In May, my cute little niece turned 5 years old. She had a little party that two of my boys went to. For her gift, I decide to make one of those simple kid tents, that I keep seeing around, that are made with a few 1″ x 2″ boards, some dowels and a strip of fabric.
These tents are easy to collapse and lean against a wall or can even be fully disassembled and be easily stored at the top of a closet.
Supplies:
- 2- 1″ x 2″ x 8′ Wood Boards
- 3- 3/4″ x 48″ Wood Dowels
- Drill with 3/4″ bit
- 2 1/2 yds. Fabric
- Sandpaper, optional
- Sewing Machine or Stitch Witchery
Step 1: Wood
Cut the wood boards to 48 inches long. You will end up having four boards.
With the four wood boards, measure down 6″ and mark in the center. *Drill a 3/4″ hole at the mark with your drill bit.
On the other end of the four boards, measure up 1 1/2″ from the bottom of the board. *Drill a 3/4″ hole at the mark with your drill bit.
*Note: If you drill all the way through you will get splintering out the back. I ended up drilling just until it made a small hole on the back. I then flipped the board over and finishing drilling the hole until it meets back up with the front. This technique will give you a perfect hole every time.
When you push the drill bit all the way through, it causes the back to splinter.
Drilling just until it makes a small hole on the back.
Place the end of drill bit into the small hole and finish drilling.
Perfect Hole
Take a piece of sandpaper and smooth out the inside and the edge of the holes.
Step 2: Fabric
Cut the fabric 87″ x Fabric Width (Anywhere from 42″ to 45″)
Use the iron to press a 1/2″ hem along the edge. Then fold it over another 1/2″ and press. Stitch the hem. Repeat for the other side.
Now at the end/bottom of the fabric you will create “pockets” that will be where the dowels slide through. Use the iron to press a 1/4″ hem along the bottom. Then fold it over 2″ and press. Stitch the hem. Repeat for the other end.
Step 3: Assemble
Slide the dowels through the holes you drilled to create an A-Frame shaped tent.
Slide the bottom dowel through the “pocket” that you created with your fabric. Pull the fabric tightly over the top dowel and down to the other bottom dowel “pocket”.
That’s it … finished! Let the playing begin!
How fun, Genny! I bet she loved it.
Thank you Missy! She did!
How much would you say the wood cost ? To make one ?
I’ve just made this but the. Frame is wobbly and sliding all over. What have I done wrong!?
Mine wasn’t wobbly, but if it was set-up on hardwood floors the sides of the tent could slide out a little. If that be the case you could add another board along the bottom like in this picture. (http://atiko.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/indoor-tent-kid-a-frame-wooden-diy-toddler.jpg)
These are great! Made it for our kiddos last night and they were SOO happy.
I will add a little tip for anyone who needs it. Ours were set up on hard wood and they slid quite a bit so if you have this problem too I found a way to fix it. If you tie a string on the end of one of the bottom dowels (the ones closest to the floor) and run it across to the dowel directly across it (like you’re completing a triangle) and tighten it into the position you want it to stay in, and do the same to the other side it will hold.
My grandchildren love these tents! You can also add no skid drawer lining to the bottom of the legs.
This is just what I need! Thank you for the post! My daughter just asked if she can have a sleepover with some friends. One question, can you fold these shut with the fabric still on our do you have to remove the fabric?
Thanks again!
Alex
Yes, you can fold these shut with the fabric still attached.