How to make a Butterfly net

YOU WILL NEED
• wire coat hanger
• tulle fabric
• scissors
• sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• pliers
• bamboo or dowel rods (pre-cut to size)
• electrical tape
• strips of ribbon or fabric

TO MAKE
1. Unroll the coat hanger and twist into a circular shape. Leave enough wire to twist together and close the circle, and about 8cm either end for attaching to the rod, but do not close the circle just yet.

2. Cut two large equal-sized rectangles from the tulle, and trim bottom corners to form a curved edge. Sew down one side and around the curve, leaving an 8cm gap on the other side and the top open.

3. While your net is inside out, hem along the top using a single fold hem and ensure you have left enough room to encase your wire. Leave a wide gap at the beginning of the seam to insert the wire.

4. Turn your net right way out and carefully run your wire through the stitch hole and around the entire casing. You may need to bunch the fabric and work very carefully to ensure that you don’t tear the tulle.

5. Twist the wire together so that it forms a complete circle, using pliers if necessary. Just twist it at the closing and leave the rest of the wire free to attach to the rod.

6. Take your bamboo or dowel rod and twist as much of the wire around it as you can. Use electrical tape to secure the wire to the rod. If you don’t love the colour of the electrical tape, use ribbon or strips of fabric to wrap around the join and disguise the tape.

The Little Explorer party was created by Stella Rutherford. Stella is a mother, teacher and blogger based in the Far North of New Zealand.  She blogs on parenting, crafting, birthday party styling, illustration, local travel and book reviews.  Visit her at verydarkhorse.blogspot.co.nz to download more printables to match this party theme.