How to Make a No-Sew Fabric Tent

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Making a fabric tent by hand might sound complicated, but this no-sew version is actually quite easy. You'll find most of the supplies needed for the project, such as hot glue and fabric scraps, around the house. If you don't have fabric scraps, you can use old sheets, clothing or even a drop cloth. Add pillows and blankets to create a cozy and fun spot for the whole family.

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Make a teepee with fabric scraps or old clothing.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

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Things You'll Need

  • Wood, 6 pieces, 1-by-2-inch by 8-foot

  • Drill

  • Hot glue gun

  • Measuring tape

  • Scissors

  • Rope

  • Fabric scraps in various patterns

Step 1: Drill Holes in the Wood

The most economical pieces of wood measure 1-by-2-inch by 8-foot. The pieces cost about $1 each at a hardware store and can be cut to size. For a large teepee, use the full 8-foot piece. For a medium size teepee, like this one, the wood can be cut to 6-foot long. For a small teepee, 5-foot-long pieces of wood work well. Once you have the wood cut to size, drill a hole 12 inches from the top of each piece. The hole needs to be large enough to string the rope through.

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Drill holes in wood.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 2: String Rope Through the Wood

Starting with the first piece of wood, string the rope through and tie a knot so that it stays in place. String it through the next piece and tie another knot, leaving about 2 inches of slack.

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String rope through wood.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 3: Stand the Wood Upright

Stand the wood upright and position each piece to form a teepee shape. You'll need someone to assist you with this step.

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Stand the wood upright.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 4: Wrap the Rope Around the Wood

Wrap the rope tightly around the top of the wood. This secures the frame.

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Wrap the rope around the wood.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 5: Cut Strips of Fabric

Cut strips of fabric for the top portion of the teepee. Pinking shears work best to prevent the fabric from fraying. Each strip will be a different width and length depending on how you design your teepee. If you have large scraps, start with long strips and trim as you go. Work your way from front to back and top to bottom. It's OK to use smaller scraps as long as they cover one piece of wood to the next.

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Cut strips of fabric.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 6: Apply Hot Glue

Apply a vertical line of hot glue to the edge of the wood.

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Apply hot glue.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 7: Wrap and Trim the Fabric

Stick one side of the fabric to the wood and wrap it around to the next piece of wood.

Wrap the fabric around the teepee frame.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Apply hot glue to the second piece of wood and stick on the fabric. Trim off any extra fabric.

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Trim the fabric after gluing it to the frame.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Continue wrapping the fabric all the way around the frame, and start on the next pattern.

Continue wrapping the fabric.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 1: Make an Entrance Curtain

After applying multiple fabric patterns, make the entrance curtain. The fabric will be glued vertically and run to the floor. You can use two pieces of fabric, one for each side, or one large piece that will cover the entire front section. Just make sure to cut a slit up the center so you can open the curtains. To secure it, glue the top of the curtain to the bottom of the last horizontal piece on the frame.

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Entrance curtain.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 2: Glue the Curtain to the Wood

Apply glue from the top to bottom of the wood and attach the sides of the curtains.

Glue the curtain to wood.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 3: Cover the Back With Vertical Panels

You can use horizontal strips or larger vertical panels to cover the back of the teepee. For vertical panels, cut large triangles to cover each section. Once glued into place, you can trim off any extra fabric.

Vertical panels.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

Step 4: Tie the Curtains and Add Finishing Touches

To tie back the entrance curtains, cut a small hole in the fabric about half way down the teepee, close to the wood. String a small piece of rope through the hole and around the fabric.

Tie the curtains.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

There are so many uses for a teepee, so get creative with the interior decor. If it's for your kids to play in or a slumber party, fix it up with sleeping bags and treats. You can also have your kids make signs to hang on the front curtain. Or, put pillows and blankets in the teepee to make it a quiet, cozy spot for homework or reading.

Add the finishing touches.
Image Credit: Angie Diersman

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