This hula hoop tent is a hanging fabric play canopy made with drapes gathered around a hoop and a sewn fabric top. The original A Beautiful Mess tutorial by Mandi Johnson gives a pattern for eight top triangles, explains how to attach the fabric assembly to the hoop with sew-on hook-and-loop tape, and suggests fabric amounts for two hoop sizes.
What the tutorial makes
The finished tent hangs from a ceiling hook. Fabric drapes are gathered onto a decorative border around a hula hoop, and a sewn top joins the tent assembly. The hoop provides the canopy’s frame; sew-on hook-and-loop tape inside the seam lets the fabric assembly attach around it. Johnson describes it as a customizable indoor hideaway, with the hoop size, fabric, colors, and patterns left to the maker.
Make’s May 21, 2015 feature points readers to Johnson’s original tutorial, whose page was updated May 11, 2022.
Materials and fabric amounts
Johnson’s tutorial lists the following supplies:
- Drape fabric: 4 yards for a small hoop or 6 yards for a large hoop
- About 2 yards of fabric for the top
- A hula hoop and a ceiling hook
- Heavy-duty, non-adhesive hook-and-loop tape, intended to be sewn on
- Straight pins, fabric scissors, and a fabric pencil; a regular pencil can work
- A sewing machine
The listed yardage is the tutorial’s guidance for its small- and large-hoop options. If you change the hoop size or desired hanging length, plan the drape fabric around your own dimensions rather than treating those amounts as universal. The tutorial does not provide a current fixed materials price. Johnson’s estimate of around $60 reflected her stated fabric assumptions and the fact that she already owned some supplies; it is not a current price quote.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- FUN AREA FOR KIDS: This kids tent indoor is suitable for little kids, with a recommended kids height of under 97 cm for the best fit and comfort. This kids play tent measures 38.2 x 26.6 x 42.3 inches.
- PLAY TENT FOR PLAYTIME FUN: Open this kids tent indoor for girls up! There's the most adorable tent for kids room and the prettiest tassel garlands. It's the coziest hideaway and doll house
- EASY TO KEEP NICE: Our awesome kids toys for girls is made from durable polyester. You can just wipe it when it gets messy. Keep it looking super cute and ready for more playtime fun with this kids playroom essentials and girl gifts
- EASY TO BUILD & CARRY ANYWHERE: Transform your kid's space into a magical dream house in a snap! Our cute play tent is easy to assemble, and you don't need any grown-up tools. Whether you want it inside or outside, the magic goes wherever you do
- AWESOME PRESENT: Surprise your kid with a super cool hideout that fits in anywhere! This tent is just right for boys and girls to have fun. It's like magic for their imaginations, turning any place into a wonderland of fun
How to size the eight-piece top
Measure the hoop before cutting the top triangles. The tutorial’s formulas use the hoop’s circumference and diameter:
- Triangle base width: one-eighth of the hoop circumference plus 1.5 inches.
- Triangle length: three-quarters of the hoop diameter.
Cut eight triangles to make the top. After sewing them together, the top fabric should extend to about 1 inch beyond the hoop when possible, so it can be fitted and trimmed around the frame. Leave extra fabric for adjustment: Johnson reports that her own triangles were too short, which made the top tight around the hoop. A little additional room helps the top and border meet without forcing the fit.
Rank #2
- SUPER VALUE. Our play tent and tunnel set features a White Space Designed Tent and the set includes a Tunnel, Cube Play Tent, how-to assemble instruction sheet, and carry tote. This comes as well with 4 pieces Sturdy Poles, Roof and floor anchors.
- EASY TO INSTALL. Easy and fast to build playground set. This is foldable which makes it suitable for storage. Can use the product separately or as a set.
- ENDLESS FUN. Let the children play and have fun while building cognitive and imaginative skills. Have the children play along with their adorable pets, cats and dogs, together as this is suitable as well for them. This can be used in any indoors and outdoors spaces.
- PREMIUM QUALITY. Our product is durable and designed to last long. Made with soft and thick fabric with breathable mesh walls for a comfortable and enjoyable to play.
- EXCEPTIONAL CARE: We're big on the little things. That's why customer safety and satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do. Contact us if products don't meet your expectations. We look forward to ensuring every moment brings you joy.
Construction sequence
The project involves several joined fabric assemblies. Work through the stages in order, checking the fit around the hoop before trimming away excess:
- Cut, join, and hem the drapery fabric.
- Make two matching zigzag border strips, then join and turn the zigzag edges.
- Sew a fabric hanging loop.
