As you’ve likely noticed, teepees have been trending in a big way lately – both indoors and outdoors. Their whimsical charm has captured my attention, and I just couldn’t resist exploring this phenomenon further. My initial excitement was quickly tempered when I attempted to purchase one online only to be taken aback by the price tags. It seemed like a pipe dream for anyone on a budget.
However, I had a hunch that there were some resourceful crafters out there who had already figured out ways to create their own affordable DIY teepees. And, as it turns out, my intuition was spot on. After conducting some research, I’ve compiled 17 of the best DIY backyard teepee ideas for you to create a dreamy escape or your child’s new playground without breaking the bank.
Some of these tutorials are quick and easy to follow, while others may require more advanced skills but can still be accomplished with the right tools. With this wealth of information at your fingertips, let’s get started on building our very own DIY teepees!
17 DIY Teepee Ideas to Build Right Now
No-Sew Teepee
Leave the sewing tools aside for now, as the cover of this DIY teepee doesn’t require an excessive amount of attention during construction. Simply measure carefully, use sharp scissors and a large piece of fabric to complete this part of the build. You can then shift your focus towards crafting the structural framework of the teepee, ensuring it’s both sturdy and long-lasting. This tutorial will guide you through each step to achieve a stable and durable final product.
Tie-Dye Teepee
Transform a simple teepee building project into an interactive adventure for kids! Begin by hosting a vibrant tie-dye party in your backyard, letting the little ones get creative with colorful designs on their teepee cover. Next, bring out the art supplies and let them explore finger painting and handprint techniques to add a personal touch. Finally, guide them through setting up the teepee, following the instructions step-by-step, and watch as they eagerly scurry inside their new hideout.
Pom Pom Teepee
When embarking on a blank canvas adventure, one of the most exciting aspects is the freedom to truly let your imagination run wild and create a unique teepee that reflects your personality and the kids’ creativity. The possibilities are endless! You can add playful fringe or pom poms along the edges, unleash your inner artist by painting vibrant shapes, shower it in sparkles, or opt for a clean and simple design – the decision is entirely yours.
One of the best things about this DIY teepee is its adaptability; when the weather cools down, you can easily relocate it indoors, making it an excellent addition to any room.
Burlap Teepee
This burlap teepee is more than just a cozy hideout for kids – it also doubles as a functional garden structure. When not being used by little ones, the teepee’s framework can be repurposed to support climbing green beans in the spring. After harvesting and clearing out any remaining plant material, simply swap in the teepee cover and voilà! You’ve got a fresh hideout for summer playtime and games of tag.
Two-Tone Teepee
Transform your living space by crafting a unique two-toned teepee using repurposed old bedsheets that no longer match your bedroom’s new color scheme. Alternatively, treat yourself to new fabric for an extra-special look. This budget-friendly and surprisingly simple project is perfect for upcycling old materials. To create this distinctive structure, consider using white PVC pipes instead of traditional dowel rods.
If you already have the necessary PVC pipes at home, take advantage of them to make your DIY teepee a reality.
Feather Teepee
Create a cozy retreat with your little one by crafting a vibrant teepee. This fun and functional project is perfect for reading a book together or taking a relaxing nap in the great outdoors.
While it’s considered an intermediate-level project, don’t let that intimidate you – it’s still accessible to most crafty folk. The estimated cost of materials comes out to under $70, making it a budget-friendly option. And the best part? When you’re done, simply fold it up for convenient storage.
Kitty Cat Teepee
While it’s easy to focus on human comfort when creating outdoor spaces, don’t overlook the needs of your furry companions. A teepee designed specifically for your kitty cat can provide a cozy retreat on your back porch, offering them a sense of security and seclusion. Plus, its compact size makes it easily portable, allowing you to move it indoors if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Cornstalk Teepee
As the autumn leaves rustle, create an enchanting retreat that’s sure to captivate your senses. Before those cornstalks meet their demise, transform them into a one-of-a-kind teepee that will leave your neighbors green with envy.
