How to Make a Teepee

Teepees are currently quite the rage. This home of the Native Americans is now used for many other purposes than a humble abode. Teepees are used for outdoor functions, weddings, parties etc. Teepees are also used for camping. Nothing is more effective with the term “being one with nature” than when camping in a teepee.

Teepees are so popular these days because they are ideal for any weather condition. Teepees keep you warm during winter and cool during the hot, summer months. What’s more, teepees also keep you safe from rain. Whatever the weather, teepees provide you the ability to enjoy the outdoors. If you are interested in a teepee, there are many online websites that enable you to hire them. You can also purchase teepees from various sources. However, if you want to be unique and different and be prideful of our own camping tricks, you can also consider making your own teepee. If this is the case, knowing how to make a teepee properly and quickly is of great importance.

Making a teepee is not such a difficult task if you have the proper material. This is also a manner to save money. If you were to purchase a teepee, you would spend approximately $200 on a teepee tent. However, it will cost you much less if you made your own teepee. You will need

• Material for the teepee. This should be a good canvas that can withstand various weather conditions. The amount of material required depends on how large a teepee you need.
• String such as the ones used in a clothesline. The length of string also depends on the size of the teepee.
• A number of poles (about 12) and pegs.

The height of a normal teepee should be no more than 10 feet. Therefore, your teepee should be within this height. If you wish for less expense consider a smaller teepee. However, a larger teepee, although expensive to build may prove to be well worth in the long-run and more economical as it can accommodate a larger number of people. The material used should ideally be fire retardant and must be water proof. The 12 poles for a ten foot teepee should be about 13-14 feet and should be approximately 1” thick.

The first order of business on how to make a teepee is to cut the canvas accordingly. The canvas should be cut in a half-circle shape in a size of about 15 x 30 feet. Two holes should be cut in the centre of the canvas for the smoke flaps. Sew a hem around the bottom of the canvas to pass the string through. Then, add rope loops to peg down the teepee. When erecting the teepee, you need to use three poles that are three feet taller than the teepee and position them in a tripod. Tie them together and add the rest of the poles to lean against the tripod. Now, you can pull the canvas down over the frame and fasten with the pegs. Be sure to secure the pegs to the ground. Once all this is done, your teepee will be ready.

Now that you know how to make a teepee, try your hand at it and test your skills in your next camping trip.