Crochet Toy Storage Net Hammock – Free Pattern
If you’ve been searching for a functional, budget-friendly way to organize stuffed animals and toys in a child’s bedroom, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. This crochet toy storage net hammock is one of those projects that feels almost too good to be true — it’s free, it’s beginner-friendly once you understand the basic technique, and the finished result is genuinely useful in a way that most decorative crochet projects simply aren’t. Better yet, it can be adapted to fit almost any corner of any room, made in any color to match existing decor, and completed in a single weekend.
Toy hammocks have been a popular nursery and kids’ room solution for years, and for good reason. They tuck into corners, keep the floor clear, hold an impressive number of plush toys without taking up shelf space, and add a cozy, handmade touch that you just can’t buy at a big box store. Most of the rope or mesh versions you’ll find online are made from macramé cord or simple knotted netting. This version is crocheted, which gives you more control over the tension, a softer finished fabric, and the satisfaction of working a real stitch pattern rather than just tying knots.
Let’s get into everything you need to know, from materials to the final hanging step.
Why Make a Crochet Toy Hammock?
Before we dive into the pattern itself, it’s worth pausing to talk about why this project is worth your time. If you’ve got a stash of bulky yarn and a few free hours, this is genuinely one of the most rewarding quick makes you can tackle.
First, the practical side. A corner toy hammock can hold twenty to thirty stuffed animals comfortably, depending on their size. That’s twenty to thirty items off the floor, off the bed, and out of the toy box where they’d never get seen or appreciated anyway. Kids actually interact more with their stuffed animals when they’re displayed and visible rather than buried in a bin.
Second, the handmade quality. A crocheted hammock has a warmth and texture that rope versions lack. The stitches have give and flexibility, so toys of different sizes nestle into the net naturally. You can also customize it — add fringe, change colors, monogram it, or make it extra long to fit a larger corner.
Third, the cost. The materials for this project are minimal. A few skeins of cotton or nylon cord yarn, a large crochet hook, some rope or cord for hanging, and two corner hooks are all you need. The entire project can cost as little as ten to fifteen dollars if you shop your local craft store for cotton twine or macramé rope yarn.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials together before you start will make the whole process smoother. Here’s what you need for this project.
Yarn: You’ll want approximately 200 to 250 yards of a bulky or super bulky weight yarn. Cotton rope yarn, macramé-style yarn, or nylon cord all work beautifully here because they hold their shape well after washing and don’t stretch excessively under the weight of toys. You can absolutely use a softer acrylic yarn in a bulky weight if you prefer, though the net may stretch more over time. Choose a color that complements the room — natural cotton white and cream tones are classic and versatile, but a bright teal, mustard yellow, or dusty pink can make the hammock a real focal point in a nursery.
Hook: A size N/P (9mm to 10mm) crochet hook works well with bulky yarn for this project. If you’re using a super bulky yarn or macramé cord, size P/Q (10mm to 15mm) may give you a looser, more open net structure that’s ideal for larger stuffed animals. Swatch first if you’re unsure — the goal is a net with openings large enough to show off the toys but tight enough that nothing small and floppy falls through.
Hanging hardware: You’ll need two corner hooks rated to hold several pounds, as well as a length of rope or strong cord to create the two top suspension lines. Heavy cotton rope, nylon paracord, or even a thick braided ribbon all work for this. You’ll need roughly four to six feet total depending on your corner dimensions and ceiling height.
Scissors and a yarn needle for finishing ends.
Stitch markers are optional but helpful when keeping track of row ends in a large net.
Skill Level and Stitches Used
This pattern is written for a beginner-to-intermediate crocheter. If you’re comfortable with chains, single crochet, and double crochet, you have everything you need. The net structure is created primarily through chain spaces — essentially, you crochet a row of stitches and then skip spaces on the return row to create the open mesh look. It’s very forgiving, and any slight inconsistencies in tension only add to the handmade character of the finished piece.
The stitches used are chain (ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), and slip stitch (sl st).
Gauge is flexible for this project. The finished hammock should measure approximately 36 to 40 inches along the top edge and taper to about 18 to 22 inches at the bottom point. If you want a larger hammock for a bigger collection of toys, simply increase the number of foundation chains and adjust accordingly.
The Pattern
Foundation
Begin by creating a long foundation chain. Chain 80. This forms the top edge of your hammock and will be the longest measurement of the finished piece.
If you want to check your width before committing: 80 chains in bulky yarn on a 10mm hook should measure roughly 38 to 40 inches. Lay it across your corner to check that it fits the space. Add or subtract chains in sets of four to keep the stitch pattern consistent.
Row 1
Turn, skip the first 4 chains from the hook. Work 1 dc into the 5th chain from the hook. Chain 1, skip 1 chain, dc into the next chain. Repeat from to across the row until you reach the end. You should have a row of dc stitches separated by ch-1 spaces — this is your first row of netting. Chain 3, turn.
Row 2
Work 1 dc into the first ch-1 space. Chain 1, dc into the next ch-1 space. Repeat across. At the end of the row, work your final dc into the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Chain 3, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until your hammock measures approximately 18 to 20 inches in length from top to bottom. This will typically take between 12 and 16 rows depending on your gauge.
Shaping the Hammock
To give the hammock its characteristic tapered shape — wider at the top and narrowing toward the bottom — you’ll begin decreasing at each end of the row.
Decrease Row: At the start of the row, skip the first ch-1 space entirely and work your first dc into the second ch-1 space. Continue across in pattern until two ch-1 spaces remain. Work into the second-to-last space and stop, leaving the final space unworked. Chain 3, turn.
Repeat a decrease row every two rows until the hammock has narrowed to roughly half its original width, or until you have 10 to 15 stitches remaining across.
