How to build a Wig Wam
Bushcraft, Camp, News — By Outdoor Adventure Guide on July 25, 2012 at 3:57 pmWhether the weather’s playing ball or the heaven’s have opened, a Wigwam on the beach or in the garden will keep you sheltered from the elements, give the kids a handy hideout, or just get a few lengthy stares from passing dog walkers. Here’s how to make your own WigWam
- Unstitch an old double duvet cover to make the tipi skin; canvas is a waterproof option.
- Draw a semi-circle. The height of the tipi will be the radius distance A-B.
- Now cut the fabric into a semi-circle (radius 3m) and give the cut edge a hem for neatness. Sew two Velcro strips onto its straight edge to form the wigwam door. Around the curved edge, sew a series of thick string loops to stake the wigwam to the ground.
- To form the interior frame you will need 10 thick bamboo poles measuring approx 4m long. I got mine from www.bamboosupplies.com.
- If you plan to transport the finished wigwam, cut the poles in half and whittle some dowelling inserts as joints.
- Only do this stage if you’re planning to transport the finished wigwam in the boot of a standard estate car – 4m-long poles will not easily fit.
- Secure three of the poles in a tripod shape, lashing the tops together with rope.
- Place remaining poles around the tripod; lash together.
- With assistance from a tall friend, wrap the fabric around the frame and join the Velcro doors.
Giving it a go? Download our free, printer friendly step-by-step guide to building your own wigwam.
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2 Comments
Nice! Might get the hubby on this one…
How long does it take?
Hi Alice, It depends upon how good you are with a sewing machine. About 1 1/2 days
The poles took an evening to finish (making the joints. They’re marked with bands of tape so you know which ones go together).
The shape is easy to mark out - you just need plenty of space - we used the garden as the fabric is 6m across.
It took us about 6 hours to stitch the fabric. If you use one whole piece of fabric you’ll reduce the time dramatically - and only have to stitch the velcro and peging points The cover for this tipi is made from old duvet covers and there are lots of stitches (it’s 6m across). Buying fabric this size is difficult and expensive so making my own piece was the only option. The native Americans must have done the same - unless their Bison are as big as their hamburgers!