While browsing Toys R Us & Babies R Us last weekend, we came across a cute Tinkerbell canopy bed that Kaylee just loved. She already had a nice toddler bed, so we didn't give it much though, or at least I didn't. Daddy had other plans...
Derrick thought that it would be pretty simple to make her a canopy for her existing bed from a PVC frame. He is the king at PVC pipe creations...
(Just to name a few 🙂
And he was right. He was able to put this frame together in a matter of minutes and Kaylee was thrilled! She loved having just the frame, never mind having any sort of canopy attached. Kids are easy to please. I took her to the fabric store and she chose a couple of fabrics for the project. A pink kitty fabric and turquoise tulle.
After a couple of hours of stressing (I'd never done something like this before and did not have a pattern) and sewing, here is the finished product!
It fits perfectly, thanks to a few minor adjustments and an extra seam through the center to tighten it up a bit in the end. I've already had some requests for a tutorial. If I had any idea what I was doing(when I was doing it), I might have written down some dimensions and instructions, but it was a first time project for me that would probably turn out differently if I did it again. Basically...
You can see that both side panels are kind of a triangle shape. I followed the outline of the frame that Derrick made and added an ½" all the way around for seam allowances. I used a ⅜" seam and that gave it a little room for error. I used newspaper to make pattern pieces (taped it to the pipes) and then cut out the fabric shape. The top is one long piece that is the width of the pipes and stops where you see the crease on the front. That is a seperate piece so that it would fit the angle. It is also the width of the pipes, but only 4" or so in length. Then there is another piece directly on the front attached to the small 4" one. I made it long enough so that it was flush in length with the side panels. So the sides are each 1 panel and the top is 1 large panel + 2 smaller ones on the front and another 2 smaller ones (the same size as the front) on the back. This probably doesn't make any sense. Just use your frame as a guide. I'm not sure what it would have looked like if I just did one piece for the top and didn't use seperate pieces for the angles, it might have been fine. I'm not an expert so I just did what I thought would work. Then I hemmed it all the way around and sewed the little curtains to the hem. Total fabric for the project 3 ½ yards pink + 4 yards tulle.
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I used extra fabric to make ties for the faux curtains and a throw pillow. This is the reverse side of her owl comforter in the first photos. It matched the new canopy perfectly!
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I used extra fabric to make ties for the faux curtains and a throw pillow. This is the reverse side of her owl comforter in the first photos. It matched the new canopy perfectly!
She loves her kitty bed (although she calls it a Tink bed after seeing the Tinkerbell one at the store) and sleeps, not only in comfort, but in style!
Here is a close-up on the fabric. It was found at Joann's in the juvenile apparel selection at 60% off last week. I picked up several prints since it is so bright and cheerful, and nice and sturdy! So much better than calico.
Sarah says
Hi, I know this post is old but I wanted to let you know I copied the idea and built a pvc frame and sewed a my little pony canopy for it. I wanted to send you a picture if I could.
Brandy says
I'd love to see it! [email protected]. And (with your permission), I'd love to share it on my FB page!
Samantha Bodde-Spangler says
Any way to get the pattern from ya? thanks
Brandy says
Hi Samantha, this was my first time making a canopy like this so I didn't make a pattern and we no longer have the canopy to get the dimensions for you. My girls outgrew it. I'm sorry!
Melissa C says
I am wondering if your hubby secured the canopy frame to the bed somehow? We're looking to build my son a tent like structure for his twin captain bed, and I love the idea of pvp pipes. They really are so versatile.
Brandy says
Hi Melissa, I sewed the canopy so that it fit nice and snug. You could use sticky velco tabs to help secure it more, but then you couldn't ever wash the canopy. I'm wondering if there is another way. Maybe some ribbon sewn and then tied to the pipes?
B. Maura Townsend says
I have an instructable up here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Rainbow-Canopy-for-Your-Childs-Room/ for a canopy on a converted crib bed, and a bunch of folks had asked me how to do this for a regular toddler bed. Found you via pinterest, and I linked you from the comment section on my how-to.
Awesome!
Brandy@Gluesticks says
That rainbow canopy is soooo cool! Thanks for sharing the link!
Betsy @ Anna Nimmity says
Adorable!
shessuchariot says
Ahh, I love those moments when you're mindlessly clicking links and out of nowhere stumble upon a really great blog, thinking why haven't I been following this woman before? 🙂
Loooove this canapy. Thinking of buying a toddler bed similar to yours, but really wanted a canopy as well. For some reason every toddler canopy bed I find is made of plastic and I just can't swallow a plastic bed. Well you've answered my prayers darling, because my PVC-master husband has a new project to start. So cute!
Brandy says
Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you stumbled upon our blog 🙂 my daughter loves her bed, and you are right. It's hard to stomach the cost of a storebought one!
.:+Pearlofafrika+:. says
wow! super creative.