No nursery or kids room seems to be complete without a kids teepee proudly standing in the corner of the room.
There is plenty available online in all sizes, colours and styles, but lets be honest – nothing feel as special as something you make with your own hands.
These kids teepees are actually incredibly easy and cheap to make and some of these designs do not require any sewing skills (or sewing machine for that fact).
You can get inspired by the store-available models and try to match it with your DIY skills and available materials, or follow one of the 20+ DIY teepee tutorials we collected below.
For more DIY inspiration and kids room decor, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest!
20+ Simple DIY Kids Teepee Ideas
1. Enchanting Colorful Teepee for Magical Play
2. Cozy Reading Nook Teepee for Little Bookworms
3. Explorer’s Castle Teepee for Adventurous Kids
4. Glamping Teepee for a Touch of Luxury
5. DIY No-Sew Teepee for Easy Assembly
6. Simple A-Tent for a Classic Look
7. Garden Picnic Teepee for Al Fresco Fun
8. Garden Vibes Teepee with Flower Patterns
9. Heart-Shaped Patchwork Teepee
10. DIY Painted Teepee with Artistic Flair
11. Monochrome Minimalist Teepee for Modern Tots
12. Whimsical Fairy Lights to Illuminate Imagination
13. Festival-Themed Teepee with Bright Buntings
14. Boho Chic Teepee with Fringe and Feathers
15. Dreamy Lace Teepee for Princess Pretend Play
16. Under-the-Sky Teepee with Stars Pattern
17. Rustic Canvas Teepee for Outdoor Adventures
18. Nature-Inspired Teepee with Leafy Patterns
19. Cuddle-Up Corner: Teepee with Throw Pillows
20. Rainbow Stripes for a Bright and Cheerful Hideaway
21. Storybook Teepee with Best Friend
22. Super Explorer Hideout Teepee for Action-Packed Fun
23. Story Time Magic in a Starry Night Teepee
24. Mystical Forest Teepee with Woodland Creatures
25. Adventure Reading Teepee
26. Colorful Patchwork Teepee for Vibrant Playtime
How to Make Kids Teepee
A cozy and imaginative space can be created easily and inexpensively for little ones. A DIY teepee would absolutely be one of the best ideas for your child’s room or in your playroom, ensuring that it’s a fun place to read, play, or just chill.
Follow this simple and enjoyable guide to produce a lovely kids’ teepee using simple materials and easy-to-implement techniques.
Whether you’re quite the seasoned DIY die-hard or a rank beginner, these tips and goodies will help you make a teepee that your kids are sure to adore.
Materials Required
Let’s get right into the process; firstly, let’s gather all the necessary materials.
- Four wooden dowels—each about 6 feet long
- A large piece of fabric—approximately 5 x 5 feet
- Some rope or twine
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Fabric paint or markers (you can also skip it)
- A cushion/blanket for the base
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparation of the Framework
The first step in order to construct your teepee is to create a sturdy frame. Follow these steps:
Measure and Cut the Dowels
Measure all the four wooden dowels into equal length. If need be, use a saw to cut to the length you desire. Generally, around 6 feet for a normal teepee is good.
Form the Teepee Base
Lay the dowels on the ground, forming a square or triangular formation. These will be your teepee base.
Secure the Top
Collect the tops of the dowels and tie them together, making sure they’re tightly secured with rope or twine. The teepee should stand without wobbling; make sure the structure is stable.
Step 2: Make the Teepee Cover
With the frame now complete, it’s time to make the covering for your teepee.
Measure the Fabric
Lay the fabric out flat on the ground. Open up your fabric, so it is lying flat on the ground. Measure the distance between your dowels and cut the material accordingly, leaving some extra material at the perimeter to provide hemming. Allow for a small hem along the edge.
Cut the Material into Shape
Cut the fabric in the shape of a big triangle so that it can wrap around the dowels. Do not hesitate to use more than one piece if your fabric is not wide enough.
Attach the Fabric
Starting at the highest point, place the fabric over the dowels. Call your child or use a hot-glue gun to attach the edges of the fabric to the dowels. Make sure the fabric is taut and appear evenly spread on the frame.
Make a Door
Disc the slit in the front fabric to act as an entrance. Hem the edges of this fabric to prevent the material from fraying.
Step 3: Add Personality
The teepee part is just the beginning. How you choose to make your teepee pretty and personal is really up to you and your little ones. Here are some ideas:
Decorate the fabric
Cover the teepee with fabric paint or markers for some designs, patterns, or even your child’s name. This step is important to make your teepee personal and unique to you.
Attach Trim and Tassels
Glue some decorative trim or some tassels along the edges of the fabric for a boho-chic look.
Create a Cozy Base
Inside the tent, place a soft blanket or cushion for a comfortable haven for your kids to sit, relax, and muck around.
Personalize It: Make it safe and sturdy – A few things to consider
Stability Check
Ensure that the teepee is stable and will not easily topple over. If any of the dowels are askew or if the top of the rope is loose, twist the dowels back into place and tighten the rope at the top.
Stabilize the Base
If you are going to place the teepee on a smooth surface, consider adding some non-slip pads on the bottom of the dowels to avoid the structure from sliding.
No Sharp Objects
There should not be any sharp edges or loose parts that may be hazardous to your child.
Tips and Hacks to Make Your DIY Process Easier
Easy to Build
Use PVC pipes or sturdy bamboo sticks instead of wooden dowels. They are equally light and easy to manipulate.
No-Sew Option
If you don’t know how to sew, worry not. Instead of using a needle and thread, hem the edges of the fabric and attach it to the dowels using fabric glue. This process is really quick and easy.
Easy to Disassemble
Make your teepee easily disassembled to magnify the convenience of storage and transportation. Instead of using glue, try attaching the fabric to the dowels using Velcro strips or ties. This way, you can disassemble and reassemble the structure whenever you want.
Themed Decorations
Your teepee can become a themed wonderland. Turn it into a pirate ship, a fairy castle, or even a jungle hideout—just to name a few. You can customize any decorations that fit your child’s favorite themes. Use themed fabric, stickers, and accessories to add value to the theme.
Involve Your Kids
Make it a fun family activity by involving your kids in the process. Let them help paint the fabric, choose the decorations, and even assemble the fabric structure. It won’t just make the teepees more special but also create lasting memories.
Conclusion
This DIY teepee for kids is one of the most playful and rewarding projects, as it will give your dear kids endless fun. Just follow these easy steps with some creative hacks, and magically craft a space where your kids will lose themselves in their ceaseless imaginations. Fun should be the real essence of any successful DIY project, after all. So make sure to enjoy yourself!
In no time, your kids will be running around playing in the beautiful and functional teepee you will have crafted for them. It will be a very nice addition to their play area—a special place where they can explore, learn, and play. So gather your materials, roll up sleeves, and craft your very own DIY kids’ teepee today!