How to Make Tipi Covers

A tipi, also known as tepee and teepee, makes excellent shelter. These cone-shaped dwellings made from wood and a covering were originally used by the American Indians. They were made from animal skins and other natural items. It was important that they were durable, yet portable, since being mobile was a necessity. Waterproof canvas and tarp fabrics are used today to create strong, waterproof tipi coverings. Whether making the kids a tipi for the backyard, or planning a trip in the great outdoors, the basics of making a tipi cover are the same.

Things You'll Need

  • Waterproof canvas or tarp
  • String
  • Tailor's chalk
  • Nylon cord
  • Scissors
  • Grommet kit, 3/8 inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay a 12-by-16-foot piece of tarp on a flat surface. Fold the tarp in half, creating a 12-by-8-foot rectangle.

    • 2

      Measure 12 inches along the fold and make a mark on the tarp at that location, using tailor's chalk.

    • 3

      Cut an 8-foot length of cord or string. Tie one end of the nylon cord to a piece of tailor's chalk. Ask another person to hold the opposite cord end at the marked spot on the tarp.

    • 4

      Step away from the person to the opposite side of the tarp until the string is taut. Draw an arc across the folded fabric, from one edge to the other, using the tailor's chalk and the tautly-pulled cord as the guide.

    • 5

      Cut the folded tarp, using the chalk line as a guide, creating the base of the tipi. Leave the fabric folded.

    • 6

      Go back to the marked spot on the fold and measure 6 inches in from the fold and make another mark. From the 6-inch mark, draw a 12-inch line to the fabric edge, parallel to the 12-inch, previously measured part of the fold, creating a rectangle. Cut the rectangle from the folded fabric to create the opening in the tipi top.

    • 7

      Unfold the tarp and lay it on a flat surface. Insert grommets approximately every 2 feet around the bottom tent edge, using a 3/8-inch grommet kit, specifically made for use with canvas and tarps. These are used for threading rope through to stake the tipi, if desired.

    • 8

      Insert grommets every couple of feet along the two straight edges of the fabric that will serve as the tipi opening. These are used for threading rope or cord through to keep the tent flaps closed. You can tie the rope on the inside or outside of the tent flaps.

    • 9

      Drape the cover around the tipi frame. Adjust the tipi as needed, overlapping edges. Create two holes, one approximately 1 inch above the other, in the overlapped fabric layers at the top of the tipi cover. Insert a stick through the holes to keep the top in place.