the canvas.
Thin linen
For centuries, linen has been endowed with sacred and healing properties, used to treat ailments and protect. And now it is one of the most environmentally friendly, safe and natural fabrics. It perfectly permeates air, keeps cool even on a hot day, easily removes moisture and dries quickly.
Flax is more expensive than chintz, but it is much more durable due to the natural structure of the fiber. Even in ancient times, without the delicate modes of washing machines, it was possible to preserve its structure and properties for a long time. But for a canopy, you need to choose the right canvas so that it is thin and light enough.
Silk
For all the seeming lightness of silk, such a canopy is quite dense, therefore it protects the child well from cold and drafts. And in summer, a cool, smooth fabric saves from the heat and stuffiness. But the silk canopy will also cost accordingly - this is one of the most expensive options.
Silk requires delicate handling, but at the same time it is much stronger than cotton. Natural thread is not afraid of fungus and mold, and in itself is considered the most durable and second only to nylon. The smooth silk canopy allows air to pass through perfectly, so that even in a completely closed bed there will be a comfortable microclimate.
Organza
Organza is best suited for light and airy summer canopies. Initially, it was made from the finest silk threads, but now they use viscose and polyester for this. Depending on the structure, organza can be matte and shiny, chameleon, reaper, jacquard or sprayed.
Such a canopy is inexpensive, but looks impressive, does not wrinkle and is quite unpretentious. Keep in mind that organza is transparent, so it is not suitable for a dense closed canopy. It is more of a decorative solution for decorating a children's corner, and at the same time protection from dust and insects by an open window.
Flannel
Warm and cozy flannel is not the most obvious material for making canopies. But it is durable, soft, delicate, breathable and protects from the cold, so it is great for the winter. Depending on the main fiber, flannel can be woolen, semi-woolen or cotton.
It is from flannel that diapers, undershirts, sliders and caps for newborns are often sewn. This means that it is completely environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and safe for the baby from the first days of life. At the same time, it is quite durable and resistant to wear and tear, so that it easily tolerates regular washings.
Methods for attaching the canopy over the bed
For heavy and bulky canopies, the central mounting method is best. So the fabric will completely hide the crib, so that nothing will bother the baby during rest. This is a good option for newborns who sleep most of their time.
The canopy around the perimeter looks especially impressive, because it was this method of fastening that was used in palace interiors. The fabric is completely distributed around the crib, and on top you can decorate it with a bow or a large accessory. But such a structure is the most difficult to mount: as many as four holders are needed.
The canopy at the headboard looks graceful and elegant, even over the cribs of older babies. In fact, it is only above the head, and the rest of it is open. In a dream, the child is protected from light and external factors, but parents can always control what is happening to him.
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We make a children's canopy with our own hands
Of course, you can buy a ready-made canopy, but many parents prefer to take care of their child on their own. It is not difficult to make it, but you can be sure of the chosen fabric and the reliability of the design. And we have collected some instructions for you.
Hoop canopy
A canopy made of lightweight plastic hoop is a good option for the little ones. Even if the child somehow tugs at the fabric so that the structure falls off - it's not as bad as with metal fasteners. This shape is called a "crown" and is the easiest to make.
First, form the curtain itself: tuck the top of the fabric 13-16 cm and sew it completely along the entire length. This gathered "crown" has no functional purpose, but adorns the canopy. After that, sew the side edges and bottom, retreating by about 1.5-2 cm.
Make an additional line on top for the drawstring: you will insert the hoop into the resulting "passage". Use braid, bows, wide lace, flounces or any other little things as decorations. Fix the finished canopy to the wall or ceiling, or mount it on a special holder.
Canopy on the frame
Such a canopy is attached around the perimeter of the bed on special supports or ceiling hangers. Use aluminum, bamboo, wood or other similar lightweight materials for the frame. But do not choose too dense fabric for such a model - it is very heavy.
First, you need to correctly calculate the width of the canvas: it should be enough for the entire perimeter of the bed. And you definitely need a supply so that you can collect the canopy with beautiful folds. Process all the edges and, if desired, with their general braid, and sew on the loops on top, which you will fix on the frame.
Arched canopy
This option is something in between the "crown" ring and the frame around the perimeter. You will need a light curved tube and two sheets of fabric with stitched loops. In fact, the fastening method resembles the usual tulle curtains over the window. An arched canopy is suitable if the bed is right against the wall, and you can make beautiful hooks on the sides.
Canopy on a horizontal bar
This is a simple option for which you only need one piece of bamboo or pipe besides the fabric. Fix it horizontally in the center of the bed with screws or hangers. Fasten decorative tips on the free edges: it looks more aesthetically pleasing, and the fabric will not slip.
The width of the fabric strip should be twice the width of the bar to create a nice drape. When calculating the length, do not forget to add 3-5 cm for the processing of the edges and the drawstring. By the same principle, you can make a canopy on 2 horizontal bars, fixed on both sides of the bed.
Canopy with birds
Such an unusual and decorative canopy will fill the room with a fabulous atmosphere. For work, you will need fabric about 180x180 cm, trimmings, braid, invisible cord, cardboard, synthetic winterizer, fasteners, buttons or beads, 8 plastic rings.
First, process all sides of the canvas: tuck, stitch and decorate with decorative braid.Cut out the torso, belly, wings and beak of the bird from the scraps, prepare the eyes from buttons or beads. Often, hardware stores have ready-made eyes for stuffed toys.
Sew all parts of the birds together, fill the body with padding polyester or cotton wool, and insert a cardboard frame into the wings. Fully sewn the birds, sew the wings inside and attach 2 plastic rings to each: on the back and on the chest. Pull a transparent cord through the upper ring and fix it on the ceiling, and sew the canopy canvas from below.
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An elegant decorative canopy is not only practical, but also beautiful. And the only difficulty with it is the need to regularly wash the fabric so that it does not accumulate dust. Such an acquisition will turn any nursery into a delicate fabulous corner!