- Cut eight triangles, stitch them together to form the tent top, and fit and trim the top around the hoop.
- Gather the drapes and sew them to the border.
- Join the top to the border-and-drape assembly.
- Sew hook-and-loop tape pieces inside the seam so the fabric assembly can attach around the hoop.
Johnson wrapped her hoop in white tape to make it less visible from inside the tent. Her account of the process is reassuring for a multi-step sewing project: “It seemed complicated when it was just an idea in my mind. But once I laid out the steps, I realized how straight forward and simple its construction really is.”
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Newfangled Castle Design: Inspired by castles in fairy tale, this beautiful and remarkable princess house can help your little princess dreams come true. Which kid does not like a little secret place?
- Special Gift: This is the cutest fairy house tent, providing a private space for your kids to entertain themselves, read and relax. This sizable tent can accommodate up to 3 kids at the same time. What an amazing present! Add to cart and take it home now!
- Dimensions: 55 x 53 inches. Made from high quality polyester taffeta which is also quite comfortable, durable, and easy to clean
- Application: Ideal for both indoor and outdoor sites such as home, kindergarten, backyard, parks and so on
- What Do You Get? Princess Tent,Instructions,Poles,Connectors,Star Lights (As a Gift)
Adapt the tent to your room and fabric
Before buying or cutting fabric, compare your hoop’s circumference and diameter with the tutorial’s formulas, then decide how far the canopy should hang from the ceiling. A larger hoop changes the top pattern dimensions and may require the tutorial’s larger drape-fabric allowance. Ceiling height and the desired hanging length affect how much drape fabric you need; choose fabric and colors to suit the room and the intended look.
The tutorial is a sewing project rather than a tested comparison of commercial tents or hardware. It does not establish a universal cost or a single best hoop size. Its practical value is the construction method and the dimension-based pattern guidance, which you can adapt to your own hoop and space.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Creates a dark sleep space: SlumberPod provides a private, enclosed area with breathable blackout fabric that reduces 99% of light & helps create a comfortable sleep environment, making it a practical choice for daytime naps, room sharing, naps, travel, & nighttime use. Designed for families who want a portable sleep solution for room sharing.
- Designed for airflow control and visibility: SlumberPod includes four adjustable ventilation panels, two pockets that fit our mini fan (sold separately), and a monitor pocket for checking in on your little one, helping maintain comfort during sleep. Provides a cozy sleep environment around your child’s sleeping area. Includes a travel tote for easy carry, which also fits in a carry-on suitcase.
- Fits over play yards and more: The bottomless design fits most play yards, pack n plays, mini cribs, toddler cots, and inflatable toddler mattresses. A tall, roomy interior gives growing babies and toddlers space to move and makes it easy to lay them down and lift them out. Designed for indoor use, it provides a secure and convenient sleep space for little ones. Ideal for families with infants and toddlers who share rooms while traveling.
- Patented blackout sleep tent featured on Shark Tank: SlumberPod is designed by a mom and daughter duo to create a private, darkened space for little ones. Made with breathable fabric, it offers a portable and practical solution for families at home or while traveling. A must-have travel essential for modern parents. Perfect for parents looking to maintain bedtime routines while traveling.
- Recommended by more than 1 million parents and 250+ sleep consultants suggest SlumberPod as a helpful tool for creating a darker, more consistent sleep space. Designed to support families during travel and room sharing, it offers a solution for little ones. Assessed for CO2 rebreathing and tested to meet or exceed juvenile product safety standards in the USA, Canada, and Europe, meaning that your child is in a completely breathable, safe, and comfortable environment while they are sleeping.
Rank #4
- [Comprehensive Set] The rocket ship tent includes a white space graphic tent, a tote forcarrying, roof anchors, 4 sturdy poles and floor anchors. The set is portable and light weight, so you can install the tent either indoors or outdoors.
- [Easy to Install] Our tents are simple to assemble. You just need to follow the instructions included in the user manuals for its assembly. The tents have foldable poles, so you can store it easily anywhere you wishto.
- [Endless Fun] The inflatable rocket ship tent is a great entertainer for your kids. It ignites learning along with imaginary plays and helps to control their screen-time. Building the tent and playing with it becomes a fun and engaging activity for both parents and their kids.
- [Premium Quality] Our rocket ship tents are made of high-quality and water-resistant polyester fabric which is easy to clean with a damp cloth, mild soap and water.
- [After-Sales Services] If you have any issues or questions regarding the products, kindly contact us with the same and we shall try to help you out as providing a great shopping experience is our main priority for our customers.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
