Tunnel Rat Hammock: TUTORIAL

I go over how to sew a tunnel / tube pet rat hammock, as well as how to utilize plastic boning (optional). This video is longer because I go a little bit more in depth throughout the whole process, not because the hammock itself takes very long to make. It is a fairly simple hammock, yet looks very fancy! Great for impressing your friends and family!
You can get plastic boning from fabric stores or online. It’s usually used for things like corsets but works great for hammocks as well!
Summary and helpful info:
First, wrap the fleece around your sewing machine as shown in the video to see the minimum diameter your tube will have to be. Then mark the width to be at least an inch or two bigger than the minimum (this will be lost in the sewing process) or even bigger if you like. Then cut out two squares of fleece. (Or one can be flannel, the other fleece). Place two right sides together and pin. My square was 16”x16”.
Leave a 4-5 inch gap where you will not sew. I like to mark both sides of the gap with pins in an “X” shape so I don’t accidentally sew over it.
Sew all the way around the sides of the hammock until the you reach the gap. Trim threads and excess fleece along the edges, leaving the excess that is near the gap- you will need this later.
Turn square right side out, pin shut the gap- using the excess fleece, fold it over and tuck into the hammock, pin and sew. Sew all the way around the hammock again.
Now fold the square in half, and pin that edge. Sew the edge shut fairly close to the edge (I like to follow the stitches I have already made).
Fold whole hammock right side out.
Roll up the ends of the tunnel to desired width. Pin them, slide the tunnel on to the sewing machine, and slowly rotate the hammock as it sews.
DON’T try to sew over the thick seam- it will snap your sewing needle. Leave that open (as small as a hole you can get). That’s where we put the boning in (optional).
Just slip the boning in and work it back around, cut and slip inside. Do the same for other side.
Optional: hand sew the two holes shut to prevent it from coming out in the wash.
Let me know what you guys think! Hope you enjoy and are able to make these yourselves.
Stay tuned for more content from these little guys!
Feel free to comment, like, subscribe and share! (With credit given)!

[@Ayla123Hemora]

I think my favorite part of this tutorial is the Crafty-Ratty coming in and investigating what you're doing

[@SpoiledRats]

Your manager is checking in on you making sure your doing the job right lol

[@mennavanessa]

I just started pet ratting lol and I’m a good sewer you’re my favorite channel to go to for ideas 💖💖

[@pikuproductions2790]

I'm getting rats soon, and your videos have helped me big-time with making rattie items ❤❤

[@TheLaughingLion]

that's an awesome and cozy looking tunnel!

[@bohemianrat8191]

Thank you!

[@candacemaddox4661]

Love this! Thought I'd share for a hanging idea to add folded fabric tabs along that long side seam. Then just add your hooks or clips!

[@mariabrett6712]

Your rat is beautiful love the tunnel

[@harleywilson2584]

You don’t need boning. If you put a layer of wadding in the material it will hold its shape if you just turn the corners of your tunnel over.

[@ajg9634]

Omg, Hi!❤️ it’s been forever since I’ve made a video. I’ve been watching yours lately. Your doing a good job, keep up the good work 💛🌻

[@bohemianrat8191]

Hey!! It’s been a little while since I made one too :p Thank you so much! : ) it’s exciting!

[@ashleyjayne9766]

My rats love this, thank you!

[@bohemianrat8191]

You’re welcome! I’m so glad they like it!

[@HeyItsCharlie]

This is so cute (:

[@Polzovatel56]

Its very great! But, he has seams outside.

[@Hellnogizmo]

Do you think it would work/be safe to use a strip of craft roam in this seem so the entire tunnel won't collapse? I've been looking for a tutorial for this for days! Just learned to sew for my rats! Thanks so much!

[@patrickeverly643]

I put a tube in my cage along the side so that there was another way for them to get around. You can get something like a pringles tube (my girls are small enough, I have yet to find something for my boys) and cut it, and fold fabric over it so its hidden, but it will hold it open.

[@patrickeverly643]

The middle of a two liter maybe.

[@Hellnogizmo]

This is an awesome idea! Thanks!

[@bohemianrat8191]

I hadn’t thought of that! Sounds like a great idea!

[@bohemianrat8191]

Hellnogizmo also I meant to get to this earlier but im glad I could help and you’re very welcome! I haven’t tried that before, but the pringles can sounds like a cool thing to try!

[@klavdijadoncha]

what its this for plastic?

[@_deyra_6470]

what is the name of your sewing machine, because i wonder which one to buy, please enter; -;

[@st_13_x68]

Whats the size of the cloth please please reply