Making a Mosquito Net Canopy

Measure the height of the wall behind your bed and decide whether you would prefer to have a mosquito net canopy that falls from the ceiling to the floor or one that is mounted to the wall. The most common versions hang from the ceiling. Use the measurement as a starting place to determine the yardage you require to make either version.

Purchase mosquito netting at a sporting goods store or find it via the Internet. Choose a neutral color for authenticity or one that complements your bedroom colors. The most common netting materials are polyester and cotton. The first is lighter and lasts longer. Both come in a variety of thicknesses and some are treated with pesticide, so make sure you don't purchase this type unless you live in the tropics and need the protection as much as you need a trendy-looking room.

Create a 3-inch hem at one end of the netting, using a needle and thread or a sewing machine. Sewing netting can be tricky, but if you put a sheet of paper behind the netting as you stitch, the job will go more smoothly. Simply rip the paper away once the hem is in place.

Feed the hoop into the hem and gather up the netting so it's evenly distributed around the hoop. Don't close the gap where the hem meets, or it will be more difficult to draw back and drape the netting over the bed. Fasten three lengths of upholstery roping, knitted ties or ribbons to the ring at equal lengths to create a hanger. Tie or knot them together.

Drill holes in the ceiling and place at least two ceiling hooks there to hold the canopy's mounting circle. If you plan to open and close the canopy frequently, you may wish to add a third ceiling hook for security. Drape the decorative roping over the ceiling hooks and fan the netting around the bed. Make adjustments as necessary.

Nail sconces to the wall over the bed if the ceiling-mount version won't work in your particular situation. Feed the length of mosquito netting through the sconces and fan out the material so it falls on either side of the bed. No sewing is required if this method is used and you don't care about hemming the canopy.

Pin and hem the netting at the bottom of the canopy with a decorative machine zigzag stitch or tackle the job by hand with needle and thread. For a more fanciful finish, use colorful yarn and a large darning needle to embroider around the hem.

Decorate your canopy with your choice of embellishments or leave it plain. Suggestions for trim are individual silk leaves, flowers or animal appliqués. You can also "hem" the sides of the netting with silk ribbon or braid; this works particularly well for the no-sew wall mount version.