With a houseful of boys, we are often in need of a bug or critter catcher. I've made two of these simple netted wonders this week for Owen. Good thing I have an abundance of wire hangers and netting fabric. Who knows where the first one went. I think the neighborhood dogs might have wanted one of their own! :)
Start by reshaping the body of your wire hanger into a circle and straightening hook of the hanger into the handle.
Next cut your netting or fabric. I made mine 16" long and about 32" wide. Note that you should measure around the circle of your hanger to get the correct width and add an inch for your seam allowance.
Fold the top inch of netting over the hanger to make a casing. You will be sewing the hanger right into the casing. I use a zig zag stitch as this is very forgiving and will "give" a bit if it gets stretched by the bug catcher without tearing. Make sure to back tack at the beginning and end. Your netting should be hanging from the ring of the bug catcher when you're done.
Next is the side seam. I started down about 2-3" from the top ring on the side seam. Sew at a 1/2" seam allowance to the bottom.
Last, bunch the bottom up and sew across it several times for added durability.
And that's it, time to catch some bugs!
What are you working on today?
Also wanted to mention this works great for catching toads and frogs that are swimming in the swamp. Owen just confirmed it! :)
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