How to Make a Hamster Hammock

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 29, 2021 References Approved

A hammock provides your hamster will a cool little place to hang out and relax when it’s not burrowing or eating. To create a hamster hammock, you’ll need a square piece of fleece cloth and some hemp or sisal string. If you’re looking to create something more durable and stylish, you can sew a hammock together with a needle and thread. Ultimately, a hamster hammock will make a great new addition to your cage.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Simple No-Sew Hammock

1
Cut a piece of fleece to an 8 in × 8 in (20 cm × 20 cm) square. Use a ruler or tape measure to draw an 8 in × 8 in (20 cm × 20 cm) square on a piece of fleece, then use a pair of scissors to cut it out. Fleece is durable and thick enough so that the hamster won’t be able to chew through it.^{[1]
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- You can also use a thick washcloth as an alternative to fleece.
2
Measure the height of your cage and cut 4 pieces of hemp string to size. Do not use yarn or thin string because your hamster might eat it and get sick. Thicker, rope-like pieces of string like hemp or sisal work best for this hammock. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the height of the cage, then cut 4 pieces of string to the same size.^{[2]
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- The hamster hammock should hang low enough so that your hamster can get into it easily.
- You can purchase hemp or sisal string online or at a hardware store.
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3
Fold a corner of the cloth and wrap it with string. Fold one corner of the cloth so that it comes to a point. Pinch the corner with your fingers to hold it in place, then wrap the piece of string around the corner and tie a tight knot so that the string is secured to the cloth.^{[3]
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4
Tie string around the other corners. Fold each corner of the cloth and repeat the process with different pieces of string. When you’re done, the string should be tied to all 4 corners of the cloth. Lift the piece of cloth by all 4 strings to see what the hammock will look like in your cage.^{[4]
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- When you lift the hammock by the strings, the sides of the fleece will ride up and the center of the cloth will create a space for your hamster to sit.
5
Tie the ends of the string to the top of your hamster cage. Tie the knots so that the hammock hangs down on the inside of the cage. If the hammock is too low to the bottom of the cage, undo the knots and tie them higher on the rope so that the hammock hangs higher. When you’re finished, you can cut the excess string on the top of your cage.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Sewing a Hamster Hammock

1
Cut out an 8 in × 8 in (20 cm × 20 cm) piece of fleece and cotton cloth. Use a ruler and scissors to cut out an 8 in × 8 in (20 cm × 20 cm) square piece of fleece and then cut out an 8 in × 8 in (20 cm × 20 cm) square of cotton cloth. The fleece cloth will go on the inside of the hammock and the cotton cloth will go on the outside of the hammock.^{[6]
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- To enhance the look of the hammock, get a piece of cotton cloth that has a cool design on it.
- Both pieces will be sewn together to create the bedding for your hammock.
2
Measure the height of your cage and cut 4 hemp strings to the same size. Measure the height of the cage with a tape measure or ruler then cut the string to size. Use thick, rope-like string like sisal or hemp so that it doesn’t make your hamster sick if it chews on it.^{[7]
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- Do not use yarn or cotton string because it can get stuck in your hamster’s digestive system if it eats it.
- You can buy sisal or hemp string online or at a hardware store.
3
Tie knots in the ends of the string and place them in the center of the fleece. Place each string over the top of the fleece cloth with the knot side hanging over each corner of the fleece square. The knotted end of the string should rest on the flat surface under the fleece square. Each string should be positioned so the non-knotted end is resting in the center of the cloth.^{[8]
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4
Pin the cotton cloth to the fleece. Lay the cotton cloth over the string and fleece cloth, pattern side down. Place sewing pins every 2 in (5.1 cm) around the outside edge of the cloth squares to attach the cotton fabric to the fleece.^{[9]
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- The pattern on the cotton cloth will end up on the outside of your hamster hammock when you’re done making it.
5
Sew the pieces together, leaving a ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) seam. Thread a needle and tie a knot so that it stays attached to the needle. Measure ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) from the edge of the cloth and insert the needle down into both pieces of cloth. Pull the needle through the bottom side of the squares and then push the needle back up through the fleece and cotton to create your first stitch. Continue doing this around the edge of the cloth square, but stop early and leave a 1 in (2.5 cm) gap at the end of the stitch so that you can pull the fabric inside out.^{[10]
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- You can also use a sewing machine to sew the fleece to the cotton. Just remember to leave a 1 in (2.5 cm) gap at the end of your stitch or you won’t be able to do the next step.
6
Pull the fabric through the gap to turn it inside out. Push the fleece and cotton cloth through the small gap that you left at the end of your stitch. This will turn the fabric inside out and will leave the design on the cotton square on the outside of the hammock. Then, stitch the gap closed to secure the hammock together.^{[11]
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- This will position the knotted side of the string on the inside of the hammock, which will keep them attached as weight is applied to it.
7
Hang the hammock to the top of your hamster’s cage. Tie the string coming out of the corners of the hammock to the grate at the top of your cage. The knots on the string should hold the hammock in place when your hamster sits on it.^{[12]
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Community Q&A

Question

What kind of fabric is safe for hamsters?

Community Answer

Something that is not that furry and thin. You should us a thicker material that is hard to rip apart.
Question

Is it unsafe to put fabric in the gerbil's cage?

LizardLover33

Community Answer

No, but the gerbil probably will turn it to shreds.
Question

Won't the hamster chew the hammock?

Community Answer

Your hamster could possibly chew on the hammock, but if you use the right materials, it won't do any damage to the hammock.