DIY Network

Princess Tent for Zoe Princess Tent for Zoe From "Material Girls" episode DMTG-104

In this segment, Kelly describes how she constructed the frame for a playhouse out of PVC pipe and fittings. Then she and Solange cover the frame with fabric that has been stitched to fit and glue trim in place for a final touch.

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Materials:

fabric
sewing machine
matching thread
hand-sewing needle
scissors
measuring tape
fabric marker
pins
fabric glue

PVC pipe:
(for bottom base)
two 1" pieces for front and back, cut to desired length
two 1" pieces for both sides, cut to desired length
four reducing 90-degree side-out elbows (one for each corner) (SOC x SOC x RFPT 1" x 1" x1/2")
four reducing male adapters (one for each corner) (SOC x RMPT 3/4" x 1/2")

(for side supports, between bottom and roof base)
four 3/4" pieces, cut to desired length

(for roof base)
two 3/4" pieces for front and back, cut the same length as bottom base
two 1' pieces for both sides, cut the same length as bottom base
four 45-degree elbows (one for each corner) (SOC x SOC 1")
four reducing male adapters (one for each corner) (SOC x RMPT 3/4" x 1/2")
four T-joints (one for each corner) (SOC x SOC x FPT 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/2")

(for side supports, between roof base and roof top)
one 3/4" piece, cut the same length as bottom and roof base
two reducing 90-degree side-out elbows (SOC x SOC X RFPT 1" x 1" x 1/2")
two reducing male adapters (SOC x RFPT 3/4" x 1/2")

Tent Frame

Women at work!

1. Decide what size you would like the length and width of the tent to be (you will need to have a measurement from the bottom base to the roof base and from the roof base to the roof top).

2. Go to your local home store and have the PVC pipe cut to the desired lengths.

3. Assemble the tent, starting with the bottom base.

Tent Covering

Once you finish assembling, use the frame of the tent to obtain the measurements to create a pattern, as follows (you will have five pattern pieces):

1. Measure from the front roof base and go directly over the top and down to the back roof base (the front and back are one big piece).

2. Measure the front of the tent from the bottom base to roof base.

3. Measure the back of the tent from the bottom base to roof top (both front and back measurements should be the same).

4. Measure one side of the tent from bottom base to roof top.

5. Measure the other side of the tent from bottom base to roof top (both side measurements should be the same).

5. Mark the measurements, add 1" for seam allowance, name and cut out the five pattern pieces.

6. Pin and sew front piece to roof piece.

7. Pin and sew back piece to roof.

8. Pin one side piece into place and sew.

9. Pin on last side piece and sew.

10. Decide how large you would like the front door to be. Find the center on the front pattern piece and mark with fabric pencil from the center point go an equal distance to desired width on each side.

11. Cut out the door and sew a hem around the doorframe, making sure to reinforce the corners to reduce risk of tearing.

12. To add doors, measure the width and length of the door opening. Next add 4" or 5" to the length and reduce the width by 2" or 3". Mark and cut the pattern.

13. Starting approximately 3" to 4" from the side of the door, pin one panel to the door of the tent. Next pin the second panel. Sew across just the top of the front panels.

14. Pull back one panel just below the center of the door and anchor with a needle and thread. Repeat the same process with the second panel.

15. Place the tent over the frame.

16. Make bows for the front door from leftover fabric and anchor one on each side with a needle and thread.

17. To make a faux awning, cut out desired length and width and use fabric glue to adhere the awning to the top of the front panel on or below the roof base.

Solange and Kelly fit the cover on the frame...

...straighten out a few wrinkles...

...and Zoe's tent is ready!

RESOURCES :

Waverly fabric (Zoe's tent)
Product #666375 (Chatterbox Petal)
Product #666157 (Dot Dotz Petal)
Product #658524 (Bows Jolie Rose)
Website: www.waverly.com

Fabric.com fabric (Zoe's tent)
Product # DPSR-002 Silk Dupioni Ballet Pink
Website: www.fabric.com