If you prefer a rectangular hammock without tapering (which works beautifully for a square corner or when hung with two points along one wall), simply continue working Row 2 without any decreases until you’re happy with the length, then finish off.
Finishing the Bottom Edge
Once you’ve reached your desired width at the narrowed bottom edge, you have a few options.
For a clean, simple finish, work a row of sc across the bottom edge and fasten off.
For a decorative fringe, cut lengths of yarn approximately 12 inches long. Fold each length in half, insert the folded loop through a stitch along the bottom edge, pull the tails through the loop, and tighten. Repeat across the entire bottom edge, spacing fringe as close or as sparse as you like. Trim evenly.
For a gathered bottom, thread a length of cord or yarn through the bottom edge stitches and cinch gently, tying off to create a soft pouch-like base. This style holds small toys particularly well.
Edging the Top
Along the long top edge of your hammock, work a row of sc evenly across the foundation chain edge. This stabilizes the top and gives you a clean line for attaching your hanging cord.
Divide the top edge into three equal sections. Mark the left end, the center point, and the right end. These are your three hanging attachment points.
Hanging the Hammock
The hanging method is simple and takes only a few minutes once your hammock is finished and blocked.
Cut two lengths of rope or heavy cord, each approximately 24 to 30 inches long. Thread the first length through the leftmost edge of the top of the hammock and tie a secure knot. Thread the second length through the rightmost edge and tie a knot. These two cords will attach to your corner hooks.
Install two corner hooks in the walls where two walls meet at a corner, positioned at roughly the same height (typically 5 to 6 feet up the wall, or adjusted to whatever suits the room). Make sure each hook is anchored securely into a stud or with an appropriate wall anchor, since the hammock will hold real weight.
Tie or loop each cord onto its corresponding hook, adjusting the length until the hammock hangs with a satisfying gentle droop in the center. The deeper the droop, the more it cradles toys. A shallower hang keeps toys more visible and accessible.
Give the hammock a gentle tug from several angles to make sure everything is secure before loading it with stuffed animals.
Tips for Success
A few notes that will make this project go more smoothly.
Blocking makes a significant difference. Once your hammock is crocheted, wet block it before hanging. Lay it flat on a towel, pin it out to your target dimensions, and let it dry completely. This evens out any tension inconsistencies and opens up the net beautifully.
Cotton holds its shape better than acrylic over time. If you’re making this as a long-term storage solution, cotton rope yarn or a cotton-nylon blend will sag far less than a pure acrylic. That said, acrylic in a higher weight category absolutely works and gives you more color variety to play with.
Test your wall anchors. A hammock full of twenty stuffed animals can weigh more than you’d expect. Use proper wall anchors and make sure both hooks are rated to hold at least ten pounds each to be safe.
Make two. If you’ve got a corner that sees a lot of toy traffic, consider making a second hammock and stacking it below the first, with a few inches of clearance between them. This doubles your storage capacity without using any additional floor or shelf space.
Size up for bigger collections. Simply add more chains to the foundation (in multiples of four) and work more rows before beginning to taper. A hammock that’s 50 inches wide and 25 inches long can comfortably hold an enormous stuffed animal collection.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about making your own toy hammock rather than buying one is that you can make it entirely your own. Here are a few ideas worth considering.
Colorwork: Work stripes by changing yarn color at the beginning of any row. Two-color stripes every two to three rows create a cheerful, playful look that kids love.
Monogram or name: If you’re comfortable with tapestry crochet or surface embroidery, you can add a child’s initial or name to the solid rows of the hammock. This makes a beautiful personalized baby shower or birthday gift.
Mixed materials: Try using a combination of cotton yarn and thin macramé cord held together for a thicker, sturdier fabric that needs fewer rows to achieve the same coverage.
Decorative top edge: Instead of a plain single crochet border along the top, work a shell stitch or picot edging for extra detail. This looks especially lovely in a nursery.
Holiday themes: Make a small seasonal hammock in Halloween orange and black or Christmas red and green, sized to hold a collection of holiday stuffed animals. Swap it in and out with the seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this project take? Most crafters complete this hammock in four to eight hours of total crochet time, spread over a weekend. If you’re newer to crochet, budget a little more time and don’t rush the shaping rows.
Can I wash the finished hammock? Yes, especially if you used cotton yarn. Remove the toys, take the hammock down from the wall, and machine wash on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Reshape while damp and hang to dry.
What if I don’t have a corner to hang it in? You can hang a toy hammock flat against a single wall instead of in a corner. Simply anchor both hooks on the same wall, spaced 36 to 40 inches apart, and hang the hammock so it bows out from the wall. This works well and still clears a lot of floor space.
Is this safe for a baby’s room? This hammock is designed for stuffed animal storage, not as a sleeping or play hammock for children. Keep it out of reach of infants, ensure it’s hung securely, and use it only for displaying plush toys and soft items.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely satisfying about making something this practical with your own hands. A crochet toy storage net hammock is one of those projects that earns its place in a room every single day — every time a child grabs a stuffed animal from it or a parent walks by and sees a tidy, organized corner instead of a pile of toys on the floor.
The pattern here is designed to be flexible, forgiving, and adaptable. Work it exactly as written for a classic tapered hammock, or adjust the dimensions, colors, and embellishments to make it entirely your own. Either way, you’ll end up with something that’s more personal, more beautiful, and arguably more durable than anything you could order online.
If you make this hammock, we’d love to see it. Share your finished project and tag us so we can celebrate your work. And if you found this pattern helpful, consider saving it to your Pinterest boards or sharing it with a crocheting friend who has a little one with too many stuffed animals and not enough space. Happy crocheting!
