DIY Network

Kids Explore Summer camp? It can be right in your own backyard! From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-611

Crafters Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza are full of old-fashioned fun ideas for kids. They design a unique tipi any little tribe will love, fire up awesome clay bugs for backyard hide-and-seek and reveal yummy new recipes for some classic treats.

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Backyard or Livingroom Tipi

The whole gang will love this mini tipi that’s perfect for every child's next backyard powwow.

Backyard or Livingroom Tipi

Materials:

tipi pattern (we used Terrific Teepees, available at www.sewbaby.com)
canvas
coordinating lining fabric
sewing machine
thread
heavy-duty sewing machine needle
masking tape
measuring tape
five 66-1/2" lengths of 3/4" diameter PVC pipe
drill
five 3/4" PVC end caps
five crutch tips
electrical tape (optional)
acrylic paint and textile medium (optional)

1. Follow the tipi sewing instructions provided with the pattern.

2. To make channels for the tipi poles, you will need to make a French seam. With the lining already stitched to the outside fabric layer at the top and bottom of each panel, lay two panels together, lining sides facing (figure A).

3. Mark and cut the corner, at the bottom of the channel, on a diagonal 2" from the side and 2" from the bottom (figure B).

4. Pin the two panels together (figure C). Sew together with a heavy-duty needle, leaving a 1/2" seam allowance.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

5. Remove the pins and flip the panels so the exterior canvas fabric layers are facing together. Re-pin the panels together; the first seam will now be enclosed. Use a piece of masking tape to mark a 2" guide on a sewing machine; measure 2" to the right of the needle (figure D). Use this guide to stitch the panels together with a 2" seam allowance (figure E). After sewing, remove the pins.

Figure D

Figure E

6. Mark 10" from the end of each pole. Drill a hole at each mark (figure F). Drill an additional hole, also 10" from the end and 3/4" across from the original hole on each pole.

7. Place PVC caps on each pole, at the end with drilled holes (figure G).

Figure F

Figure G

8. Feed the poles through the sewn channels with the uncapped ends leading so they will be at the bottom of the tipi (figure H).

9. Add crutch tips to the bottom end of the poles to prevent slipping.

10. Spread out the tipi poles and thread twine through the drilled holes to connect the poles. Splay the poles out, tighten and tie the poles together (figure I). Wrap the top of the poles with additional twine.

11. Add stripes to the poles with electric tape; add painted decoration to the tipi with acrylic paint mixed with textile medium, if desired (figure J).

Figure H

Figure I

Figure J

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