A couple years ago I got a crazy idea to make a skirt for out trampoline that would transform the trampoline into a fort for my boys. It is quite a simple thing to do and took me only one afternoon to complete.
I simply measured the circumference of the trampoline to figure out how many yards of fabric I would need. I added a few inches so that it would overlap at the door. I then measured the distance from the ground to just under the bar to know how tall the skirt should be. I think I had to trim the fabric down as it was too wide. I hemmed the top and left the selvedge edge on the bottom. I got this denim fabric at Walmart for pretty cheap. It is perfect for being outdoors.
I used cotton twill tape for the ties. I just folded a piece in half and used my sewing machine to sew it to the skirt. I put a tie about every 2 to 3 feet. I sewed in a square with an x in it pattern to make sure the ties would not come loose. {see pictures} I used extra pieces of fabric to sew on some big pockets inside so the kids could put their gear in them, i.e. snacks, papers, flashlights, whatever they take into the tent.
I made a pleat in this pocket so it would hold extra big things, if needed.
We will often squirt the tent with water to help it be a little cooler inside. I also let the kids use sidewalk chalk to write on the inside or outside of the fort. The white stitching you see is from one of the pockets. I wasn’t too concerned about the appearance, but you could use matching thread if you didn’t want the stitching to show.
I would like to make a cover to go over the top so that it will feel even more enclosed. It is so simple yet so fun! If you live where you need to sprinkler your grass daily, make sure to lift the skirt up onto the trampoline at night so your grass will get watered.
If you don’t have a trampoline you could make a similar cover for an outdoor (or indoor) table. Instead of ties just make a top panel that the sides are sewn to, like a fitted tablecloth.