Celebrate the fruits of your labor during harvest season by unwinding in a handmade cornstalk teepee, surrounded by the warmth and coziness it embodies. Your partner is sure to be smitten.
Sheets Teepee
Transform your backyard into a whimsical wonderland by crafting a cozy teepee using old sheets. This enchanting retreat is perfect for your child to unleash their imagination, or perhaps you’d like to claim it as your own personal sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
What’s more, this budget-friendly project requires minimal DIY expertise, making it an accessible and stress-free endeavor. With a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying your very own teepee in no time.
Patterned Teepee
While having the time and sewing skills can certainly elevate your backyard teepee design, you can still create a unique structure even without these advantages. For instance, use vibrant colors for the dowels and bold patterns on the cover to add visual interest. However, if you do possess both time and sewing expertise, you can truly go all out and get creative with your design.
The added challenge of sewing may require more effort, but it’s definitely achievable for those skilled in using a sewing machine. With some imagination and elbow grease, you can turn this DIY teepee into a showstopper in your own backyard.
The Tied Teepee
Transform any outdoor space into an instant playhouse without breaking out the sewing machine! Simply wrap fabric around the teepee structure, securing it with knots as you go. This hack is surprisingly easy and requires zero tailoring expertise. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a cozy retreat for your little ones to indulge in their imagination, creating unforgettable memories alongside loved ones.
Full-Size Teepee
If you’re looking to create an immersive experience for your loved ones, a large-scale teepee that accommodates the whole family – including pets – is the perfect solution. Imagine cozying up with friends and family, sharing tales by candlelight or roasting marshmallows over a small fire pit, all within the confines of this spacious abode. To bring this vision to life, you’ll need to plan carefully and pay attention to every detail.
However, with persistence and a passion for DIY projects, you can successfully construct your very own full-size teepee.
Simple Teepee
Elevate your outdoor experience without breaking a sweat with this easy-to-assemble teepee, requiring just five minutes to set up and take down. This stress-free solution eliminates the need for sewing or cutting, allowing you to focus on relaxation rather than labor. Simply wrap a bedsheet around some dowels and voilà! You’re ready to lounge in no time.
Boho Chic Teepee
Transform any outdoor space into a whimsical retreat for the free-spirited soul. Imagine yourself surrounded by the starry night sky, serenaded by the sweet melodies of a frog orchestra performing their latest compositions. For the bohemian princess seeking refuge from the ordinary, this enchanting atmosphere is just a DIY project away. Gather your materials and craft your own handmade boho chic teepee – a one-of-a-kind canvas for your imagination to run wild.
As you lounge beneath the twinkling lights above, this unique abode will become your go-to haven for creative expression and unforgettable photo shoots.
Glamping Teepee
Transform your outdoor space into a luxurious retreat by creating a stunning DIY teepee in the comfort of your own backyard! Glamping, a clever combination of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’, allows you to experience the great outdoors while indulging in a touch of elegance. With this easy-to-follow video tutorial, crafting your very own teepee becomes a breeze, making it perfect for a fun family project or a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So why not get creative and make some backyard magic happen? Make this DIY Teepee
Wooden Teepee
This ambitious DIY teepee project is perfect for those who appreciate carpentry or are seeking a more durable play space in their yard. The end result is sure to impress, but it’s not without its challenges. It requires careful planning, meticulous measuring, and precise cutting – all of which can be time-consuming. However, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when gazing upon your finished masterpiece will be well worth the effort.
Scrap Fabric Teepee
This DIY teepee stands out from others by combining multiple techniques during its construction process. The fabric-wrapped posts serve as the foundation, which is then enhanced with fabric panels in between and finished off with a fabric weaving at the top. This unique approach gives the teepee a truly enchanting appearance. To bring this vision to life, gather your old bed sheets, sharpen those scissors, and unleash your creativity by mixing up some vibrant paints.
Choose one of the 17 DIY teepee tutorials available online and feel free to put your own twist on things. Personalize the teepee to fit your unique space and style. Once complete, make sure to secure it safely and double-check its stability before allowing children to play inside. Most importantly, remember to have fun with the process!
